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He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/44.htm">New Living Translation</a> The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool, pounding and shaping it with all his might. His work makes him hungry and weak. It makes him thirsty and faint. <a href="/esv/isaiah/44.htm">English Standard Version</a> The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/44.htm">King James Bible</a> The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/44.htm">New King James Version</a> The blacksmith with the tongs works one in the coals, Fashions it with hammers, And works it with the strength of his arms. Even so, he is hungry, and his strength fails; He drinks no water and is faint. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The craftsman of iron shapes a cutting tool and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. <a href="/nasb/isaiah/44.htm">NASB 1995</a> The man shapes iron into a cutting tool and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The man shapes iron into a cutting tool, and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers, and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. <a href="/lsb/isaiah/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The man crafts iron into a cutting tool and does his work over the coals, forming it with hammers and working it with his powerful arm. He also gets hungry and has no power; he drinks no water and becomes weary. <a href="/amp/isaiah/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The ironsmith shapes iron and uses a chisel and works it over the coals. He forms the [idol’s] core with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He also becomes hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and grows tired. <a href="/csb/isaiah/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The ironworker labors over the coals, shapes the idol with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. Also he grows hungry and his strength fails; he doesn’t drink water and is faint. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The ironworker labors over the coals, shapes the idol with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. Also he grows hungry and his strength fails; he doesn&#8217t drink water and is faint. <a href="/asv/isaiah/44.htm">American Standard Version</a> The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint. <a href="/cev/isaiah/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A metalworker shapes an idol by using a hammer and heat from the fire. In his powerful hand he holds a hammer, as he pounds the metal into the proper shape. But he gets hungry and thirsty and loses his strength. <a href="/erv/isaiah/44.htm">English Revised Version</a> The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Blacksmiths shape iron into tools. They work them over the coals and shape them with hammers, working them with their strong arms. They get hungry, and their strength fails. If they don't drink water, they will faint. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/44.htm">Good News Translation</a> The metalworker takes a piece of metal and works with it over a fire. His strong arm swings a hammer to pound the metal into shape. As he works, he gets hungry, thirsty, and tired. <a href="/isv/isaiah/44.htm">International Standard Version</a> The blacksmith prepares a tool and works in the coals, then fashions an idol with hammers, working by the strength of his arm. He even becomes hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint. <a href="/msb/isaiah/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. <a href="/net/isaiah/44.htm">NET Bible</a> A blacksmith works with his tool and forges metal over the coals. He forms it with hammers; he makes it with his strong arm. He gets hungry and loses his energy; he drinks no water and gets tired. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The blacksmith takes an axe, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yes, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. <a href="/web/isaiah/44.htm">World English Bible</a> The blacksmith takes an ax, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> He has worked iron [with] an axe, "" And has worked with coals, "" And forms it with hammers, "" And works it by his powerful arm, "" Indeed, he is hungry, and there is no power, "" He does not drink water, and he is wearied. <a href="/ylt/isaiah/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> He hath wrought iron with an axe, And hath wrought with coals, And with hammers doth form it, And doth work it by his powerful arm, Yea, he is hungry, and there is no power, He doth not drink water, and he is wearied. <a href="/slt/isaiah/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The workman of iron with an axe also worked with coal, and he will cleave it with hammers, and will work with the arm of his strength: also he hungered and no strength: he drank not water and was wearied.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The smith hath wrought with his file, with coals, and with hammers he hath formed it, and hath wrought with the strength of his arm: he shall hunger and faint, he shall drink no water, and shall be weary. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The maker of iron has wrought with his file. With coals and hammers, he has formed it, and he has wrought with the strength of his arm. He will hunger and grow faint. He will not drink water, and he will become weary. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/44.htm">New American Bible</a> The ironsmith fashions a likeness, he works it over the coals, Shaping it with hammers, working it with his strong arm. With hunger his strength wanes, without water, he grows faint. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The ironsmith fashions it and works it over the coals, shaping it with hammers, and forging it with his strong arm; he becomes hungry and his strength fails, he drinks no water and is faint.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The carpenter sharpens an iron instrument, he shapes the image with a plane and fashions it with a chisel and works it with the strength of his arm; yea, he becomes hungry and also thirsty, he drinks no water and is faint. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The carpenter who sharpens iron and hews it with an ax and carves it with an auger, and he makes it with the power of his arm, also he is hungry and he is thirsty and drinks no water and he is exhausted<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The smith maketh an axe, And worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, And worketh it with his strong arm; Yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; He drinketh no water, and is faint. <a href="/sep/isaiah/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For the artificer sharpens the iron; he fashions the idol with an axe, and fixes it with an awl, and fashions it with the strength of his arm: and he will be hungry and weak, and will drink no water. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/44-12.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=9773" 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/44.htm">The LORD has Chosen Israel</a> …11Behold, 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. 12<a href="/hebrew/2796.htm" title="2796: ḥā·raš (N-msc) -- Engraver, artificer. From charash; a fabricator or any material.">The blacksmith</a> <a href="/hebrew/1270.htm" title="1270: bar·zel (N-ms) -- Iron. Perhaps from the root of Birzowth; iron; by extension, an iron implement."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4621.htm" title="4621: ma·‘ă·ṣāḏ (N-ms) -- An axe. From an usused root meaning to hew; an axe.">takes a tool</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: ū·p̄ā·‘al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">and labors</a> <a href="/hebrew/6352.htm" title="6352: bap·pe·ḥām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Coal. Perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be black; a coal, whether charred or live.">over the coals;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3335.htm" title="3335: yiṣ·ṣə·rê·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- Probably identical with yatsar;); to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. Form a resolution).">he fashions an idol</a> <a href="/hebrew/4717.htm" title="4717: ū·ḇam·maq·qā·ḇō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A hammer. From naqab; properly, a perforatrix, i.e. A hammer.">with hammers</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: way·yip̄·‘ā·lê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">and forges it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·ḥōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">with his strong</a> <a href="/hebrew/2220.htm" title="2220: biz·rō·w·a‘ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Arm, shoulder, strength. Or zroao; and zrowpah; or zrowah; from zara'; the arm, or the foreleg; figuratively, force.">arms.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Yet</a> <a href="/hebrew/7456.htm" title="7456: rā·‘êḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be hungry. A primitive root; to hunger.">he grows hungry</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·aḥ (N-ms) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">and loses his strength;</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle."></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.">he fails</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: šā·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">to drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/3286.htm" title="3286: way·yî·‘āp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To be weary, faint. A primitive root; to tire.">and grows faint.</a> 13The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.…<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="/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="/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="/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="/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_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="/2_kings/19-18.htm">2 Kings 19:18</a> They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. <a href="/hosea/8-6.htm">Hosea 8:6</a> 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="/jeremiah/2-27.htm">Jeremiah 2:27</a> say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’ <a href="/jeremiah/16-20.htm">Jeremiah 16:20</a> Can man make gods for himself? Such are not gods!” <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_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="/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. <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The smith with the tongs both works in the coals, and fashions it with hammers, and works it with the strength of his arms: yes, he is hungry, and his strength fails: he drinks no water, and is faint.the smith<a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Isaiah 40:19</a> The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.<a href="/isaiah/41-6.htm">Isaiah 41:6,7</a> They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage… <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6,7</a> They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship… the tong.<a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Habakkuk 2:13</a> Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-19.htm">Blacksmith</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-14.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-10.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Drinketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Drinks</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-4.htm">Faint</a> <a href="/psalms/33-15.htm">Fashioneth</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-10.htm">Fashions</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/74-6.htm">Hammers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-10.htm">Heating</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-10.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-34.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Iron-Worker</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Loses</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-10.htm">Metal</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-10.htm">Shapes</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Smith</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-8.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-6.htm">Tongs</a> <a href="/job/19-24.htm">Tool</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-4.htm">Water</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-22.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-29.htm">Working</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-29.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/48-14.htm">Arm</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-22.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Axe</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-16.htm">Blacksmith</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-19.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-26.htm">Drinketh</a> <a href="/hosea/4-18.htm">Drinks</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-15.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-10.htm">Faint</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Fashioneth</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Fashions</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-15.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-4.htm">Hammers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-29.htm">Heating</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-17.htm">Idol</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-16.htm">Iron-Worker</a> <a href="/luke/9-25.htm">Loses</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-5.htm">Metal</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm">Shapes</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-16.htm">Smith</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-24.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-14.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/exodus/25-38.htm">Tongs</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Tool</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-21.htm">Water</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-1.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/isaiah/64-4.htm">Worketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-15.htm">Working</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-12.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 44</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/44-1.htm">God comforts the church with his promises</a> 7. <a href="/isaiah/44-7.htm">The vanity of idols</a> 9. <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">And folly of idol makers</a> 21. <a href="/isaiah/44-21.htm">He exhorts to praise God for his redemption and omnipotence</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/44.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/44.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; This phrase highlights the meticulous and labor-intensive process of idol-making. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blacksmiths were skilled craftsmen who played a crucial role in society by creating tools, weapons, and religious artifacts. The imagery of laboring over coals suggests the intense heat and effort required, symbolizing the futility of human effort in creating objects of worship. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of idolatry, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a>, which contrasts the lifelessness of idols with the living God.he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. The act of fashioning an idol with hammers and strong arms underscores the physical strength and skill involved in idol creation. This process is a stark contrast to the divine creation, which is effortless and spoken into existence (Genesis 1). The emphasis on human strength highlights the irony of worshiping something that is the product of human hands, as opposed to the omnipotent Creator. This theme is echoed in <a href="/jeremiah/10-3.htm">Jeremiah 10:3-5</a>, where the prophet mocks the making of idols, emphasizing their impotence and the folly of trusting in them.Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; This phrase points to the limitations and frailty of human effort. Despite the blacksmith's skill and strength, he is subject to basic human needs like hunger and fatigue. This serves as a metaphor for the inadequacy of idols, which cannot sustain or provide for their makers. The contrast between the blacksmith's physical needs and the supposed power of the idol he creates underscores the absurdity of idolatry. In <a href="/1_kings/18-26.htm">1 Kings 18:26-29</a>, the prophets of Baal experience a similar futility when their god fails to respond to their cries.he fails to drink water and grows faint. The lack of water leading to faintness further illustrates human vulnerability and the insufficiency of idols. Water is a symbol of life and sustenance throughout Scripture, often representing spiritual nourishment and the presence of God (<a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a>). The blacksmith's failure to drink water and subsequent faintness serve as a metaphor for spiritual dehydration and the emptiness of relying on idols. This imagery is reminiscent of <a href="/isaiah/55.htm">Isaiah 55:1-2</a>, where God invites His people to come to Him for true sustenance and satisfaction, contrasting the emptiness of idolatry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_craftsman.htm">The Craftsman</a> Represents those who create idols, symbolizing human efforts to construct false gods or objects of worship. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_idol.htm">The Idol</a> A man-made object of worship, highlighting the futility and weakness of idolatry compared to the living God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_coals.htm">The Coals</a> Used in the process of shaping the idol, symbolizing the intense effort and energy expended in creating something ultimately powerless. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_strong_arm.htm">The Strong Arm</a> Represents human strength and effort, which are ultimately insufficient and lead to exhaustion. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hunger_and_thirst.htm">Hunger and Thirst</a> Physical needs that illustrate the limitations and frailty of human efforts apart from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a> Idolatry is a fruitless endeavor, as it involves worshiping something that cannot sustain or fulfill human needs. <a href="/topical/h/human_limitations.htm">Human Limitations</a> The craftsman's hunger and thirst remind us of our dependence on God for strength and sustenance. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god_vs._idols.htm">The Power of God vs. Idols</a> Unlike idols, God is living and active, able to meet our needs and sustain us. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_self-reliance.htm">The Danger of Self-Reliance</a> Relying on our own strength and creations leads to exhaustion and spiritual emptiness. <a href="/topical/t/true_worship.htm">True Worship</a> Worship should be directed to God alone, who is worthy and capable of responding to our needs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 44</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_86_8_conflict_with_monotheism.htm">Psalm 86:8 - Does acknowledging the existence of 'other gods' conflict with the Bible's insistence on strict monotheism?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_habakkuk's_view_on_idols_compare.htm">(Habakkuk 2:18-19) How does the critique of idols align with accounts elsewhere that depict different perspectives or tolerances toward idol worship?</a> <a href="/q/is_jeremiah_10_8's_claim_on_wisdom_true.htm">Jeremiah 10:8: Is the accusation that the nations' wisdom is 'worthless' historically accurate considering other advanced civilizations of the time?</a> <a href="/q/is_your_name_to_be_revered.htm">What defines unbiblical worship practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/44.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) The smith with the tongs.--We begin with the metal idol. Better, The smith uses a chisel. The work involves stooping over the charcoal furnace. The maker of the god is exhausted with his toil, and requires food and drink to sustain him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/44.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - The smith with the tongs. The Hebrew text is defective, some word having fallen out. We should probably supply "maketh," and translate, The smith maketh an axe, and worketh it in the coals, and with hammers fashioneth it. The description of image-making thus commences with the fashioning of the carpenter's tools. He is hungry, etc. The artificer who takes the first step in "forming a god" (ver. 10) is himself hungry and thirsty, depending on so mean a thing as food to supply him with the needful strength. Unless he can cat and drink, the whole work is brought to a standstill. <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/44-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The blacksmith חָרַ֤שׁ (ḥā·raš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2796.htm">Strong's 2796: </a> A fabricator, any material takes a tool מַֽעֲצָ֔ד (ma·‘ă·ṣāḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4621.htm">Strong's 4621: </a> An axe and labors וּפָעַל֙ (ū·p̄ā·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> To do, make, to practise over the coals; בַּפֶּחָ֔ם (bap·pe·ḥām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6352.htm">Strong's 6352: </a> A coal he fashions [an idol] יִצְּרֵ֑הוּ (yiṣ·ṣə·rê·hū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3335.htm">Strong's 3335: </a> To mould into a, form, as a, potter, to determine with hammers וּבַמַּקָּב֖וֹת (ū·ḇam·maq·qā·ḇō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4717.htm">Strong's 4717: </a> A perforatrix, a hammer and forges [it] וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·yip̄·‘ā·lê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> To do, make, to practise with his strong כֹּח֔וֹ (kō·ḥōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) arms. בִּזְר֣וֹעַ (biz·rō·w·a‘) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2220.htm">Strong's 2220: </a> The arm, the foreleg, force Yet גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and he grows hungry רָעֵב֙ (rā·‘êḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7456.htm">Strong's 7456: </a> To be hungry and his strength כֹּ֔חַ (kō·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> A small reptile (of unknown species) fails; וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle he fails לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no to drink שָׁ֥תָה (šā·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe water מַ֖יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen and grows faint. וַיִּיעָֽף׃ (way·yî·‘āp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3286.htm">Strong's 3286: </a> To be weary, faint <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/44-12.htm">Isaiah 44:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-12.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 44:12 The blacksmith takes an axe works (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/44-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 44:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 44:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/44-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 44:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 44:13" /></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>