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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 40:15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/40-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/23_Isa_40_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 40:15 - Here is Your God!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust." /><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/40-15.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/40-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/40-14.htm" title="Isaiah 40:14">◄</a> Isaiah 40:15 <a href="/isaiah/40-16.htm" title="Isaiah 40:16">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the nations <i>are</i> as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Behold, the nations <i>are</i> as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are counted as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the coastlands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In fact, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Now look, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered as a speck of dust on the scales; he lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered as a speck of dust in the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />To the LORD, all nations are merely a drop in a bucket or dust on balance scales; all of the islands are but a handful of sand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The nations are like a drop in a bucket and are considered to be like dust on a scale. The weight of the islands is like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />To the LORD the nations are nothing, no more than a drop of water; the distant islands are as light as dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Look! The nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are reckoned as dust on the scales. Look! He even lifts up the islands like powder!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts the coastlands as if they were dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Look, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, nations [are] as a drop from a bucket, "" And have been reckoned as small dust of the balance, "" Behold, He takes up islands as a small thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, nations as a drop from a bucket, And as small dust of the balance, have been reckoned, Lo, isles as a small thing He taketh up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold, the nations as a drop from a bucket; they were reckoned as the fine dust of the scales: behold, he will cast down the isles as small dust.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold the Gentiles are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the smallest grain of a balance: behold the islands are as a little dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop of water in a bucket, and they are considered as the smallest grain on a balance. Behold, the islands are like a little dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />See, the nations count as a drop in the bucket, as a wisp of cloud on the scales; the coastlands weigh no more than a speck. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Even the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as dust on the scales; see, he takes up the isles like fine dust.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are like a drop out of a bucket, and are counted as the dipping of the balance; behold, the isles shall be cast away like fine dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold, the nations shall be cast off like a drop from a pot and like the tipping of a balance, and the islands like the dust<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, And are counted as the small dust of the balance; Behold the isles are as a mote in weight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />since all the nations are counted as a drop from a bucket, and as the turning of a balance, <i>and</i> shall be counted as spittle?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/40-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=8596" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Here is Your God!</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: gō·w·yim (N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/4752.htm" title="4752: kə·mar (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- A drop. From marar in its original sense of distillation; a drop.">are like a drop</a> <a href="/hebrew/1805.htm" title="1805: mid·də·lî (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A bucket. Or doliy; from dalah; a pail or jar.">in a bucket;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2803.htm" title="2803: neḥ·šā·ḇū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To think, account. ">they are considered</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hên (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7834.htm" title="7834: ū·ḵə·ša·ḥaq (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Dust, cloud. From shachaq; a powder: by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament.">a speck of dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/3976.htm" title="3976: mō·zə·na·yim (N-md) -- Balances, scales. From 'azan; a pair of scales.">on the scales;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5190.htm" title="5190: yiṭ·ṭō·wl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To lift, bear. A prim root; to lift; by implication, to impose.">He lifts up</a> <a href="/hebrew/339.htm" title="339: ’î·yîm (N-mp) -- Coast, region. From 'avah; properly, a habitable spot; dry land, a coast, an island.">the islands</a> <a href="/hebrew/1851.htm" title="1851: kad·daq (Prep-k, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Thin, small, fine. From daqaq; crushed, i.e. small or thin.">like fine dust.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-4</a></span><br />Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-23.htm">Job 12:23</a></span><br />He makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarges nations, then disperses them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-6.htm">Psalm 46:6</a></span><br />Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Psalm 62:9</a></span><br />Lowborn men are but a vapor; the exalted are but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-14.htm">Job 34:14-15</a></span><br />If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, / all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10</a></span><br />But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-8.htm">Psalm 33:8-9</a></span><br />Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him. / For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-6.htm">2 Chronicles 20:6</a></span><br />and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-23.htm">Ezekiel 38:23</a></span><br />I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and I will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/25-6.htm">Job 25:6</a></span><br />how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5</a></span><br />You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he takes up the isles as a very little thing.</p><p class="hdg">the nations</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-22.htm">Isaiah 38:22</a></b></br> Hezekiah also had said, What <i>is</i> the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-14.htm">Job 34:14,15</a></b></br> If he set his heart upon man, <i>if</i> he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/10-10.htm">Jeremiah 10:10</a></b></br> But the LORD <i>is</i> the true God, he <i>is</i> the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.</p><p class="hdg">the isles</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/11-11.htm">Isaiah 11:11</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in that day, <i>that</i> the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/41-5.htm">Isaiah 41:5</a></b></br> The isles saw <i>it</i>, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/59-18.htm">Isaiah 59:18</a></b></br> According to <i>their</i> deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Accounted</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-5.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-15.htm">Islands</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-15.htm">Isles</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Lifts</a> <a href="/luke/6-42.htm">Mote</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-18.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-17.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-27.htm">Small</a> <a href="/luke/6-42.htm">Speck</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-7.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Weighs</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Weight</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Accounted</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-8.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Esteemed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-1.htm">Islands</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-1.htm">Isles</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-3.htm">Lifts</a> <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Mote</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Reckoned</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Scales</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-22.htm">Small</a> <a href="/matthew/7-3.htm">Speck</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/30-13.htm">Weighs</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-1.htm">Weight</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-1.htm">The promulgation of the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">The preaching of John Baptist foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-9.htm">The preaching of the apostles foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">The prophet, by the omnipotence of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">And his incomparableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Comforts the people.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the insignificance of the nations in comparison to God's majesty and power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, nations often boasted of their power and influence, yet here they are depicted as trivial. This imagery is meant to humble human pride and remind believers of God's sovereignty. The metaphor of a "drop in a bucket" suggests something negligible and inconsequential, highlighting the vastness of God's dominion over all creation.<p><b>they are considered a speck of dust on the scales;</b><br>The imagery of a "speck of dust" further illustrates the insignificance of the nations. In ancient times, scales were used for precise measurements, and a speck of dust would not affect the balance. This metaphor underscores the idea that human power and achievements are inconsequential in the grand scheme of God's eternal plan. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's omnipotence, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/job/26-7.htm">Job 26:7-14</a>, where God's power over creation is extolled.<p><b>He lifts up the islands like fine dust.</b><br>The reference to "islands" can be understood as distant lands or nations, emphasizing God's control over the entire earth, including the remotest parts. The phrase "like fine dust" suggests ease and effortlessness, indicating that God's power is so great that even the most distant and seemingly significant places are easily managed by Him. This can be connected to the prophecy of God's ultimate authority over all nations, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/97.htm">Psalm 97:1</a>, which declares God's reign over the earth. The imagery also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who will establish His kingdom over all nations, fulfilling God's sovereign plan.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a></b><br>In this context, "nations" refers to the various peoples and kingdoms of the earth, emphasizing their insignificance in comparison to God's majesty and power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/islands.htm">Islands</a></b><br>Symbolically, islands can represent distant lands or nations, highlighting the vastness of God's reach and authority over all creation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, God is depicted as sovereign and omnipotent, with the power to control and measure the nations as easily as one would handle dust.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prophet's_audience.htm">The Prophet's Audience</a></b><br>The original audience of Isaiah's message, likely the people of Judah, who were facing political and military threats from surrounding nations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize that God is in control of all nations and events. No matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is insignificant compared to God's majesty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_humility.htm">Human Humility</a></b><br>Understand our place in the grand scheme of God's creation. This perspective should lead us to humility and reliance on God rather than on human power or wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>In times of global uncertainty or personal challenges, trust that God is working out His purposes. His plans are far greater than we can comprehend.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perspective_on_world_events.htm">Perspective on World Events</a></b><br>View current events through the lens of God's sovereignty. This helps maintain peace and confidence, knowing that God is not surprised or overwhelmed by world affairs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_and_reverence.htm">Worship and Reverence</a></b><br>Respond to God's greatness with worship and reverence. Acknowledge His power and authority in your daily life and decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/isaiah_40_15_vs._historical_empires.htm">Isaiah 40:15: How does the claim that nations are “like a drop in a bucket” stand up against known historical records of powerful empires? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'a_bruised_reed'_mean.htm">How do biblical idioms shape modern Christian language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_biblical_idioms_shape_todayand#8217;s_christian_language.htm">How do biblical idioms shape modern Christian language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_ezekiel_31_6_literal_and_plausible.htm">In Ezekiel 31:6, is the claim that “all the birds of the heavens” nested in its boughs to be taken literally, and if so, is it biologically plausible? </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>(15) <span class= "bld">The nations are as a drop . . .</span>--"Nations" and "isles" bring us into the region of human history, as distinct from that of the material world. "Isles" as elsewhere, stands vaguely for <span class= "ital">far-off lands, </span>or <span class= "ital">sea-coasts. </span>The word is that of one who looks on the Mediterranean, and thinks of the unexplored regions that lie in it and around. It is one of Isaiah's favourite words in this aspect of its meaning.<p><span class= "bld">A drop of a bucket.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">on a bucket. </span>Such a drop adds nothing to the weight which the bearer feels; as little do the nations and the isles to the burden which Jehovah bears. The "small dust in the balance" presents another illustration of the same idea.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket</span>. "From nature," as Mr. Cheyne says, "we pass to history." If God is so great, so apart and by himself in relation to the material universe, what is he in relation to man? What are nations, compared to him, but "as a drop from a bucket," which drips from it, and is of no account? What are they, but as the small dust of the balance, which lies on it but does not disturb its equilibrium? They are absolutely "as nothing" (ver. 17) - vanity and emptiness, <span class="cmt_word">He taketh up the isles as a very little thing</span>; literally, <span class="accented">he taketh up islands</span>, or perhaps <span class="accented">lands</span> generally. As he weighs mountains and hills in his balance (ver. 15), so he can take up in his own hands "lands," or "countries" (Cheyne), with all their inhabitants, and do with them as seemeth him good. They are no burden to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/40-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the nations</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹיִם֙</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are like a drop</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4752.htm">Strong's 4752: </a> </span><span class="str2">A drop</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a bucket;</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְּלִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(mid·də·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1805.htm">Strong's 1805: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pail, jar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are considered</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ</span> <span class="translit">(neḥ·šā·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To think, account</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a speck of dust</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְשַׁ֥חַק</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·ša·ḥaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7834.htm">Strong's 7834: </a> </span><span class="str2">A powder, a thin vapor, the firmament</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the scales;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹאזְנַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(mō·zə·na·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3976.htm">Strong's 3976: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pair of scales</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He lifts up</span><br /><span class="heb">יִטּֽוֹל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiṭ·ṭō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5190.htm">Strong's 5190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, to impose</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the islands</span><br /><span class="heb">אִיִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’î·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_339.htm">Strong's 339: </a> </span><span class="str2">A habitable spot, dry land, a coast, an island</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like fine dust.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּדַּ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(kad·daq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1851.htm">Strong's 1851: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crushed, small, thin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/40-15.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:15 Behold the nations are like a drop (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 40:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/40-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 40:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:16" /></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>