Isaiah Chapter 44 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

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And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

Original Language Analysis

וּשְׁאֵ֣רִית֔וֹ And the residue H7611
וּשְׁאֵ֣רִית֔וֹ And the residue
Strong's: H7611
Word #: 1 of 14
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
אֵלִ֖י a god H410
אֵלִ֖י a god
Strong's: H410
Word #: 2 of 14
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
עָשָׂ֖ה thereof he maketh H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה thereof he maketh
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 3 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְפִסְל֑וֹ even his graven image H6459
לְפִסְל֑וֹ even his graven image
Strong's: H6459
Word #: 4 of 14
an idol
ל֤וֹ he falleth down H5456
ל֤וֹ he falleth down
Strong's: H5456
Word #: 5 of 14
to prostrate oneself (in homage)
ל֤וֹ he falleth down H5456
ל֤וֹ he falleth down
Strong's: H5456
Word #: 6 of 14
to prostrate oneself (in homage)
וְיִשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙ unto it and worshippeth H7812
וְיִשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙ unto it and worshippeth
Strong's: H7812
Word #: 7 of 14
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל it and prayeth H6419
וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל it and prayeth
Strong's: H6419
Word #: 8 of 14
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
אֵלָ֔יו H413
אֵלָ֔יו
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
וְיֹאמַר֙ unto it and saith H559
וְיֹאמַר֙ unto it and saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 10 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
הַצִּילֵ֔נִי Deliver H5337
הַצִּילֵ֔נִי Deliver
Strong's: H5337
Word #: 11 of 14
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵלִ֖י a god H410
אֵלִ֖י a god
Strong's: H410
Word #: 13 of 14
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אָֽתָּה׃ H859
אָֽתָּה׃
Strong's: H859
Word #: 14 of 14
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis & Commentary

The residue ('sheerith' - what's left over, the remainder) becomes a god. He falls down before leftover wood, prays to it, asks 'Deliver me; for thou art my god.' The Hebrew 'natsal' (deliver) implies rescue from danger - he asks the leftovers to save him. The pathos and absurdity merge: this is both ridiculous and tragic.

Historical Context

The 'residue' language is deliberately demeaning - the god is made from scraps, leftovers, the portion not good enough for fire. Yet people entrust their deliverance to these remnants.

Questions for Reflection