Isaiah 45:9
Isaiah 45:9 in Multiple Translations
Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Cursed is he who has an argument with his Maker, the pot which has an argument with the Potter! Will the wet earth say to him who is working with it, What are you doing, that your work has nothing by which it may be gripped?
What trouble people face when they fight with their Creator—they're just pots among all the other pots on earth! Does the clay tell the potter who is shaping it, “What are you doing?” or “What you're making is so bad it's like you have no hands!”
Woe be vnto him that striueth with his maker, the potsherd with the potsherds of the earth: shall the clay say to him that facioneth it, What makest thou? or thy worke, It hath none hands?
Woe [to] him who is striving with his Former, (A potsherd with potsherds of the ground!) Doth clay say to its Framer, 'What dost thou?' And thy work, 'He hath no hands?'
Woe to him who strives with his Maker— a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth! Shall the clay ask him who fashions it, ‘What are you making?’ or your work, ‘He has no hands’?
Woe to him that contendeth with his Maker! Let the potsherd contend with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Woe to him that gainsayeth his maker, a sherd of the earthen pots: shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it: What art thou making, and thy work is without hands?
Terrible things will happen to those who argue with me, the one who created them. They are like [MET] a clay pot and I am like the one who made it; so they certainly cannot [RHQ] criticize me. A lump of clay certainly cannot [RHQ] argue with the one who shapes it to form a pot, saying, ‘Why are you making me like this?’ The pot cannot say ‘You have no skill, because what you made has no handles!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 45:9
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 45:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֗וֹי
רָ֚ב
אֶת
יֹ֣צְר֔/וֹ
חֶ֖רֶשׂ
אֶת
חַרְשֵׂ֣י
אֲדָמָ֑ה
הֲ/יֹאמַ֨ר
חֹ֤מֶר
לְ/יֹֽצְר/וֹ֙
מַֽה
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
וּ/פָעָלְ/ךָ֖
אֵין
יָדַ֥יִם
לֽ/וֹ
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
רָ֚ב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יֹ֣צְר֔/וֹ
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal | Suff
חֶ֖רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
חַרְשֵׂ֣י
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-mp
אֲדָמָ֑ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
N-fs
הֲ/יֹאמַ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חֹ֤מֶר
chômer
H2563
clay
N-ms
לְ/יֹֽצְר/וֹ֙
yâtsar
H3335
to form
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וּ/פָעָלְ/ךָ֖
pôʻal
H6467
work
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
יָדַ֥יִם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | 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 45:9
ה֗וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
רָ֚ב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יֹ֣צְר֔/וֹ
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
חֶ֖רֶשׂ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חַרְשֵׂ֣י
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-mp
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
אֲדָמָ֑ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
הֲ/יֹאמַ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Part | 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.
חֹ֤מֶר
chômer
H2563
"clay"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a dry measure, about 65 gallons, or a heap of material like clay or mire. It is used in the Bible to describe measurements and substances.
Definition: 1) cement, mortar, clay 1a) mortar, cement 1b) clay 1c) mire
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: clay, heap, homer, mire, motion. See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 5:10.
לְ/יֹֽצְר/וֹ֙
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
מַֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וּ/פָעָלְ/ךָ֖
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.
אֵין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
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.
יָדַ֥יִם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Isaiah 45:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 45:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:9
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
- Sermons on Isaiah 45:9
Context — God Calls Cyrus
7I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.
8Drip down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open up that salvation may sprout and righteousness spring up with it; I, the LORD, have created it.
9Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker— one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?
10Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What have you begotten?’ or to his mother, ‘What have you brought forth?’” 11Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “Concerning things to come, do you question Me about My sons, or instruct Me in the work of My hands?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 64:8 | But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. |
| 2 | Romans 9:20–21 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? |
| 3 | Isaiah 10:15 | Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! |
| 4 | Isaiah 29:16 | You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”? |
| 5 | Jeremiah 18:6 | “O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 7 | Job 40:8–9 | Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 50:24 | I laid a snare for you, O Babylon, and you were caught before you knew it. You were found and captured because you challenged the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:2–9 | The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury: “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 10 | Exodus 9:16–17 | But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go. |
Isaiah 45:9 Summary
Isaiah 45:9 warns us against questioning or arguing with God's plans for our lives, using the analogy of a potter and clay to illustrate His sovereignty and creative power. Just as clay doesn't question the potter, we should humbly submit to God's will, trusting in His wisdom and goodness, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By recognizing our place as God's creation, we can avoid quarreling with Him and instead, trust in His good plans for our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse encourages us to have a humble and submissive heart, trusting that God knows what's best for us, just like a parent knows what's best for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to quarrel with our Maker?
To quarrel with our Maker means to question or argue with God's sovereignty and plan for our lives, as seen in Isaiah 45:9, which is a form of rebellion against His authority, similar to the attitude of the potter's clay in Jeremiah 18:1-6.
Is it wrong to ask God questions about His plans?
While it's natural to have questions, Isaiah 45:9 warns against questioning God's intentions with a rebellious or argumentative heart, as seen in Romans 9:20, where it says, 'But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?'
What is the significance of the potter and clay analogy in this verse?
The potter and clay analogy, also found in Jeremiah 18:1-6 and Romans 9:20-21, illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and creative power, emphasizing that humans are His creation and should humbly submit to His will, rather than questioning or resisting it.
How can we avoid quarreling with our Maker?
We can avoid quarreling with God by cultivating a humble and submissive heart, recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and trusting in His good plans for our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I currently quarreling with God's plans or sovereignty?
- How can I cultivate a more humble and submissive heart, like clay in the potter's hands, as described in Isaiah 45:9?
- What are some ways I can trust God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when I don't understand His plans, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I balance asking God questions with avoiding a rebellious or argumentative heart, as warned against in Isaiah 45:9?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:9
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker,.... That contends with him, enters into a controversy, and disputes with him, or litigates a point with him; quarrels with his purposes and decrees; murmurs
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:9
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! This woe is denounced, either, 1. Against those Jews who, hearing this and many other prophecies and promises of their deliverance out of captivity, and vet continuing in captivity, were ever prone to distrust God, and to murmur at him for punishing them so grievously, and for not making more speed to deliver them. Or, 2. Against the Babylonians, the great opposers of Cyrus, and of the deliverance of God’ s people, whom they were resolved to keep in bondage, in spite of God and men. And therefore as God here makes many glorious promises to Cyrus, in order to this work; so he pronounceth a curse upon them who should endeavour to hinder it, and admonisheth the Babylonians, that they did not only fight against Cyrus, a man like themselves, but against God, the Maker and Governor of the world. For what Nebuchadnezzar spoke with respect to those three Jews, , the Babylonians spoke in their hearts, in reference to the people of the Jews, Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth; contend, if you please, with your fellow creatures, but not with your Creator. Thy work: he turneth his speech to the potter, of whom he spake in the third person in the foregoing clause; such sudden changes of persons being usual in prophetical writings. He hath no hands; the potter that made me had no hands, i.e. no ability or skill to make good work.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?Ver. 9. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker.] That contends with him, or presumes to prescribe to him, as some impatient spirits among the captives may seem to have done. We may not measure God’ s dealings by our models, nor murmur against his counsels; since his holy will is the most perfect rule of right. Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth.] And not dash against the rock of ages; let him meddle with his match, and not "contend with a mightier than he," What though God create him darkness and evil, let him wait upon God for better times, and not think to mend himself by murmuring against his Maker as too severe. Shall the clay say, &c., ] q.d., This were an intolerable petulance. Or thy work, it hath no hands?] Or, He hath no hands, sc., to fashion me aright. Thus the work seemeth to make answer to the clay; for as the clay said to the potter, Quid fecisti, What hast thou made? so the work saith, by way of jeer, he hath no hands, sc., to make me as he should have done.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
(9) Woe unto him that striveth . . .—The sequence of thought is not at first apparent. Were those who strove, the heathen nations who resisted Cyrus, or Israelites who desired some other deliverer, say a prince of the house of David? The latter seems more probable. In either case men were guilty of the folly of criticising the Almighty. Let the potsherd strive . . .—The sentence, as the italics show, is abrupt, but is better taken without inserting the verbs, and in apposition with the pronoun—Woe unto him . . . a potsherd among the potsherds; a frail mortal like all his fellows. Shall the clay say . . .—The potsherd suggests the potter, not without an allusive reference to the history of man’s creation in Genesis 2:7. As in Jeremiah 18:1-10; Romans 9:20-21, the thought pressed is that of absolute sovereignty, the belief in the wisdom and equity of that sovereignty being kept in the background, as a reserve force. The two clauses represent different aspects of presumption—the first questions, the other arrogantly condemns. The potter’s vessel says that the potter “has no hands,” is without creative power or skill.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
Verse 9. Wo unto him that striveth with his Maker - "To unto him that contendeth with the power that formed him"] The prophet answers or prevents the objections and cavils of the unbelieving Jews, disposed to murmur against God, and to arraign the wisdom and justice of his dispensations in regard to them; in permitting them to be oppressed by their enemies, and in promising them deliverance instead of preventing their captivity. St. Paul has borrowed the image, and has applied it to the like purpose with equal force and elegance: "Nay, but, O man! who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, out of the same lump to make one vessel to honour, and another to dishonour?" Isaiah 9:20; Isaiah 9:21. This is spoken says Kimchi, against the king of Babylon, who insulted the Most High, bringing forth the sacred vessels, drinking out of them, and magnifying himself against God. Or thy work, He hath no hands - "And to the workman, Thou hast no hands"] The Syriac renders, as if he had read, ולא היתי פעל ידיך velo hayithi pheal yadeycha, "neither am I the work of thy hands;" the Septuagint, as if they had read, ולא פעלת ואין ודים לך velo phaalta veeyn yaadim lecha, "neither hast thou made me; and thou hast no hands." But the fault seems to be in the transposition of the two pronouns; for ופעלך uphoolcha, read ופעלו uphoolo: and for לו lo, read לך lecha. So Houbigant corrects it; reading also ופעלו uphoolo; which last correction seems not altogether necessary. The Septuagint, in MSS.
Pachom. and I. D. II. have it thus, καιτοεργονουκεχειςχειρας, which favours the reading here proposed.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:9
9–13. These verses are addressed to a section of the exiles who resented the idea of deliverance through a foreign conqueror. The strong word “strive” and the emphatic reassertion of the mission of Cyrus (Isaiah 45:13), as well as the connexion with Isaiah 45:1-8, shew that deliberate opposition to the Divine purpose, and not mere faint-hearted unbelief (as in chs. Isaiah 40:27, Isaiah 51:13), is here referred to. We know too little of the circumstances to understand the precise state of mind from which the objection proceeded. It may have arisen from reluctance to entertain the idea of deliverance through a foreign conqueror, instead of through an Israelite king, as ancient prophecies seemed to promise (e.g., Jeremiah 30:21). The same tendency of thought is probably alluded to in ch. Isaiah 46:12 (the “stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness”). his maker] the same word as “him that fashioned it” in the second half of the verse. It is the ordinary word for “potter.” Let the potsherd strive &c.] Render as in R.V. a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! or, “a potsherd like (no better than) an earthen potsherd.” “With” may mean “among” (as a synonymous word does in Psalms 69:28), or “like” (Job 9:26), but the use of the same preposition in two different senses in one sentence is no doubt harsh. or thy work, He hath no hands] i.e. no power. Delitzsch instances an identical Arabic phrase (lâ yadai lahu = “it is not in his power”).
The LXX. reads “Thou” instead of “He,” and several commentators have suggested a transposition of the suffixes in the original: “or his work, Thou hast no hands.” The emendation is plausible, though perhaps hardly necessary.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:9
Wo unto him that striveth with his Maker! - This verse commences a new subject. Its connection with the preceeding is not very obvious.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:9
9, 10. The Lord chooses Cyrus — an outsider to the covenant — to be his servant and medium for forwarding mankind’s redemption, and he is both right and wise in so doing.
Sermons on Isaiah 45:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 11-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing in God's word without questioning or arguing with it. He highlights the humility and submission tha |
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Postgraduate Courses by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the history of denominations and how they often start with a humble and desperate cry to God. However, as they become established, they tend |
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Even Christ Pleased Not Himself by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the concept of Sabbath rest, explaining that it signifies a period of rest for God's people modeled after the traditional Sabbath, but not limited to a spe |
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The Crook in the Lot - Part 1 by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the importance of recognizing that the crook in our lot is of God's making, designed for various purposes such as trial, correction, prevention of sin, |
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Signs of the Times by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink addresses the alarming state of modern evangelism, asserting that much of it is superficial and misleading, failing to convey the true nature of the Gospel. He emphasizes |
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The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected. -Nature of the Connection by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of true wisdom, which consists of the knowledge of God and of ourselves, emphasizing how the two are interconnected. He explains how the k |
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Godliness, Maturity and Spiritual Depth by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting God's forgiveness for all sins, past, present, and future, which can be difficult for many to believe. He enc |