Isaiah 40:22
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Original Language Analysis
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃
It is he that sitteth
H3427
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃
It is he that sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃
It is he that sitteth
H3427
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃
It is he that sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַנּוֹטֶ֤ה
that stretcheth out
H5186
הַנּוֹטֶ֤ה
that stretcheth out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
7 of 12
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
כַדֹּק֙
as a curtain
H1852
כַדֹּק֙
as a curtain
Strong's:
H1852
Word #:
8 of 12
something crumbling, i.e., fine (as a thin cloth)
שָׁמַ֔יִם
the heavens
H8064
שָׁמַ֔יִם
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
9 of 12
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Cross References
Psalms 104:2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:Isaiah 42:5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Proverbs 8:27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:Jeremiah 10:12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.Isaiah 40:17All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.Psalms 68:33To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.Job 9:8Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Job 22:14Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.Isaiah 51:13And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Historical Context
The 'circle of the earth' reflects ancient cosmology while emphasizing God's transcendence over all creation. For exiles feeling small and powerless, this reminded them that God's perspective infinitely exceeds human limitations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing yourself from God's cosmic perspective humble your self-importance?
- What does it mean that the Creator of the universe is personally concerned with your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's transcendent perspective is vividly portrayed: He sits above the earth's circle ('chug'), viewing inhabitants as grasshoppers. The heavens are stretched like a curtain ('doq'—thin fabric) or tent ('ohel'), emphasizing creation's ease for God. This cosmic imagery establishes God's absolute sovereignty and humans' relative insignificance.