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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 40:20 To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/40-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/23_Isa_40_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 40:20 - Here is Your God!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/40-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/40-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm" title="Isaiah 40:19">◄</a> Isaiah 40:20 <a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm" title="Isaiah 40:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/isaiah/40.htm">New International Version</a> A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/40.htm">New Living Translation</a> Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down! <a href="/esv/isaiah/40.htm">English Standard Version</a> He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/40.htm">King James Bible</a> He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/40.htm">New King James Version</a> Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks for himself a skillful workman To prepare a carved image that will not totter. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1995</a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He who is too impoverished to make such a contribution Chooses a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a wise craftsman To prepare a graven image that will not be shaken. <a href="/amp/isaiah/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering [to give to his god] Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To [carve and] set up an idol that will not totter. <a href="/csb/isaiah/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> A poor person contributes wood for a pedestal that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not fall over. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> To one who shapes a pedestal, choosing wood that does not rot? He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not fall over. <a href="/asv/isaiah/40.htm">American Standard Version</a> He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a skilful workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved. <a href="/cev/isaiah/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Or special wood may be chosen because it doesn't rot--then skilled hands take care to make an idol that won't fall on its face. <a href="/erv/isaiah/40.htm">English Revised Version</a> He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The poorest people choose wood that will not rot and search out skillful craftsmen to set up idols that will not fall over. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/40.htm">Good News Translation</a> Anyone who cannot afford silver or gold chooses wood that will not rot. He finds a skillful worker to make an image that won't fall down. <a href="/isv/isaiah/40.htm">International Standard Version</a> To the impoverished person? He prepares an offering— wood that won't rot— Or to the one who chooses a skilled craftsman and seeks to erect an idol that won't topple?" <a href="/msb/isaiah/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. <a href="/net/isaiah/40.htm">NET Bible</a> To make a contribution one selects wood that will not rot; he then seeks a skilled craftsman to make an idol that will not fall over. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up an engraved image for him that will not be moved. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh for himself a skillful workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved. <a href="/web/isaiah/40.htm">World English Bible</a> He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up a carved image for him that will not be moved. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> He who is poor [by] raised-offerings, "" Chooses a tree [that is] not rotten, "" He seeks a skillful artisan for it, "" To establish a carved image—not moved. <a href="/ylt/isaiah/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> He who is poor by heave-offerings, A tree not rotten doth choose, A skilful artisan he seeketh for it, To establish a graven image -- not moved. <a href="/slt/isaiah/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he being poor of oblation will choose wood that will not be rotten; he will seek to him a wise artificer to prepare a carved image that will not shake.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skilful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He has chosen strong wood that will not decay. The skillful artisan seeks a way to set up an idol that cannot be moved. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/40.htm">New American Bible</a> Is mulberry wood the offering? A skilled artisan picks out a wood that will not rot, Seeks to set up for himself an idol that will not totter. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As a gift one chooses mulberry wood —wood that will not rot— then seeks out a skilled artisan to set up an image that will not topple.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He selects wood that is not worm-eaten; then chooses a carpenter, who fashions it with his skill, to make an image that will not be moved. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> He fastened it, he selected it; it is wood that does not rot, and a carpenter chose and in his wisdom he engraved it and he constructed the image so that it is not shaken<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> A holm-oak is set apart, He chooseth a tree that will not rot; He seeketh unto him a cunning craftsman To set up an image, that shall not be moved. <a href="/sep/isaiah/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For the artificer chooses out a wood that will not rot, and will wisely enquire how he shall set up his image, and that so that it should not be moved. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/40-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=8633" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Here is Your God!</a> …19To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? 20<a href="/hebrew/5533.htm" title="5533: ham·suk·kān (Art:: V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To incur danger. Probably a denominative from sakkiyn; properly, to cut, i.e. Damage; also to grow poor.">To one bereft</a> <a href="/hebrew/8641.htm" title="8641: tə·rū·māh (N-fs) -- Contribution, offering (for sacred uses). Or trumah; from ruwm; a present, especially in sacrifice or as tribute.">of an offering</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: yiḇ·ḥār (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">who chooses</a> <a href="/hebrew/6086.htm" title="6086: ‘êṣ (N-ms) -- Tree, trees, wood. From atsah; a tree; hence, wood.">wood</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7537.htm" title="7537: yir·qaḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rot. A primitive root; to decay.">rot,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: yə·ḇaq·qeš- (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">who seeks</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">a skilled</a> <a href="/hebrew/2796.htm" title="2796: ḥā·rāš (N-ms) -- Engraver, artificer. From charash; a fabricator or any material.">craftsman</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: lə·hā·ḵîn (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">to set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/6459.htm" title="6459: pe·sel (N-ms) -- An idol, image. From pacal; an idol.">an idol</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">that will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4131.htm" title="4131: yim·mō·wṭ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To totter, shake, slip. A primitive root; to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall.">topple?</a> 21Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the foundation of the earth?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a> For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. / They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Habakkuk 2:18-19</a> What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” <a href="/1_kings/18-26.htm">1 Kings 18:26-29</a> And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. ... <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Exodus 32:2-4</a> So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” / Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. / He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” <a href="/deuteronomy/4-28.htm">Deuteronomy 4:28</a> And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. <a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22-23</a> Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a> After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4-6</a> They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria. <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6-7</a> They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. <a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a> The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a> Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He that is so impoverished that he has no oblation chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks to him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.<a href="/isaiah/2-8.htm">Isaiah 2:8,9</a> Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: … <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Isaiah 44:13-19</a> The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house… <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3,4</a> For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe… shall not<a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Isaiah 41:7</a> So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.<a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Isaiah 46:7</a> They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.<a href="/1_samuel/5-3.htm">1 Samuel 5:3,4</a> And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/24-19.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/psalms/78-68.htm">Chooseth</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-22.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-32.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Graven</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-14.htm">Holm-Oak</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Image</a> <a href="/judges/6-6.htm">Impoverished</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-12.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-2.htm">Move</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-21.htm">Oblation</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-16.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/isaiah/39-1.htm">Present</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-4.htm">Rot</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-5.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-9.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/psalms/106-5.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-13.htm">Selects</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/psalms/109-24.htm">Totter</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-16.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-4.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-19.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Workman</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/43-11.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Chooseth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-17.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-8.htm">Engraved</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-1.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-8.htm">Graven</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-14.htm">Holm-Oak</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-17.htm">Image</a> <a href="/malachi/1-4.htm">Impoverished</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-1.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Move</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-23.htm">Oblation</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-23.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Present</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-23.htm">Rot</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Selection</a> <a href="/exodus/21-9.htm">Selects</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-17.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-11.htm">Skilled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-17.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-7.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Totter</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-19.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-20.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Wood</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Workman</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 40</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/40-1.htm">The promulgation of the Gospel</a> 3. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">The preaching of John Baptist foretold</a> 9. <a href="/isaiah/40-9.htm">The preaching of the apostles foretold</a> 12. <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">The prophet, by the omnipotence of God</a> 18. <a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">And his incomparableness</a> 26. <a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Comforts the people.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/40.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>One lacking such an offering This phrase refers to an individual who does not possess the means to offer a more valuable sacrifice, such as gold or silver, which were common materials for idols in ancient times. The context here is the futility of idol worship, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. In biblical times, offerings were a significant part of worship, and those who lacked wealth would seek alternative means to fulfill their religious obligations. This highlights the socio-economic disparities present in ancient societies.chooses wood that will not rot The choice of durable wood signifies an attempt to create a lasting idol, reflecting the human desire for permanence in worship objects. In the ancient Near East, certain types of wood, like cedar, were prized for their resistance to decay. This choice underscores the irony of trying to create something eternal from perishable materials, contrasting with the eternal nature of God. The use of wood also connects to other biblical passages where wood is used symbolically, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the cross of Christ.He seeks a skilled craftsman The involvement of a skilled craftsman indicates the importance placed on the appearance and craftsmanship of idols. This reflects the cultural value of artistry and the belief that the skill of the maker could imbue the idol with power or significance. In the broader biblical narrative, this contrasts with the creation account where God alone is the Creator, needing no human assistance. The reliance on human skill highlights the limitations of idols compared to the omnipotence of God.to set up an idol that will not topple The concern for stability in an idol underscores the inherent weakness and instability of man-made gods. This phrase points to the absurdity of worshiping something that requires human intervention to remain upright. In the historical context, idols were often placed in temples or shrines, and their physical stability was a practical concern. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/1_samuel/5-3.htm">1 Samuel 5:3-4</a>, where the idol Dagon falls before the Ark of the Covenant, illustrating the superiority of the true God over false gods. Theologically, this points to the steadfastness of God, who does not need human support to sustain His existence or power.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a> A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. His prophecies often focus on the themes of judgment and redemption. 2. <a href="/topical/i/idol_makers.htm">Idol Makers</a> Craftsmen who create idols from materials like wood and metal. In this context, they are sought to make a stable idol that will not fall over. 3. <a href="/topical/i/idol_worship.htm">Idol Worship</a> The practice of worshiping physical objects as gods, which was common among the nations surrounding Israel and condemned by the prophets. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation to whom Isaiah is prophesying, often falling into the sin of idolatry despite being chosen by God. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah specifically addresses, warning them against idolatry and calling them back to faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a> Idolatry is ultimately futile because it involves worshiping something that is lifeless and powerless. The Hebrew word for "idol" (pesel) implies something carved or shaped, emphasizing its man-made nature. <a href="/topical/g/god's_supremacy_over_idols.htm">God's Supremacy Over Idols</a> Unlike idols, God is living and active. He is not created by human hands and does not depend on human craftsmanship to stand firm. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_materialism.htm">The Danger of Materialism</a> In a modern context, idolatry can take the form of materialism or placing undue importance on physical possessions. Believers are called to examine their lives for anything that might take the place of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_true_worship.htm">The Call to True Worship</a> True worship involves recognizing God's sovereignty and giving Him the honor and reverence He deserves, rather than turning to substitutes. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_stability.htm">Trust in God's Stability</a> Unlike idols that can topple, God is a firm foundation. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in Him, who is unchanging and reliable.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40</a> <a href="/q/what_do_idols_and_demons_share.htm">What do idols and demons share in common?</a> <a href="/q/is_your_name_to_be_revered.htm">What defines unbiblical worship practices?</a> <a href="/q/does_elijah's_challenge_align_with_monotheism.htm">How does Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:21-24 align or conflict with other biblical teachings on monotheism?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_stars_'praise'_god_(psalm_148_3).htm">How can the celestial bodies literally 'praise' God if they are inanimate? (Psalm 148:3)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) He that is so impoverished . . .--The transition is abrupt, but the intention apparently is to represent idolatry at its opposite extremes of the elaborate art in which kings and princes delighted, and the rude rough image, hardly more than a fetiche, the inutile lignum of Horace, "which cannot be moved," standing on its own wide base, so as not to fall.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - He that is so impoverished, etc.; rather, he that can only make a poor offering, i.e. that cannot spend much on religion. Chooseth a tree; rather, chooseth wood - goes to the carpenter, and selects a good sound block of wood, out of which his idol shall be made. After this he has to find a skilful workman, who will carve his image for him and set it up, so that it shall not shake. As Delitzsch observes, "The thing carries its own satire" in the mere plain description of it. Is such a thing comparable to God? <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/40-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>To one bereft הַֽמְסֻכָּ֣ן (ham·suk·kān) Article | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5533.htm">Strong's 5533: </a> To cut, damage, to grow, poor of an offering תְּרוּמָ֔ה (tə·rū·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8641.htm">Strong's 8641: </a> Contribution, offering (for sacred uses) who chooses יִבְחָ֑ר (yiḇ·ḥār) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> To try, select wood עֵ֥ץ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6086.htm">Strong's 6086: </a> Tree, trees, wood that does not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no rot? יִרְקַ֖ב (yir·qaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7537.htm">Strong's 7537: </a> To decay He looks for יְבַקֶּשׁ־ (yə·ḇaq·qeš-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after a skilled חָכָם֙ (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> Wise craftsman חָרָ֤שׁ (ḥā·rāš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2796.htm">Strong's 2796: </a> A fabricator, any material to set up לְהָכִ֥ין (lə·hā·ḵîn) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> To be erect an idol פֶּ֖סֶל (pe·sel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6459.htm">Strong's 6459: </a> An idol, image that will not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no fall over. יִמּֽוֹט׃ (yim·mō·wṭ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4131.htm">Strong's 4131: </a> To waver, to slip, shake, fall <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-20.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:20 He who is too impoverished for such (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 40:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 40:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>