Isaiah 46:5
To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
Original Language Analysis
לְמִ֥י
H4310
לְמִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 5
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
וְנִדְמֶֽה׃
To whom will ye liken
H1819
וְנִדְמֶֽה׃
To whom will ye liken
Strong's:
H1819
Word #:
2 of 5
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
וְתַשְׁו֑וּ
me and make me equal
H7737
וְתַשְׁו֑וּ
me and make me equal
Strong's:
H7737
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to level, i.e., equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e., counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, et
Cross References
Isaiah 40:18To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?Isaiah 40:25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.Psalms 89:6For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:Psalms 86:8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.Psalms 113:5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,Jeremiah 10:16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Philippians 2:6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:Psalms 89:8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
Historical Context
In polytheistic culture, gods were routinely compared, ranked, and amalgamated (syncretism). Isaiah's radical monotheism insisted on Yahweh's absolute uniqueness, preparing theology for New Testament Trinitarianism's 'only true God' (John 17:3).
Questions for Reflection
- In what subtle ways do you try to make God 'likable' or manageable to your understanding?
- How should God's incomparability affect your worship, prayer, and daily trust?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical question 'To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal?' asserts God's incomparability, establishing the foundation for worship and faith. The verb 'liken' (damah) implies not just comparison but attempted equation, which is the essence of idolatry - reducing God to manageable categories. This anticipates Paul's worship in Romans 11:33-36 before God's unsearchable ways.