Isaiah 44:16
Isaiah 44:16 in Multiple Translations
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.”
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied; yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire.
With part of it he makes a fire, and on the fire he gets meat cooked and takes a full meal: he makes himself warm, and says, Aha! I am warm, I have seen the fire:
So he burns part of the wood to roast his meat to eat, and to warm him up, and says, “Ah! Look at that fire that keeps me warm!”
He burneth the halfe thereof euen in the fire, and vpon the halfe thereof he eateth flesh: he rosteth the roste and is satisfied: also he warmeth himselfe and sayth, Aha, I am warme, I haue bene at the fire.
Half of it he hath burnt in the fire, By [this] half of it he eateth flesh, He roasteth a roasting, and is satisfied, Yea, he is warm, and saith: 'Aha, I have become warm, I have enjoyed the light.
He burns part of it in the fire. With part of it, he eats meat. He roasts a roast and is satisfied. Yes, he warms himself and says, “Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire.”
He burneth part of it in the fire; with part of it he eateth flesh; he roasteth meat, and is satisfied: yes, he warmeth himself , and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:
Part of it he burnt with fire, and with part of it he dressed his meat: he boiled pottage, and was filled, and was warmed, and said: Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire.
He burns part of the wood of the tree to cook his meat and eats the meat and his stomach becomes full, and he burns part of the wood to warm his body, and he says, “I feel warm while I am watching the flames in the fire.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:16
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 44:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
שָׂרַ֣ף
בְּמוֹ
אֵ֔שׁ
עַל
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
בָּשָׂ֣ר
יֹאכֵ֔ל
יִצְלֶ֥ה
צָלִ֖י
וְ/יִשְׂבָּ֑ע
אַף
יָחֹם֙
וְ/יֹאמַ֣ר
הֶאָ֔ח
חַמּוֹתִ֖י
רָאִ֥יתִי
אֽוּר
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
chêtsîy
H2677
half
N-ms | Suff
שָׂרַ֣ף
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּמוֹ
bᵉmôw
H1119
in/at/by
Prep
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
chêtsîy
H2677
half
N-ms | Suff
בָּשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
יֹאכֵ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יִצְלֶ֥ה
tsâlâh
H6740
to roast
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צָלִ֖י
tsâlîy
H6748
roasted
N-ms
וְ/יִשְׂבָּ֑ע
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
יָחֹם֙
châmam
H2552
to warm
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הֶאָ֔ח
heʼâch
H1889
Aha!
Part
חַמּוֹתִ֖י
châmam
H2552
to warm
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
רָאִ֥יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֽוּר
ʼûwr
H217
flame
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:16
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
N-ms | Suff
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
שָׂרַ֣ף
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
בְּמוֹ
bᵉmôw
H1119
"in/at/by"
Prep
This Hebrew word means in, at, by, or with, and is used to show location or relationship. It is translated as for, in, into, or through in the KJV Bible. The word is used to describe a sense of place or direction.
Definition: in, at, by
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: for, in into, through. See also: Job 9:30; Psalms 11:2; Isaiah 25:10.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חֶצְי/וֹ֙
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
N-ms | Suff
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
בָּשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
יֹאכֵ֔ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
יִצְלֶ֥ה
tsâlâh
H6740
"to roast"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To roast means to cook food over an open fire, like the Israelites did in the wilderness. This word is used in the book of Exodus to describe preparing meat for eating.
Definition: (Qal) to roast
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: roast. See also: 1 Samuel 2:15; Isaiah 44:16; Isaiah 44:19.
צָלִ֖י
tsâlîy
H6748
"roasted"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means food that is roasted, often referring to meat cooked over an open flame, like a roast. It is used to describe the preparation of animals for eating.
Definition: 1) roasted, roast 2) (CLBL) roasted
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: roast. See also: Exodus 12:8; Exodus 12:9; Isaiah 44:16.
וְ/יִשְׂבָּ֑ע
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
אַף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
יָחֹם֙
châmam
H2552
"to warm"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to warm or heat something, like in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers warm water to wash feet. It can also describe strong emotions, like passion or desire.
Definition: 1) to be hot, become warm 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow warm 1a2) of passion (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to become aroused, inflame oneself with 1c) (Piel) to warm 1d) (Hithpael) to warm oneself
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: enflame self, get (have) heat, be (wax) hot, (be, wax) warm (self, at). See also: Exodus 16:21; Ecclesiastes 4:11; Psalms 39:4.
וְ/יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
הֶאָ֔ח
heʼâch
H1889
"Aha!"
Part
This word is an expression of surprise or excitement, like saying 'aha'. It's used in the Bible to show strong emotions, like in Psalm 35:21. It's a sudden reaction
Definition: aha!
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ah, aha, ha. See also: Job 39:25; Psalms 70:4; Psalms 35:21.
חַמּוֹתִ֖י
châmam
H2552
"to warm"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to warm or heat something, like in Genesis 18:4, where Abraham offers warm water to wash feet. It can also describe strong emotions, like passion or desire.
Definition: 1) to be hot, become warm 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or grow warm 1a2) of passion (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to become aroused, inflame oneself with 1c) (Piel) to warm 1d) (Hithpael) to warm oneself
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: enflame self, get (have) heat, be (wax) hot, (be, wax) warm (self, at). See also: Exodus 16:21; Ecclesiastes 4:11; Psalms 39:4.
רָאִ֥יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֽוּר
ʼûwr
H217
"flame"
N-ms
This word means flame or fire, and also refers to the East as a region of light. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Job, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. Light is a powerful symbol in scripture.
Definition: flame, light of fire
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fire, light. See also H224 (אוּרִים). See also: Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 47:14; Isaiah 31:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Isaiah 44:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
Context — The LORD Has Chosen Israel
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.”
17From 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.” 18They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.Isaiah 44:16 Summary
Isaiah 44:16 shows us how people can be satisfied with the physical things in life, like food and warmth, but still be missing out on a deeper relationship with God. This verse is saying that we can get so caught up in enjoying the things of this world that we forget about the spiritual realities, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17. It's like being warm by the fire, but not really seeing the fire for what it is - a gift from God, as described in James 1:17. We need to be careful not to idolize the things of this world, but instead, worship the One who created them, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of burning half of the wood in the fire in Isaiah 44:16?
The act of burning half of the wood in the fire represents the dual nature of humanity's relationship with creation, where we use some of it for our physical needs and the other part for idolatrous purposes, as seen in Isaiah 44:15 and Isaiah 44:17. This dichotomy is also reflected in Romans 1:25, where people exchange the truth of God for a lie.
How can someone be satisfied with the physical comforts of life and yet be idolatrous?
The Bible teaches that our hearts can be deceitful and that we can be self-deceived, as written in Jeremiah 17:9. In Isaiah 44:16, the person is satisfied with the roast and the warmth, but in verse 17, they make an idol from the remaining wood, demonstrating the human tendency to idolize creation rather than the Creator, as warned in Romans 1:21-23.
What does it mean to 'see the fire' in Isaiah 44:16?
Seeing the fire in this context means being aware of the immediate, physical benefits of creation, such as warmth and sustenance, but being oblivious to the spiritual reality of idolatry, as described in Isaiah 44:18. This spiritual blindness is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:4, where the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of idolatry in Isaiah 44?
Isaiah 44:16 is a pivotal verse in the chapter's discussion on idolatry, as it highlights the absurdity of worshiping something that was created by human hands, as also seen in Isaiah 44:12-15 and Isaiah 44:20. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 115:4-8, where the futility of idol worship is exposed.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I use God's creation for my own comfort and satisfaction, and how can I ensure that I am not idolizing these things?
- How can I balance my appreciation for the physical world with a deeper awareness of spiritual realities, as cautioned in Colossians 2:8?
- In what ways am I 'warm' and comfortable in my life, but potentially blind to the spiritual dangers of idolatry, as warned in 1 John 5:21?
- What does it mean for me to 'see the fire' in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and work in my life, as encouraged in Psalm 119:18?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:16
He burneth part thereof in the fire,.... To warm himself with, as before: with part thereof he eateth flesh; that is, with part of it he dresses flesh, and makes it fit to eat; unless the meaning is,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:16
He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: With part
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
He eateth flesh; he dresseth flesh for his eating. I have seen the fire; I have felt the warmth of it. Seeing is oft put for other senses, as feeling, hearing, &c., as hath been oft observed before.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
Isaiah 44:16 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth [himself], and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:Ver. 16. He burneth part thereof in the fire.] Which is to far better purpose than the other part made into an idol. I have seen the fire,] i.e., I have felt it. One sense puts forth another.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
(15-17) Then shall it be. . . .—The point on which the prophet dwells with indignant iteration is that it is a mere chance which half of the shapeless log is to be worshipped as a god, and which to be used for cooking the workmen’s dinner. Diagoras of Melos, the reputed atheist disciple of Democritus, is said to have thrown a wooden Hercules on his hearth, bidding the hero-god do a thirteenth labour, and boil his turnips (Del.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
Verse 16. With part - "AND with part"] Twenty-three MSS., the Septuagint, and Vulgate add the conjunction ו vau, and ועל veal.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:16
16. part thereof] lit. “half thereof,” as opposed to “the residue thereof” in Isaiah 44:17. Cf. Isaiah 44:19, “upon the coals thereof.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:16
With part thereof he eateth flesh - That is, he prepares flesh to eat, or prepares his food. He roasteth roast - He roasts meat.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:16
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.