Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 44:14 in Multiple Translations
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.
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the holm-tree and the oak, and strengtheneth for himself one among the trees of the forest: he planteth a fir-tree, and the rain doth nourish it.
He has cedars cut down for himself, he takes an oak and lets it get strong among the trees of the wood; he has an ash-tree planted, and the rain gives it growth.
He chops down cedars, or takes a cypress or an oak. He lets them grow strong in the forest. He plants a fir tree, and the rain makes it grow.
He will hewe him downe cedars, and take the pine tree and the oke, and taketh courage among the trees of the forest: he planteth a firre tree, and the raine doeth nourish it.
Cutting down to himself cedars, He taketh also a cypress, and an oak, And he strengtheneth [it] for himself Among the trees of a forest, He hath planted an ash, and the shower doth nourish [it].
He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes the cypress and the oak, and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest. He plants a cypress tree, and the rain nourishes it.
He heweth down cedars for himself, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it .
He hath cut down cedars, taken the holm, and the oak that stood among the trees of the forest: he hath planted the pine tree, which the rain hath nourished.
Before he carves an idol from that block of wood, he has cut down a cedar tree, or he has selected a cypress tree or an oak tree and allowed it to grow tall in the forest. Or, he has planted a pine/evergreen tree and the rain has watered it and caused it to grow tall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:14
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 44:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/כְרָת
ל֣/וֹ
אֲרָזִ֔ים
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
תִּרְזָה֙
וְ/אַלּ֔וֹן
וַ/יְאַמֶּץ
ל֖/וֹ
בַּ/עֲצֵי
יָ֑עַר
נָטַ֥ע
אֹ֖רֶ
וְ/גֶ֥שֶׁם
יְגַדֵּֽל
לִ/כְרָת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֲרָזִ֔ים
ʼerez
H730
cedar
N-mp
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
תִּרְזָה֙
tirzâh
H8645
cypress
N-fs
וְ/אַלּ֔וֹן
ʼallôwn
H437
oak
Conj | N-ms
וַ/יְאַמֶּץ
ʼâmats
H553
to strengthen
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַּ/עֲצֵי
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-mp
יָ֑עַר
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
N-ms
נָטַ֥ע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֹ֖רֶ
ʼôren
H766
fir
N-ms
וְ/גֶ֥שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
rain
Conj | N-ms
יְגַדֵּֽל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:14
לִ/כְרָת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲרָזִ֔ים
ʼerez
H730
"cedar"
N-mp
A cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, like the cedar wood used to build Solomon's temple in 1 Kings 5-6. The cedar tree was highly valued in ancient times for its timber and wood.
Definition: 1) cedar 1a) cedar tree 1b) cedar timber, cedar wood (in building) 1c) cedar wood (in purifications)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cedar (tree). See also: Leviticus 14:4; 1 Chronicles 22:4; Psalms 29:5.
וַ/יִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
תִּרְזָה֙
tirzâh
H8645
"cypress"
N-fs
This word refers to a type of tree, possibly a cypress. It is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of mourning or sadness in books like Isaiah.
Definition: 1) a type of tree 1a) perhaps the cypress, holm-tree 1b) meaning very uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cypress. See also: Isaiah 44:14.
וְ/אַלּ֔וֹן
ʼallôwn
H437
"oak"
Conj | N-ms
In biblical times, an 'alown' was a strong tree, often translated as an oak, symbolizing strength and durability.
Definition: oak, great tree
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: oak. See also: Genesis 35:8; Ezekiel 27:6; Isaiah 2:13.
וַ/יְאַמֶּץ
ʼâmats
H553
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/עֲצֵי
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-mp
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.
יָ֑עַר
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
N-ms
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
נָטַ֥ע
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
אֹ֖רֶ
ʼôren
H766
"fir"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a strong and durable tree, often translated as fir or ash. The Bible mentions it as a symbol of strength and stability, like the cedar trees used in Solomon's temple.
Definition: fir tree, cedar
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: ash. See also: Isaiah 44:14.
וְ/גֶ֥שֶׁם
geshem
H1653
"rain"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.
Definition: rain, shower
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.
יְגַדֵּֽל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 44:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 44:14
Context — The LORD Has Chosen Israel
12The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.
13The 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.
14He 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.
15It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. 16He 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:20 | 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? |
| 2 | Jeremiah 10:3–8 | 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. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! |
| 3 | Hosea 4:12 | My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:19 | 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.” |
Isaiah 44:14 Summary
Isaiah 44:14 describes how a person can cut down trees and use them for various purposes, but it also reminds us that God is the one who provides for our needs, just like the rain makes the laurel tree grow (Psalm 104:14). This verse encourages us to trust in God's care and provision, rather than relying on our own strength or abilities (Proverbs 3:5-6). By recognizing the difference between God's power and human efforts, we can avoid the temptation to worship created things and instead worship the Creator (Romans 1:25). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision in our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Isaiah 44:14?
The main point of Isaiah 44:14 is to describe the process of a person cutting down trees and using them for various purposes, highlighting the contrast between the power of God and human endeavors, as seen in Isaiah 44:15-16 and supported by Jeremiah 10:3-5.
What kind of trees are mentioned in Isaiah 44:14?
The trees mentioned in Isaiah 44:14 are cedars, cypress, oak, and laurel, which were all significant in the ancient world, as noted in 1 Kings 5:13 and Ezekiel 27:5.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Isaiah 44?
Isaiah 44:14 is part of a larger passage that critiques idolatry and highlights the foolishness of worshiping man-made gods, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20 and supported by Romans 1:18-25.
What is the significance of the rain making the laurel grow?
The rain making the laurel grow in Isaiah 44:14 symbolizes God's provision and care for His creation, as seen in Psalm 104:14 and Matthew 5:45.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's provision and care for my life, just as the laurel tree trusts in the rain to grow?
- How can I avoid the temptation to worship created things, rather than the Creator, as warned against in Romans 1:25?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to control or manipulate outcomes, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 44:14 to my daily life, recognizing the difference between God's power and human efforts?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:14
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak,.... To make gods of, trees both pleasant and durable, but all unfruitful: which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:14
He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
The cypress and the oak, which afford the best and most durable timber. Which he strengtheneth for himself among the tress of the forest: the sense of the words thus rendered is, that he planteth, and with care and diligence improveth, those trees among and above all the trees of the forest, that he or his posterity may thence have materials for their images, and those things which belong to them. And this sense seems to be favoured by the following clause, wherein it is said, he planteth an ash, for this very reason. Or the sense may be this, which he suffers to grow to greater strength and largeness than other trees of the forest, that they may be better and fitter for his use. Heb. and he strengtheneth himself, &c.; and he useth all his strength among the trees of the forest, in planting such as are proper for this end, in walking hither and thither to survey which is the best of them; in hewing them down, and in other things relating to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
Isaiah 44:14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish [it].Ver. 14. He heweth him down cedars.] Choice wood, yet but wood. Qualis igitur inde Deus consurgat? And the rain doth nourish it.] Not the idol; for it can do nothing toward the production of that matter whereof it is made. Some have observed that the four sorts of trees here mentioned are all of them fruitless, and growing in woods.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
(14) He heweth him down cedars.—The manufacture is traced further back, possibly by way of protest against the belief current in all nations that some archaic image had fallen from heaven (Acts 19:35). The “cypress” is probably the Quercus ilex, and the “ash” a fig tree; but the identification of trees in the language of a remote time and language is always somewhat uncertain. Which he strengtheneth for himself.—Better, fixeth his choice among. The eye travels, it will be noted, backward from the workshop.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
Verse 14. He heweth him down - "He heweth down"] For לכרת lichroth, the Septuagint and Vulgate read כרת carath or יכרת yichroth.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:14
Ch. Isaiah 44:6-23. The Reality of Jehovah’s Godhead, evinced by His Predictions, and contrasted with the manifold absurdities of IdolatryThe passage, which is merely a restatement of ideas already expressed, consists of three divisions: i. Isaiah 44:6-8. A re-assertion and demonstration of the eternity and sole Divinity of Jehovah. ii. Isaiah 44:9-20. A fresh exposure—the most complete and remorseless that the book contains—of the irrationality of idol-worship. iii. Isaiah 44:21-23. An exhortation to the exiles to lay these truths to heart, and cleave to the God who forgives their sins and who alone can deliver. Isaiah 44:23 is a lyrical effusion, such as the thought of the redemption frequently calls forth from the prophet.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:14
He heweth him down cedars - In the previous verses, the prophet had described the formation of an axe with which the work was to be done Isaiah 44:12, and the laying out, and carving of the idol Isaiah 44:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:14
14-17. Heweth… cedars… cypress… oak — Back of manufacture, the prophet now goes for the origin of idols. He seeks the trees from which they are made — trees which require rains long before they can be made into idols.
Sermons on Isaiah 44:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |