Isaiah 44:9
They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
יֹֽצְרֵי
They that make
H3335
יֹֽצְרֵי
They that make
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
1 of 15
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
כֻּלָּם֙
H3605
כֻּלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תֹּ֔הוּ
are all of them vanity
H8414
תֹּ֔הוּ
are all of them vanity
Strong's:
H8414
Word #:
4 of 15
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יוֹעִ֑ילוּ
shall not profit
H3276
יוֹעִ֑ילוּ
shall not profit
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
וְעֵדֵיהֶ֣ם
and they are their own witnesses
H5707
וְעֵדֵיהֶ֣ם
and they are their own witnesses
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
8 of 15
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יִרְא֛וּ
they see
H7200
יִרְא֛וּ
they see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וּבַל
H1077
וּבַל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יֵדְע֖וּ
not nor know
H3045
יֵדְע֖וּ
not nor know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
13 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Isaiah 41:24Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.Isaiah 41:29Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.Psalms 97:7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.Isaiah 44:18They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.Isaiah 45:20Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.Isaiah 42:18Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.Isaiah 44:20He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?Isaiah 43:8Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.Psalms 135:18They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.Psalms 115:8They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
Historical Context
Isaiah exposes idolatry's fundamental absurdity: worshiping what cannot see, know, or help. This mockery recurs throughout prophetic literature as Israel repeatedly fell into idol worship despite knowing better.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'idols' promise much but deliver nothing and bring shame?
- How does the inability of idols to see or know contrast with God's omniscience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This begins the satire on idol-making (verses 9-20). Those who fashion idols are 'tohu' (formlessness, chaos - the same word describing earth before creation in Genesis 1:2). Their 'delectable things' (precious idols) 'shall not profit.' The irony is biting: their own witnesses (the idols themselves) neither see nor know, ensuring their worshipers' shame.