King James Version
Isaiah 40:17 in the King James Version says “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.”
Isaiah 40:17 · KJV
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“All nations”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
“to him less than nothing”
H657cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
“and vanity”
H8414a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
“before him are as nothing and they are counted”
H2803properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
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.
Isaiah 40:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 40:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge