King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:20 Mean?

Isaiah 40:20 in the King James Version says “He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning wor...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. is so: Heb. is poor of oblation”

Isaiah 40:20 · KJV

Context

18

To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

19

The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.

20

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. is so: Heb. is poor of oblation

21

Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

22

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: It is: or, Him that

Read Isaiah 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even the poor who cannot afford precious metals still seek a wooden idol from rot-resistant wood ('lo yirkav'—will not decay). The irony deepens: they want an eternal image from temporary materials. The cunning workman prepares something that 'shall not be moved'—yet needs securing because it's lifeless. This contrasts God who upholds all things.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This describes the economic democratization of idolatry in Babylon—gods for every budget. Whether rich or poor, idolatry remains equally futile and offensive to God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'idols' have you carefully chosen to ensure they won't disappoint, only to find them inadequate?
  2. How does the permanence of God contrast with the temporary security idols seem to offer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַֽמְסֻכָּ֣ן1 of 14

“He that is so impoverished”

H5533

properly, to cut, i.e., damage; also to grow (causatively, make) poor

תְּרוּמָ֔ה2 of 14

“that he hath no oblation”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

עֵ֥ץ3 of 14

“a tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לֹֽא4 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְקַ֖ב5 of 14

“that will not rot”

H7537

to decay (as by worm-eating)

יִבְחָ֑ר6 of 14

“chooseth”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

חָרָ֤שׁ7 of 14

“workman”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

חָכָם֙8 of 14

“unto him a cunning”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

יְבַקֶּשׁ9 of 14

“he seeketh”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

ל֔וֹ10 of 14
H0
לְהָכִ֥ין11 of 14

“to prepare”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

פֶּ֖סֶל12 of 14

“a graven image”

H6459

an idol

לֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמּֽוֹט׃14 of 14

“that shall not be moved”

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

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 40:20 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 40:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 46:7Isaiah 41:7Jeremiah 10:3-4Isaiah 2:8-9Daniel 5:231 Samuel 5:3-4

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