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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]

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 40:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מִֽי מָדַ֨ד בְּ/שָׁעֳל֜/וֹ מַ֗יִם וְ/שָׁמַ֨יִם֙ בַּ/זֶּ֣רֶת תִּכֵּ֔ן וְ/כָ֥ל בַּ/שָּׁלִ֖שׁ עֲפַ֣ר הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וְ/שָׁקַ֤ל בַּ/פֶּ֨לֶס֙ הָרִ֔ים וּ/גְבָע֖וֹת בְּ/מֹאזְנָֽיִם
מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Part
מָדַ֨ד mâdad H4058 to measure V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/שָׁעֳל֜/וֹ shôʻal H8168 handful Prep | N-ms | Suff
מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
וְ/שָׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 heaven Conj | N-mp
בַּ/זֶּ֣רֶת zereth H2239 span Prep | N-fs
תִּכֵּ֔ן tâkan H8505 to measure V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ/כָ֥ל kûwl H3557 to sustain Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּ/שָּׁלִ֖שׁ shâlîysh H7991 third Prep | N-ms
עֲפַ֣ר ʻâphâr H6083 dust N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
וְ/שָׁקַ֤ל shâqal H8254 to weigh Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/פֶּ֨לֶס֙ peleç H6425 balance Prep | N-ms
הָרִ֔ים har H2022 mountain N-mp
וּ/גְבָע֖וֹת gibʻâh H1389 Gibeat Conj | N-fp
בְּ/מֹאזְנָֽיִם môʼzên H3976 balance Prep | N-md
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:12

מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
מָדַ֨ד mâdad H4058 "to measure" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
בְּ/שָׁעֳל֜/וֹ shôʻal H8168 "handful" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This term means the hollow of the hand or a handful, as in Exodus 9:8 and Leviticus 2:2.
Definition: 1) hollow hand, hollow of hand, handful 1a) hollow hand, hollow of hand 1b) handful
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: handful, hollow of the hand. See also: 1 Kings 20:10; Isaiah 40:12; Ezekiel 13:19.
מַ֗יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/שָׁמַ֨יִם֙ shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
בַּ/זֶּ֣רֶת zereth H2239 "span" Prep | N-fs
A span is a unit of measure, about half a cubit, or the distance from thumb to little finger on an outstretched hand. It appears in the Bible as a way to describe length.
Definition: 1) span 1a) a unit of measure, approx half-cubit, or the distance from the thumb to the little finger on an outstretched hand
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: span. See also: Exodus 28:16; 1 Samuel 17:4; Isaiah 40:12.
תִּכֵּ֔ן tâkan H8505 "to measure" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
וְ/כָ֥ל kûwl H3557 "to sustain" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
בַּ/שָּׁלִ֖שׁ shâlîysh H7991 "third" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a high-ranking officer or captain, often carrying a shield. It also describes a musical instrument or a large quantity. The word is used in different contexts, including the stories of King David and his military leaders.
Definition: 1) third part 1a) name of a measure
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: captain, instrument of musick, (great) lord, (great) measure, prince, three (from the margin). See also: Exodus 14:7; 2 Kings 10:25; Psalms 80:6.
עֲפַ֣ר ʻâphâr H6083 "dust" N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/שָׁקַ֤ל shâqal H8254 "to weigh" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To weigh or measure something, like a merchant weighing goods, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Proverbs 16:11.
Definition: 1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weigh 1a2) to weigh out (a price) 1a3) of grief (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be weighed 1b2) to be weighed out Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. See also: Genesis 23:16; Esther 4:7; Isaiah 33:18.
בַּ/פֶּ֨לֶס֙ peleç H6425 "balance" Prep | N-ms
This noun refers to a balance or scale, like the ones used to measure weight. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'scales' or 'weight'.
Definition: balance, scale
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scales, weight. See also: Proverbs 16:11; Isaiah 40:12.
הָרִ֔ים har H2022 "mountain" N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וּ/גְבָע֖וֹת gibʻâh H1389 "Gibeat" Conj | N-fp
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
בְּ/מֹאזְנָֽיִם môʼzên H3976 "balance" Prep | N-md
In the Bible, this word means a pair of scales used for weighing, like the ones in the book of Leviticus. It symbolizes fairness and justice. The prophet Daniel also used scales in his visions.
Definition: scales, balances Aramaic equivalent: mo.zen (מֹאזֵנְיָא "scale" H3977)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: balances. See also: Leviticus 19:36; Isaiah 40:12; Psalms 62:10.

Study Notes — Isaiah 40:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. 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?
  2. In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty over creation, as described in Isaiah 40:12?
  3. How does the metaphor of holding the dust of the earth in a basket comfort or challenge me in my relationship with God?
  4. 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

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand?.... The following account of the power, wisdom, and all sufficiency of God, and which is to be understood of Christ, is to show that he is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:12

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? i.e. who can measure them? for indicative verbs in the Hebrew language are oft taken potentially. Who can do this and the following things but God! And this discourse of God’ s infinite power and wisdom is here conveniently added, to give them the greater assurance that God was able, as he had declared himself willing, to do these great and wonderful things which he had promised; and that neither men nor false gods were able to hinder him in it. God is here compared to a mighty giant, supposed to be so big that he can take up and hold all the waters of the sea and rivers of the whole world in one hand, and span the heavens, and then take up and weigh the whole earth with the other hand.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12

Isaiah 40:12 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?Ver. 12. Who hath measured the waters.] Who but God alone. Totus est in hoc libro, ut confirmet nos in fide. God made heaven, earth, and sea, in number, weight, and measure, as an architect; therefore he wanteth neither power nor wisdom to work in and for his people. And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure.] In a tierce, or in "three fingers"; for he spoke before of the "hollow" and "span of God’ s hand."

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12

(12) Who hath measured . . .?—Another section opens, expanding the thought of the eternal majesty of Jehovah, as contrasted with the vanity of the idols, or “no-gods,” of the heathen. The whole passage in form and thought supplies once more a parallelism with Job 38:4; Job 38:25; Job 38:37. The whole image is divinely anthropomorphic. The Creator is the great Work-master (Wis 13:1) of the universe, ordering all things, like a human artificer, by number and weight and measure. The mountains of the earth are as dust in the scales of the Infinite.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:12

12–14. The argument for the infinitude of God opens with a series of rhetorical questions, not needing to be answered, but intended to raise the thoughts of despondent Israelites to the contemplation of the true nature of the God they worshipped. For a different purpose, namely, to humble the pride of human reason, the Almighty Himself addresses a similar series of interrogations to Job (Isaiah 38:4 ff.).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:12

Who hath measured - The object in this and the following verses to Isaiah 40:26, is to show the greatness, power, and majesty of God, by strong contrast with his creatures, and more especially with idols.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:12

12-14. In the presence and hearing of the Jewish people, the prophet asks, Who hath measured… meted… comprehended — The verbs are in the past tense, and the last is better rendered as here written

Sermons on Isaiah 40:12

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala 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
A.W. Tozer (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
Leonard Ravenhill 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
Chuck Smith 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
Paul Washer 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
Chuck Smith 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
Carl Armerding 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

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