Isaiah 44:15
Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאָדָם֙
Then shall it be for a man
H120
לְאָדָם֙
Then shall it be for a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 18
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
for he will take
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
for he will take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 18
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
7 of 18
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
לָ֑חֶם
bread
H3899
לָ֑חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
10 of 18
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
11 of 18
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
יִפְעַל
yea he maketh
H6466
יִפְעַל
yea he maketh
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
12 of 18
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אֵל֙
a god
H410
אֵל֙
a god
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
13 of 18
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וַיִּשְׁתָּ֔חוּ
and worshippeth
H7812
וַיִּשְׁתָּ֔חוּ
and worshippeth
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
14 of 18
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
עָשָׂ֥הוּ
it he maketh
H6213
עָשָׂ֥הוּ
it he maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
This biting satire shows that the 'god' has no more inherent divinity than firewood. The same tree produces heat, bread, and a deity - all equally products of human manipulation of natural materials.
Questions for Reflection
- How does treating the divine and the mundane interchangeably reveal idolatry's foolishness?
- What distinguishes the true God from objects we might elevate to His place?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The same wood serves multiple purposes: fuel for warming, fire for baking bread, and material for a god to worship. The casual interchangeability - some for fire, some for worship - exposes the absurdity: what's the difference between the piece that warms and the piece that becomes divine? The Hebrew 'af' (also/even) emphasizes the ridiculous equivalence.