Isaiah 40:20

Isaiah 40:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple?

King James Version KJV

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.

American Standard Version ASV

He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a skilful workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The wise workman makes selection of the mulberry-tree of the offering, a wood which will not become soft; so that the image may be fixed to it and not be moved.

Free Bible Version FBV

Those who are too poor to pay for that choose wood that won't rot, then they look for a skilled wood-carver to make an idol that won't fall over.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Doeth not the poore chuse out a tree that will not rot, for an oblation? he seeketh also vnto him a cunning workeman, to prepare an image, that shall not be moued.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

He who is poor [by] heave-offerings, A tree not rotten doth choose, A skilful artisan he seeketh for it, To establish a graven image — not moved.

World English Bible WEB

He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up a carved image for him that will not be moved.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh for himself a skillful workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skillful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved.

Translation for Translators T4T

A man who is poor cannot buy silver or gold for his idol; so he selects a piece of wood that will not rot, and he gives it to a craftsman to carve an idol that will not fall down!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:20

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 40:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַֽ/מְסֻכָּ֣ן תְּרוּמָ֔ה עֵ֥ץ לֹֽא יִרְקַ֖ב יִבְחָ֑ר חָרָ֤שׁ חָכָם֙ יְבַקֶּשׁ ל֔/וֹ לְ/הָכִ֥ין פֶּ֖סֶל לֹ֥א יִמּֽוֹט

הַֽ/מְסֻכָּ֣ן çâkan H5533 to endanger Art | V-Pual-Inf-c

תְּרוּמָ֔ה tᵉrûwmâh H8641 contribution N-fs

עֵ֥ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִרְקַ֖ב râqab H7537 to rot V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

יִבְחָ֑ר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

חָרָ֤שׁ chârâsh H2796 artificer N-ms

חָכָם֙ châkâm H2450 wise Adj

יְבַקֶּשׁ bâqash H1245 to seek V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

לְ/הָכִ֥ין kûwn H3559 to establish Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

פֶּ֖סֶל peçel H6459 idol N-ms

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִמּֽוֹט môwṭ H4131 to shake V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:20

הַֽ/מְסֻכָּ֣ן çâkan H5533 "to endanger" Art | V-Pual-Inf-c

This verb means to cause someone to become poor or impoverished, often by damaging or cutting something. It is used to describe a loss of wealth or resources, like in a time of famine or war.

Definition: 1) to incur danger 1a) (Niphal) to endanger oneself

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: endanger, impoverish. See also: Ecclesiastes 10:9; Isaiah 40:20.

תְּרוּמָ֔ה tᵉrûwmâh H8641 "contribution" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a contribution or offering given to God, often as part of a sacrifice or tribute. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers, where it describes the gifts the Israelites gave to God. This word highlights the importance of giving to God.

Definition: 1) contribution, offering 1a) a heave offering 1b) any offering 1c) an offering to God 1d) an offering (of grain, money, etc) 1e) contribution

Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: gift, heave offering (shoulder), oblation, offered(-ing). See also: Exodus 25:2; Numbers 31:29; Proverbs 29:4.

עֵ֥ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִרְקַ֖ב râqab H7537 "to rot" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to rot or decay, often used to describe something falling apart, like in Proverbs 10:28 where the hopes of the wicked will rot. It's a strong image of something being destroyed.

Definition: (Qal) to rot

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rot. See also: Proverbs 10:7; Isaiah 40:20.

יִבְחָ֑ר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

חָרָ֤שׁ chârâsh H2796 "artificer" N-ms

A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.

Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.

חָכָם֙ châkâm H2450 "wise" Adj

This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.

Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.

יְבַקֶּשׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

לְ/הָכִ֥ין kûwn H3559 "to establish" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

פֶּ֖סֶל peçel H6459 "idol" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.

Definition: idol, image Also means: pe.sil (פָּסִיל "idol" H6456)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image. See also: Exodus 20:4; 2 Chronicles 33:7; Psalms 97:7.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יִמּֽוֹט môwṭ H4131 "to shake" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.

Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.

Study Notes — Isaiah 40:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 40:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:20
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:20
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20
Sermons on Isaiah 40:20

Context — Here Is Your God!

18To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? 19To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains?

20One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.

21Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the foundation of the earth? 22He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 10:3–4	For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter.
2	Isaiah 41:7	The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled.
3	Isaiah 46:7	They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.
4	Isaiah 2:8–9	Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. So mankind is brought low, and man is humbled— do not forgive them!
5	Daniel 5:23	Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.
6	1 Samuel 5:3–4	When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained.
7	Isaiah 44:13–19	The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread; he even fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.” They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”

Isaiah 40:20 Summary

[Isaiah 40:20 is talking about people who try to make idols that will last, but it's a pointless effort because these idols are still just man-made objects. The Bible says that God is the only one who is truly worthy of our worship and trust, as seen in Jeremiah 10:6-10. By contrast, idols are just weak and powerless things that can't even stand up on their own, as noted in Psalms 115:5-7. We should put our trust in the living God, who is powerful and loving, rather than in the fragile things of this world.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of choosing wood that will not rot in Isaiah 40:20?

The choice of durable wood for an idol in Isaiah 40:20 highlights the futility of trusting in man-made objects for spiritual guidance, as they are still inferior to the living God, who is described in Isaiah 40:21 as the One who sits enthroned above the earth.

Why does the verse mention a skilled craftsman setting up an idol that will not topple?

The mention of a skilled craftsman in Isaiah 40:20 emphasizes the care and attention that people devote to creating idols, which is ironic given that these idols are still powerless and unable to provide true guidance, as noted in Psalms 115:5-7.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible?

Isaiah 40:20 is part of a larger discussion in the Bible about the dangers of idolatry, as seen in verses like Exodus 20:4-5, which prohibit the creation of idols, and Isaiah 44:9-20, which mocks the foolishness of idol worship.

What is the main point that Isaiah 40:20 is trying to convey?

The main point of Isaiah 40:20 is to contrast the weakness and impermanence of human-made idols with the power and majesty of the one true God, who is worthy of our worship and trust, as expressed in Jeremiah 10:6-10.

Reflection Questions

What are some modern-day equivalents of 'choosing wood that will not rot' in our own lives, and how can we avoid putting our trust in these things?
How does the description of God in Isaiah 40:21-22 challenge my own understanding of His power and majesty?
In what ways do I prioritize the creation of my own 'idols' over seeking a genuine relationship with the living God?
What would it look like for me to trust in the true God, rather than in the fragile and imperfect things of this world?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:20

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation,.... Who is so poor that he cannot bring an offering to his God, yet he will have one; and though he cannot purchase a golden or silver one, or one

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:20

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20

That he hath no oblation; that he can hardly procure money sufficient to buy the meanest sacrifice for his God. He seeketh unto him a cunning workman; he is so mad upon his idols, that he will one way or other find money to procure the choicest materials, and the help of the best artist, to make his idol. That shall not be moved; which after all this cost and art cannot stir one step out of its place to give you any help.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20

Isaiah 40:20 He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved. Ver. 20. He that is so impoverished - chooseth a tree.] Which therehence may well say, - “ Olim truncus eram ficulnus, inutile lignum, Cum faber incertus scamnum, faceretne Priapum, Maluit esse Deum; Deus inde ego: ” -- He chooseth a tree that will not rot.] Which yet is hard to do; the cypress tree is most likely. But what goodly gods were those that could not keep themselves from rotting. A cunning workman.] Somewhat better than he who made the ugly rood of Cockram, whereof when they complained to the Mayor of Doncaster, he advised them to clap a pair of horns on the head of it, and then instead of a god, it would make an excellent devil.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20

(20) He that is so impoverished . . .—The transition is abrupt, but the intention apparently is to represent idolatry at its opposite extremes of the elaborate art in which kings and princes delighted, and the rude rough image, hardly more than a fetiche, the inutile lignum of Horace, “which cannot be moved,” standing on its own wide base, so as not to fall.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20

Verse 20. Chooseth a tree that will not rot] For what? To make a god out of it! The rich we find made theirs of gold and silver; the poor man was obliged to put up with a wooden god! From the words "he that hath no oblation chooseth a tree," we may learn that the gold and silver necessary to make the graven image was first dedicated, and then formed into a god! How stupid is idolatry! Strange that these people did not perceive that there could be no help in these molten and wooden idols!

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:20

20. He that is so … oblation] R.V. He that is too impoverished for such an oblation (lit. impoverished with respect to an oblation). If the text be sound this seems the only possible interpretation, although the whole sense turns on the word “such” which is in no way expressed. Moreover the technical tμrϋmβh (temple-oblation) has no appropriateness here. The LXX. appear to have read tμmϋnβh (ὁμοίωμα), which looks more promising, but leaves the word for “impoverished” (ξְ ?ρֻ ?λָּ ?ο) more unintelligible than ever. Jerome gives the information that mμṣ ?ukkβn is a durable kind of wood (see Vulg. “lignum imputribile”); and this has led some to connect it with an Assyrian word, musukkβnu (= palm-tree). The Targ. gives “he cutteth down a laurel-tree,” apparently taking ξρλο as a denominative from ρַ ?λִּ ?ιο (= knife). This shews at least that there was no reliable Jewish tradition as to the meaning of the word. Duhm, combining the hints of the Targ. and the LXX., obtains a reading which is as good as any that can be suggested: “He who carves an image.” The transition from the metal to the wooden idol is thus more distinctly expressed. a tree that will not rot] Such as those named in ch. Isaiah 44:14. A weak parody of Eternity! that shall not be moved] that will not totter. See 1 Samuel 5:3-4; cf. Wisd. Sol. 13:15 f.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:20

He that is so impoverished - So poor. So it is generally supposed that the word used here is to be understood, though interpreters have not been entirely agreed in regard to its signification.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:20

20. Chooseth a tree — Now for the wooden idol, and the most cunning workman sought for graver! See Isaiah 44:14.

Sermons on Isaiah 40:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) 59 - Joseph's Brethren and the Disciplines of Life by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph and his brothers in the land of Canaan. Joseph, who had been sold into slavery, has risen to power in Egypt and is now t
	To the Church of God in Lancashire by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of separating from worldly customs and standing as witnesses for Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from sin. He encourages believers to walk in the
	Epistle 261 by George Fox	George Fox preaches against the customs and titles of the world, emphasizing that true manners come from avoiding evil words and following God's law, rather than outward gestures o
	A Concern for Holiness and Its Cost by Ernest C. Reisinger	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the life of a Christian. He states that without holiness, no one can see the Lord. The speaker highlights that
	Worship and Witness by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of the gospel of Luke. He emphasizes the contrast between those who receive the word of God
	Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill	David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co
	Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar