Isaiah 54:16
Isaiah 54:16 in Multiple Translations
Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the fire of coals, and bringeth forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
See, I have made the iron-worker, blowing on the burning coals, and making the instrument of war by his work; and I have made the waster for destruction.
Look—I have created a blacksmith who blows the coals into a hot flame and forges a suitable weapon; and I have created the destroyer who brings destruction.
Beholde, I haue created the smith that bloweth the coales in the fire, and him that bringeth forth an instrument for his worke, and I haue created the destroyer to destroy.
Lo, I — I have prepared an artisan, Blowing on a fire of coals, And bringing out an instrument for his work, And I have prepared a destroyer to destroy.
“Behold, I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame, and forges a weapon for his work; and I have created the destroyer to destroy.
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and bringeth forth an instrument for his work, and I have created the killer to destroy.
Think about this: ◄Blacksmiths/Men who make things from metal► fan the coals to make a very hot flame in order to produce weapons that can be used in battles, but I am the one who has produced blacksmiths! And I am also the one who created people who destroy other people and cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 54:16
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 54:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הן
הִנֵּ֤ה
אָֽנֹכִי֙
בָּרָ֣אתִי
חָרָ֔שׁ
נֹפֵ֨חַ֙
בְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
פֶּחָ֔ם
וּ/מוֹצִ֥יא
כְלִ֖י
לְ/מַעֲשֵׂ֑/הוּ
וְ/אָנֹכִ֛י
בָּרָ֥אתִי
מַשְׁחִ֖ית
לְ/חַבֵּֽל
הן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
הִנֵּ֤ה
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אָֽנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
בָּרָ֣אתִי
bârâʼ
H1254
to create
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חָרָ֔שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
N-ms
נֹפֵ֨חַ֙
nâphach
H5301
to breathe
V-Qal
בְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
פֶּחָ֔ם
pechâm
H6352
coal
N-ms
וּ/מוֹצִ֥יא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil
כְלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-ms
לְ/מַעֲשֵׂ֑/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Conj | Pron
בָּרָ֥אתִי
bârâʼ
H1254
to create
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מַשְׁחִ֖ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil
לְ/חַבֵּֽל
châbal
H2254
to pledge
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 54:16
הן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
הִנֵּ֤ה
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אָֽנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
בָּרָ֣אתִי
bârâʼ
H1254
"to create"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; Psalms 51:12.
חָרָ֔שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
נֹפֵ֨חַ֙
nâphach
H5301
"to breathe"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to breathe, meaning to puff, inflate, or blow hard. It can also mean to give up or lose life, as seen in KJV translations of blow, breath, and snuff. This word has various applications in the Bible, including literal and figurative uses.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose (life) 1a) (Qal) to breathe, blow 1b) (Pual) to be blown 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to breathe out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: blow, breath, give up, cause to lose (life), seething, snuff. See also: Genesis 2:7; Jeremiah 15:9; Isaiah 54:16.
בְּ/אֵ֣שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | 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.
פֶּחָ֔ם
pechâm
H6352
"coal"
N-ms
This word refers to a piece of coal, whether it is still burning or has been charred. It is used in the Bible to describe coals or embers. In the KJV, it is translated as 'coals'.
Definition: coal, charcoal, ember
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: coals. See also: Proverbs 26:21; Isaiah 44:12; Isaiah 54:16.
וּ/מוֹצִ֥יא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
כְלִ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
לְ/מַעֲשֵׂ֑/הוּ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
וְ/אָנֹכִ֛י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
בָּרָ֥אתִי
bârâʼ
H1254
"to create"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; Psalms 51:12.
מַשְׁחִ֖ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
לְ/חַבֵּֽל
châbal
H2254
"to pledge"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This verb means to be in labor or to twist in pain, like a woman giving birth. It can also mean to corrupt or destroy something. In the KJV, it is translated in various ways, including 'travail' or 'corrupt'.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind 2) to take a pledge, lay to pledge 2a) (Qal) to hold by a pledge, take in pledge, hold in pledge 2b) (Niphal) to give a pledge, become pledged
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, band, bring forth, (deal) corrupt(-ly), destroy, offend, lay to (take a) pledge, spoil, travail, [idiom] very, withhold. See also: Exodus 22:25; Proverbs 20:16; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 54:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 54:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
- Sermons on Isaiah 54:16
Context — Future Blessings for Zion
14In righteousness you will be established, far from oppression, for you will have no fear. Terror will be far removed, for it will not come near you.
15If anyone attacks you, it is not from Me; whoever assails you will fall before you.
16Behold, I have created the craftsman who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its task; and I have created the destroyer to wreak havoc.
17No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 9:16 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:4 | The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster. |
| 3 | Isaiah 46:11 | I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
| 4 | Isaiah 10:5–6 | Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. |
| 5 | 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! |
| 6 | Daniel 4:34–35 | But at the end of those days I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Then I praised the Most High, and I honored and glorified Him who lives forever: “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 7 | Isaiah 37:26 | Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. |
| 8 | John 19:11 | Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” |
Isaiah 54:16 Summary
[This verse tells us that God is the one who created everything, including people who make things and people who cause trouble. He is in control of everything, and that's a comforting thought, as seen in Psalm 23:4, which notes that even in the darkest valley, God is with us. It means that even when bad things happen, God is still working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. It's also a reminder that God promises to protect us from harm, as stated in Isaiah 54:14-15 and Isaiah 54:17, where we are told that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God created the craftsman and the destroyer?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including those who create and those who destroy, as seen in Isaiah 54:16, and is reminiscent of Jeremiah 18:6, where God is the potter who shapes and molds all things.
Is God responsible for evil in the world?
While God created the destroyer, He is not responsible for evil, as seen in James 1:13-14, which states that God does not tempt anyone with evil; instead, He allows human freedom and the consequences of sin, as noted in Romans 1:28-32.
What is the significance of the craftsman and the destroyer in this context?
The craftsman and the destroyer represent opposing forces, and God's creation of both emphasizes His control over all aspects of life, as seen in Isaiah 45:7, which states that God creates both light and darkness, and in Psalm 104:29-30, which notes God's power over life and death.
How does this verse relate to God's promise of protection in Isaiah 54:14-15 and Isaiah 54:17?
This verse serves as a reminder that God is in control of all forces, both creative and destructive, and that He promises to protect His people, as stated in Isaiah 54:14-15 and Isaiah 54:17, where no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and they will refute every tongue that accuses them, as seen in Psalm 91:4, which notes God's protection under His wings.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God is the creator of all things, including those that seem opposed to His will?
- How does the idea of God's sovereignty over both creation and destruction impact your trust in Him?
- In what ways can you see God's creative and redemptive power at work in your own life, despite the presence of destructive forces?
- How can you apply the truth of God's control over all things to your prayers and worship, as seen in Psalm 100:3-5, which encourages us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire,.... Into which he puts his iron to soften it, that he may beat it, and form it into what shape he pleases; which descriptive
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. Behold, I have created the smith.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
Both the smith that maketh all warlike instruments, and the soldier that useth them, are my creatures, and totally at my command, and therefore they cannot hurt you without my leave. To destroy; to destroy only whom and when I please.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
Isaiah 54:16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.Ver. 16. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals,] i.e., The devil, say some; rather his imps and instruments, those kindle coals and tools of his. And I have created the waster to destroy.] Those brats of Abaddon. I have determined their evil doings, overruling the same, and directing them to a good end.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
(16) Behold, I have created the smith . . .—The words assert the same thought. The “axe,” the “hammer,” the “sword,” of the great ravagers of the earth are formed by the great Work-Master, and He would fashion no such weapon against the new Jerusalem.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 54:16
16, 17. No weapon formed against Zion shall prosper, because both the makers of weapons and those who use them are alike created by Jehovah, and all their activity is under His control. the smith that bloweth the fire of coals (R.V.)] Cf. ch. Isaiah 44:12. an instrument for his work] rather for its work, or perhaps “according to its work,” adapted to the particular work for which it is intended,—a scythe for reaping, a sword for slaughter, and so on. The smith will turn out anything, amongst other things deadly weapons, but all by the permission of Jehovah who has made him. the waster to destroy] Not “to destroy the weapon that the smith has made”; the “waster” is the one for whose use the weapon is made; he also is the creature of Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 54:16
Behold, I have created the smith - The sense of this verse is, ‘Everything that can effect your welfare is under my control. The smith who manufactures the instruments of war or of torture is under me.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 54:16
16, 17. I have created the smith — Every instrument which is employed against God’s people, as well as its maker, is in God’s hands to overrule and to foreclose.
Sermons on Isaiah 54:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 5 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the power and limitations of Satan as described in Ephesians 6:12. He emphasizes that Satan's power is derived, limited, and ministerial, appointed b |
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Npg Radio 1980 #7 - Radio Interview by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, Norman Grubb discusses the concept of faith and how it operates in our daily lives. He explains that faith is the inner understanding and relationship we have with |
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The Third Pennsylvania Sermon by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ to avoid the judgment of rejection. He emphasizes the danger of spiritual arrog |
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Exodus for All the Earth by John Piper | John Piper preaches on God's purpose in creating humanity in His image, to reflect His glory and fill the earth with His praise. Despite the entrance of sin through Adam, God initi |
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God Accomplishes Your Surrender by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes that absolute surrender to God does not rely on our own strength but is a work that God accomplishes within us. He reassures those who fear the trials of s |
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Judaism by Judah Etinger | Judah Etinger delves into the origin of Judaism as depicted in the Tanakh, focusing on the story of Abraham, the father of the Jews, who was declared righteous by God due to his fa |
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Romans 9:17 God's Sovereignty Over Circumstances by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill delves into the concept of God's sovereignty and free will, emphasizing that while God has a plan and purpose for each individual, He respects our freedom to accept |