Isaiah 41:29
Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.
Original Language Analysis
כֻּלָּ֔ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָ֥וֶן
Behold they are all vanity
H205
אָ֥וֶן
Behold they are all vanity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
3 of 8
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
אֶ֖פֶס
are nothing
H657
אֶ֖פֶס
are nothing
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
4 of 8
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
מַעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם
their works
H4639
מַעֲשֵׂיהֶ֑ם
their works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
5 of 8
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
ר֥וּחַ
are wind
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
are wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
6 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Historical Context
This devastating summary of idolatry's futility concludes the trial scene begun in verse 1, with God proving His unique deity and false gods proven empty, preparing for the Servant passages.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing idols as producing only chaos and confusion help identify them?
- What areas of your life show the 'wind and confusion' resulting from false worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The verdict on false gods is emphatic: 'Behold, they are all vanity' ('aven'—emptiness, evil), 'their works are nothing' ('ephes'), and 'their molten images are wind and confusion' ('tohu'—chaos, same as Genesis 1:2). This comprehensive condemnation reduces idols and their effects to absolute worthlessness and disorder.