Isaiah 40:23
That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
Original Language Analysis
הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן
That bringeth
H5414
הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן
That bringeth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
רוֹזְנִ֖ים
the princes
H7336
רוֹזְנִ֖ים
the princes
Strong's:
H7336
Word #:
2 of 7
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
לְאָ֑יִן
H369
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
the judges
H8199
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
the judges
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
4 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
Cross References
Psalms 107:40He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.Job 12:21He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.Isaiah 34:12They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.
Historical Context
For Jews subject to Babylonian rulers, this promised that their oppressors held power only by God's permission and would fall when He decreed. Babylon's mighty kings were temporary and ultimately impotent.
Questions for Reflection
- How should this verse shape your response to earthly authorities and political powers?
- What does God's ability to bring down rulers teach about trusting in Him versus fearing people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's sovereignty extends to political realms—He reduces princes to nothing ('ayin') and makes judges of the earth as vanity ('tohu'). The Hebrew 'shophet' (judge/ruler) emphasizes those who wield power, yet God nullifies them at will. This demonstrates that earthly authority derives from and is accountable to divine authority.