Isaiah 41:24
Isaiah 41:24 in Multiple Translations
Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work is of nought; an abomination is he that chooseth you.
But you are nothing, and your work is of no value: foolish is he who takes you for his gods.
But look at you! You're nothing, and you can't do anything! Anyone who chooses you is disgusting!
Beholde, ye are of no value, and your making is of naught: man hath chosen an abomination by them.
Lo, ye [are] of nothing, and your work of nought, An abomination — it fixeth on you.
Behold, you are nothing, and your work is nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of naught: an abomination is he that chooseth you.
Behold, you are of nothing, and your work of that which hath no being: he that hath chosen you is an abomination.
But that is impossible, because idols are absolutely worthless [HYP]; they can do nothing, and I detest those who decide to worship idols.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:24
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 41:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵן
אַתֶּ֣ם
מֵ/אַ֔יִן
וּ/פָעָלְ/כֶ֖ם
מֵ/אָ֑פַע
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
יִבְחַ֥ר
בָּ/כֶֽם
הֵן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מֵ/אַ֔יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Prep | Part
וּ/פָעָלְ/כֶ֖ם
pôʻal
H6467
work
Conj | N-ms | Suff
מֵ/אָ֑פַע
ʼêphaʻ
H659
worthless
Prep | N-ms
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יִבְחַ֥ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ/כֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:24
הֵן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
מֵ/אַ֔יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וּ/פָעָלְ/כֶ֖ם
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
מֵ/אָ֑פַע
ʼêphaʻ
H659
"worthless"
Prep | N-ms
Worthless means something is without value, like a breath of air, as in Isaiah 57:13. It signifies something is empty or insignificant.
Definition: worthless, of nought
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: of nought. See also: Isaiah 41:24.
תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
יִבְחַ֥ר
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.
בָּ/כֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:24
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:24
Context — Meaningless Idols
22“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming.
23Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay.
24Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.
25I have raised up one from the north, and he has come— one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. 26Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 115:8 | Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 8:4 | So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:29 | See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 10:8 | But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 7:26 | And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:19 | They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 10:14 | Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 27:15 | ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 9 | Revelation 17:5 | And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 51:17–18 | Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. |
Isaiah 41:24 Summary
Isaiah 41:24 is a powerful statement about the worthlessness of idols and the foolishness of choosing them over the one true God. The verse says that idols are 'nothing' and have no real value, and that anyone who chooses to follow them is considered detestable. This is a reminder that our worship and trust should be in the Lord alone, who is all-powerful and all-knowing (as seen in Psalm 115:1-8 and Jeremiah 10:6-10). By recognizing the emptiness of idols, we can turn our hearts to the true God and find fulfillment and purpose in Him, just as we're encouraged to do in 1 John 5:21 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'you are nothing' in Isaiah 41:24?
This phrase is a declaration of the worthlessness of idols, emphasizing that they have no power or value, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 96:5 and Jeremiah 10:15.
Why does the verse say 'anyone who chooses you is detestable'?
This statement highlights the consequences of idolatry, warning that those who choose to follow false gods will be considered detestable by the Lord, as also mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:26 and 2 Peter 2:12-13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry in the Bible?
Isaiah 41:24 is part of a larger discussion on the futility of idol worship, emphasizing that idols are mere creations of human hands and have no power to predict the future or control events, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Acts 17:29.
What is the main message of Isaiah 41:24 to believers today?
The main message is a call to recognize the superiority of the one true God over all false idols and human creations, and to trust in His power and wisdom, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:28-31 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be tempted to elevate created things above the Creator, and how can I guard against this in my own life?
- How does the declaration that idols 'are nothing' and 'of no value' challenge my own perceptions of what is truly valuable and worthy of worship?
- What are some modern forms of idolatry that I may be unaware of, and how can I examine my heart to see if I am unknowingly participating in them?
- In what ways can I practically apply the truth of Isaiah 41:24 to my daily life, especially in the face of temptation or pressure to conform to worldly standards?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:24
Behold, ye are of nothing,.... Not as to the matter of them, for they were made of gold, silver, brass, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:24
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. Ye are of nothing - (note, Isaiah 40:17.) And your work of nought.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
Ye are of nothing; you lately were nothing, without any being at all, and now you have nothing at all of divinity or virtue in you. Your work; either, 1. Passively, your workmanship, all the cost and art which is laid out upon you. Or, 2. Actively, all that you can do. Your operations are like your beings; there is no reality in your beings, nor efficacy in your actions. He that chooseth you; he that chooseth you for his gods, is most abominable for his folly as well as his wickedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
Isaiah 41:24 Behold, ye [are] of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination [is he that] chooseth you.Ver. 24. Behold, ye are of nothing.] Hence Paul took that assertion of his; "we know that an idol is nothing in the world." For the matter of it, it is true, wood is wood, and stone is stone; but the relation and signification which is fastened thereunto, is nothing at all: all the being of an idol is nothing but the idolater’ s imagination. And your work of nought.] Or, Of the basilisk or viper; it will do you to death. An abomination is he that curseth you.] Papists, therefore, must needs be abominable idolaters. Dr Rainolds’ s work, De Idololatria Romana, is yet unanswered. Weston writes that his head ached in reading it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
(24) Behold, ye are of nothing.—This is the summing up of the prophet, speaking as in the Judge’s name. The idol was “nothing in the world” (1 Corinthians 8:4). The demonic view of the gods of the heathen does not appear, as in St. Paul’s argument (1 Corinthians 10:20), side by side with that of their nothingness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
Verse 24. Your work of naught - "Your operation is less than naught"] For מאפע meepha, read מאפס meephes; so the Chaldee and Vulgate. A manifest error of the text; compare Isaiah 40:17. The rabbins acknowledge no such error, but say that the former word signifies the same with the latter, by a change of the two letters ס samech and ע ain. - Sal. ben Melec in loc.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:24
24. The silence of the idols settles the controversy. of nothing … of nought] See on ch. Isaiah 40:17. The word ’épha‘ here is probably a copyist’s error for ’épheṣ ?. he that chooseth you]—your worshipper.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:24
Behold, ye are of nothing - Margin, ‘Worse than nothing.’ This refers to idols; and the idea is, that they were utterly vain and powerless; they were as unable to render aid to their worshippers as
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:24
24. Behold, ye are of nothing — Hebrew, worse than nothing. And your work of naught — Hebrew, worse than a viper. If this be the true reading, they are not only worse than nothing but their work is venomous.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Things That Destroy Godly Character by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing how it can distort our character and relationship with God. He explains that trials and tribulat |
|
Letter 2 by St. Athanasius | St. Athanasius emphasizes the joy of Easter and the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ and the saints. He encourages believers to not only hear the Gospel bu |
|
Psalms 115:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that every person has an inherent capacity for God and is bound to an authority, which often leads to idolatry. He identifies three primary forms of idolatry |
|
The Christian View of Life by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing knowledge, liberty, and responsibility in the right way as a Christian. He highlights the need for knowledge to be |
|
Homily 10 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. H |
|
|
Against the Heathen by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches against idolatry, highlighting the inconsistency and godlessness of worshipping images and false gods. He questions the rationale behind attributing divine attr |
|
The Triunity of God by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson addresses the confusion surrounding the nature of God, particularly focusing on the denial of the trinity by various religious groups throughout history. He delves |