Isaiah 37:19
And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָתֹ֥ן
And have cast
H5414
וְנָתֹ֥ן
And have cast
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
for they were no gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
for they were no gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֨א
H3808
לֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
for they were no gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
for they were no gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
10 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מַעֲשֵׂ֧ה
but the work
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֧ה
but the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
11 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יְדֵֽי
hands
H3027
יְדֵֽי
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אָדָ֛ם
of men's
H120
אָדָ֛ם
of men's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
13 of 16
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Historical Context
Idol destruction was common Assyrian practice, demonstrating conquest over enemies and their gods. Hezekiah's theology explains why this proves nothing about YHWH.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we help others understand the difference between the living God and false religions?
- What does the impotence of idols teach about where we should place our trust?
- How does correct theology about God's unique nature strengthen faith during trials?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hezekiah explains why previous gods failed: "they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone." This theological clarity distinguishes YHWH from idols. False gods couldn't save because they don't exist as persons—they're mere human creations. The phrase "therefore they have destroyed them" shows that destruction of idols proves nothing about the true God. This argument cuts the heart of Sennacherib's logic. Hezekiah demonstrates that what happened to idol-worshipers is irrelevant to what God will do for His people.