Isaiah 42:17
Isaiah 42:17 in Multiple Translations
But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
¶ They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
They shall be turned back, they shall be utterly put to shame, that trust in graven images, that say unto molten images, Ye are our gods.
They will be turned back and be greatly shamed who put their hope in pictured images, who say to metal images, You are our gods.
But those who trust in idols and say to images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be rejected in humiliation and shame.
They shall be turned backe: they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in grauen images, and say to the molten images, Yee are our gods.
Removed backward — utterly ashamed, Are those trusting in a graven image, Those saying to a molten image, 'Ye [are] our gods.'
“Those who trust in engraved images, who tell molten images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back. They will be utterly disappointed.
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
They are turned back: let them be greatly confounded, that trust in a graven thing, that say to a molten thing: You are our god.
But those who trust in carved idols, and say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be completely humiliated/disgraced.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:17
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 42:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נָסֹ֤גוּ
אָחוֹר֙
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
בֹ֔שֶׁת
הַ/בֹּטְחִ֖ים
בַּ/פָּ֑סֶל
הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים
לְ/מַסֵּכָ֖ה
אַתֶּ֥ם
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
נָסֹ֤גוּ
çûwg
H5472
to turn
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
אָחוֹר֙
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-ms
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בֹ֔שֶׁת
bôsheth
H1322
shame
N-fs
הַ/בֹּטְחִ֖ים
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Art | V-Qal
בַּ/פָּ֑סֶל
peçel
H6459
idol
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Art | V-Qal
לְ/מַסֵּכָ֖ה
maççêkâh
H4541
liquid
Prep | N-fs
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:17
נָסֹ֤גוּ
çûwg
H5472
"to turn"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back 1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back). See also: Psalms 35:4; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 40:15.
אָחוֹר֙
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
בֹ֔שֶׁת
bôsheth
H1322
"shame"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for shame describes a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, and can also refer to something that causes shame. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of shame or embarrassment, as in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) shame 1a) shame 1b) shameful thing
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: ashamed, confusion, [phrase] greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 35:26.
הַ/בֹּטְחִ֖ים
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Art | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בַּ/פָּ֑סֶל
peçel
H6459
"idol"
Prep | 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.
הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/מַסֵּכָ֖ה
maççêkâh
H4541
"liquid"
Prep | N-fs
This term can mean a veil or covering, but also a cast metal image or a woven fabric, like a web or coverlet.
Definition: 1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering 1a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) 1b) molten metal, molten image, molten gods
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: covering, molten (image), vail. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Kings 17:16; Psalms 106:19.
אַתֶּ֥ם
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.
אֱלֹהֵֽי/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 42:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 42:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:17
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
- Sermons on Isaiah 42:17
Context — A New Song of Praise
15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes.
16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18Listen, you deaf ones; look, you blind ones, that you may see! 19Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 97:7 | All worshipers of images are put to shame— those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods! |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:29 | Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen. |
| 3 | Isaiah 44:11 | Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. |
| 4 | Isaiah 45:16–17 | They will all be put to shame and humiliated; the makers of idols will depart together in disgrace. But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting. |
| 5 | Exodus 32:4 | He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” |
| 6 | Exodus 32:8 | How quickly they have turned aside from the way that I commanded them! They have made for themselves a molten calf and have bowed down to it. They have sacrificed to it and said, ‘These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’” |
| 7 | Isaiah 44:17 | 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.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 2:26–27 | As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:18–20 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. |
Isaiah 42:17 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of trusting in things that are not God, like idols or statues. When we put our faith in these things, we will ultimately be disappointed and ashamed, as seen in Isaiah 42:17. Instead, we should put our trust in the one true God, who promises to guide and care for us, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can avoid the shame and heartache that comes from idolatry and experience His love and mercy instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trust in idols?
Trusting in idols means putting one's faith and confidence in false gods or man-made objects, rather than the one true God, as seen in Isaiah 42:17, and warned against in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9.
Why will those who trust in idols be turned back in utter shame?
Those who trust in idols will be turned back in utter shame because they have rejected the true God and put their faith in worthless, powerless objects, as seen in Psalm 96:5 and Isaiah 44:9-20.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a contrast to the promises of God's guidance and care for His people in Isaiah 42:16, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God and trusting in idols instead.
What is the significance of the phrase 'utter shame' in this verse?
The phrase 'utter shame' emphasizes the complete and total humiliation that will come to those who trust in idols, as they realize their foolishness and the worthlessness of their idols, as seen in Jeremiah 2:26-27 and Ezekiel 36:32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be trusting in, and how can I turn my heart back to the one true God?
- How can I discern when I am putting my trust in something other than God, and what steps can I take to repent and return to Him?
- What does it mean to 'say to molten images, You are our gods!' in my own life, and how can I avoid this kind of idolatry?
- How can I balance the warning of this verse with the promise of God's love and mercy, and what does this say about God's character?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:17
They shall be turned back,.... Either from their former course, from their idolatry and their idols, and be converted, and turn to the living God; or it may be understood of such Gentiles as were not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:17
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
This may be understood either, 1. Of the converted Gentiles; who shall be turned back from their former sinful course, and shall sincerely grieve, and be ashamed that they did trust, &c., as the word may be rendered; that they should ever be guilty of such wickedness and madness to worship and trust in idols. Or rather, 2. Of those Gentiles who, when their brethren embraced the true God and Christ, persisted obstinately in their idolatrous courses, who shall be confounded and destroyed; for this phrase of being turned back is generally used in Scripture in a bad sense; or of them who are overthrown, or put to flight in battle, as 35:4 70:2,3, &c. And the like I may say of being ashamed, or confounded, or put to shame, especially where this phrase is joined with the other, as it is in the two places of the Psalms last quoted.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye [are] our gods.Ver. 17. They shall be greatly ashamed.] Heb., Be ashamed with shame; because disappointed and defeated, as the Papists oft have been when they have fought against Protestants, in that Bellum Hussiticum in Germany especially; and yet Bellarmine hath the face to say that the Catholics were never yet worsted by the heretics, as they call us, in a set battle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
(17) They shall be greatly ashamed . . .—Manifestly the winding up of a section. The foretold victories of Cyrus shall bring shame and confusion on the worshippers of the idols which he, the representative of a purer faith, should overthrow.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:17
17. The confusion of the idolaters, through the “revelation of the glory of God” (ch. Isaiah 40:5), the Babylonians being those specially referred to (cf. ch. Isaiah 46:1); they shall be utterly ashamed (as ch. Isaiah 41:11).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:17
They shall be turned back - The phrases, to be turned back, and to be suffused with shame, are frequently used in the Scriptures to denote a state of disappointment in regard to an object of trust or
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:17
Sec. 3. GOD’S WITH ISRAEL, Isaiah 42:17 to Isaiah 44:5.The controversy with heathendom closed. Its period is from Abraham’s call ideally to the last triumph of Messiah. The message is now again to Israel.
Sermons on Isaiah 42:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His |
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To the Moles and to the Bats! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of God in the lives of His people, illustrating how, in a day of divine exaltation, believers will reject their idols—symbolized b |
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The Message of Psalms by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound truths about worship as revealed in the Psalms, highlighting the conception of God as Jehovah, Elohim, and Adonahy, which compels worship |
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Psalm 97 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the encouragement of faith to joyfully contemplate Christ's kingdom, which may be hidden from the world but is dreadful to all adversaries. Believers are e |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of devotion to God's purpose for his people. He emphasizes that serving God in the utmost way requires complete dedication and |
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Days of the Golden Calf - Jonathan Cahn by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Jonathan Cahn discusses the story of the golden calf from the book of Exodus. He emphasizes how the Israelites, despite being called out and chosen by God, fell int |