Isaiah Chapter 40 · Verse 25
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
Original Language Analysis
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 6
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
תְדַמְּי֖וּנִי
To whom then will ye liken
H1819
תְדַמְּי֖וּנִי
To whom then will ye liken
Strong's:
H1819
Word #:
3 of 6
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
Cross References
Isaiah 40:18To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?Deuteronomy 4:33Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?Deuteronomy 5:8Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:
Historical Context
This self-identification as 'the Holy One' is Isaiah's favorite title for God (used 25 times), emphasizing His moral purity and separateness from creation and sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's holiness inform your understanding of why He must be worshiped exclusively?
- What aspects of God's holiness most challenge your casual approach to Him?
Analysis & Commentary
God Himself poses the question of His incomparability, using His holy name ('Qadosh'—the Holy One). The Hebrew 'damah' (equal/compare) repeats verse 18's challenge. God's holiness—His transcendent otherness and moral perfection—makes comparison impossible and irreverent. Only the Holy One can ask this question without arrogance.