Isaiah 42:17
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Original Language Analysis
נָסֹ֤גוּ
They shall be turned
H5472
נָסֹ֤גוּ
They shall be turned
Strong's:
H5472
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)
אָחוֹר֙
back
H268
אָחוֹר֙
back
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
2 of 10
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
ashamed
H954
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
בֹ֔שֶׁת
they shall be greatly
H1322
בֹ֔שֶׁת
they shall be greatly
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
4 of 10
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
that trust
H982
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
that trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
Cross References
Psalms 97:7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.Isaiah 1:29For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.Isaiah 44:11Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
Historical Context
When Babylon fell to Persia, the elaborate idol worship couldn't prevent defeat. Those who trusted in Marduk and Bel experienced the shame of false confidence, while Israel's God vindicated His power.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern forms of idolatry promise security but deliver shame?
- How can you identify and abandon functional idols before they disappoint?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Those trusting in idols will be 'turned back' and 'greatly ashamed' (Hebrew 'bosh'—deep humiliation). The irony: saying to molten images 'Ye are our gods' exposes absurdity—addressing human creations as creators. Shame is the inevitable result when trust is misplaced in impotent objects.