Isaiah Chapter 44 · Verse 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?
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.