King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:12 Mean?

Isaiah 40:12 in the King James Version says “Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? a measure: Heb. a tierce”

Isaiah 40:12 · KJV

Context

10

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. with strong: or, against the strong his work: or, recompence for his work

11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. that: or, that give suck

12

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? a measure: Heb. a tierce

13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? his: Heb. man of his counsel

14

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? instructed: Heb. made him understand understanding: Heb. understandings?

Read Isaiah 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This series of rhetorical questions establishes God's incomprehensibility and absolute sovereignty over creation. The specific measurements—waters in His hand, heavens by span, dust in a measure—demonstrate that all creation is finite to God, manageable by His infinite power. The Hebrew 'takan' (measured) implies precise ordering, not arbitrary action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Against Babylonian pride in their cosmological achievements and wisdom, Isaiah declares that Israel's God alone measured and created all things, reducing Babylon's gods to nothing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does meditating on God's measureless power affect your perspective on your current problems?
  2. What aspects of God's character does His role as Creator reveal about His ability to save?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
מִֽי1 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

מָדַ֨ד2 of 16

“Who hath measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

בְּשָׁעֳל֜וֹ3 of 16

“in the hollow of his hand”

H8168

the palm; by extension, a handful

מַ֗יִם4 of 16

“the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְשָׁמַ֙יִם֙5 of 16

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

בַּזֶּ֣רֶת6 of 16

“with the span”

H2239

the spread of the fingers, i.e., a span

תִּכֵּ֔ן7 of 16

“and meted out”

H8505

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

וְכָ֥ל8 of 16

“and comprehended”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

בַּשָּׁלִ֖שׁ9 of 16

“in a measure”

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

עֲפַ֣ר10 of 16

“the dust”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

הָאָ֑רֶץ11 of 16

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְשָׁקַ֤ל12 of 16

“and weighed”

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

בַּפֶּ֙לֶס֙13 of 16

“in scales”

H6425

a balance

הָרִ֔ים14 of 16

“the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּגְבָע֖וֹת15 of 16

“and the hills”

H1389

a hillock

בְּמֹאזְנָֽיִם׃16 of 16

“in a balance”

H3976

(only in the dual) a pair of scales

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 40:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 40:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 30:4Hebrews 1:10-12Psalms 102:25-26Job 38:4-11Isaiah 48:13Proverbs 8:26-28

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