Isaiah 40:12
Isaiah 40:12 in Multiple Translations
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?
¶ Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
In the hollow of whose hand have the waters been measured? and who is able to take the heavens in his stretched-out fingers? who has got together the dust of the earth in a measure? who has taken the weight of the mountains, or put the hills into the scales?
Who has measured the waters he holds in the palm of his hand? Who has marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has worked out the amount of dust of the earth? Who has weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?
Who hath measured the waters in his fist? and counted heauen with the spanne, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure? and weighed ye mountaines in a weight, and the hilles in a balance?
Who hath measured in the hollow of his hand the waters? And the heavens by a span hath meted out, And comprehended in a measure the dust of the earth, And hath weighed in scales the mountains, And the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and marked off the sky with his span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measuring basket, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and measured heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and weighed the heavens with his palm? who hath poised with three fingers the bulk of the earth, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
There is no one like Yahweh! ◄Who else has measured the water in the oceans in the palm of his hand?/No one else has measured the water in the oceans in the palm of his hand!► [RHQ] ◄Who else has measured the sky with his fingers?/No one else has measured the sky with his fingers!► [RHQ] ◄Who else knows how much the earth weighs?/No one else knows how much the earth weighs!► [RHQ] ◄Who else has weighed the mountains and hills on scales?/No one else has weighed the mountains and hills on scales!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:12
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Isaiah 40:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:12
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:12
Context — Here Is Your God!
12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?
13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? 14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:4 | Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 2 | Hebrews 1:10–12 | And: “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” |
| 3 | Psalms 102:25–26 | In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. |
| 4 | Job 38:4–11 | Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
| 5 | Isaiah 48:13 | Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together. |
| 6 | Proverbs 8:26–28 | before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth. I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, |
| 7 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 8 | Job 28:25 | When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters, |
| 9 | Job 11:7–9 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. |
| 10 | Psalms 104:2–3 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. |
Isaiah 40:12 Summary
Isaiah 40:12 is a powerful verse that reminds us of God's incredible power and wisdom. It asks a series of rhetorical questions that emphasize God's ability to measure and control the vastness of creation, from the waters to the heavens. This verse helps us understand that God is the all-powerful Creator and sustainer of the universe, and that His power and wisdom are beyond human comprehension, as also seen in Jeremiah 32:17. By recognizing God's sovereignty, we can trust in His goodness and care for us, just as a shepherd tends to his flock, as described in Isaiah 40:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the question 'Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand' in Isaiah 40:12?
This question highlights God's omnipotence and control over creation, emphasizing that He is the one who has measured and governed the vastness of the oceans, as seen in Psalm 104:7-9, where God is described as the one who controls the waters.
How does this verse relate to God's power and wisdom?
Isaiah 40:12 showcases God's immense power and wisdom by asking rhetorical questions that emphasize His ability to measure and control the heavens, earth, and waters, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation, as also seen in Job 38:4-7.
What is the purpose of the metaphor of holding the dust of the earth in a basket?
The metaphor of holding the dust of the earth in a basket in Isaiah 40:12 illustrates God's gentle yet firm control over the earth and its inhabitants, much like a shepherd tends to his flock, as described in Isaiah 40:11.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's character?
Isaiah 40:12 reveals God's character as all-powerful, wise, and sovereign, emphasizing that He is the Creator and sustainer of the universe, and that His power and wisdom are beyond human comprehension, as also stated in Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on God's power to measure the waters in the hollow of His hand, how does this impact my trust in His ability to govern my life?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty over creation, as described in Isaiah 40:12?
- How does the metaphor of holding the dust of the earth in a basket comfort or challenge me in my relationship with God?
- As I consider God's wisdom and power, how can I apply this understanding to my daily life and decisions, seeking to align myself with His will?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:12
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:12
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12
Sermons on Isaiah 40:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Pray - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the importance of prayer, addressing common obstacles that hinder believers from effectively communicating with God. He highlights that many feel overwhelmed |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Three Spiritual Laws by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the thesis that most evangelical Christians are spiritually asleep and morally stagnant. He emphasizes that this is displeasing to God and tr |
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Collection of Prayers 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for a powerful and transformative meeting. He asks God to ignite a fire of love, faith, hope, and zeal within the congregation. The p |
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God's Cure for Fear by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He highlights how these three Hebrew boys were thrown into a fiery fur |
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The Gospel: The Cross of Christ by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to Christ for salvation. He highlights that outside of Christ, there is no hope, but in Him, there is everything. T |
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Our Awesome God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the profound wisdom and knowledge of God as revealed in Romans 11, emphasizing the intricate design and balance in creation that sustains life on Earth. It |
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A Voice From Heaven by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the rules and regulations presented in a gracious manner. He then emphasizes the spiritual objectives of the camp, stating that it |






