King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:22 Mean?

Isaiah 40:22 in the King James Version says “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 40:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

24

Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.

Read Isaiah 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's transcendent perspective is vividly portrayed: He sits above the earth's circle ('chug'), viewing inhabitants as grasshoppers. The heavens are stretched like a curtain ('doq'—thin fabric) or tent ('ohel'), emphasizing creation's ease for God. This cosmic imagery establishes God's absolute sovereignty and humans' relative insignificance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'circle of the earth' reflects ancient cosmology while emphasizing God's transcendence over all creation. For exiles feeling small and powerless, this reminded them that God's perspective infinitely exceeds human limitations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing yourself from God's cosmic perspective humble your self-importance?
  2. What does it mean that the Creator of the universe is personally concerned with your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לָשָֽׁבֶת׃1 of 12

“It is he that sitteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל2 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ח֣וּג3 of 12

“upon the circle”

H2329

a circle

הָאָ֔רֶץ4 of 12

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָשָֽׁבֶת׃5 of 12

“It is he that sitteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

כַּחֲגָבִ֑ים6 of 12

“thereof are as grasshoppers”

H2284

a locust

הַנּוֹטֶ֤ה7 of 12

“that stretcheth out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

כַדֹּק֙8 of 12

“as a curtain”

H1852

something crumbling, i.e., fine (as a thin cloth)

שָׁמַ֔יִם9 of 12

“the heavens”

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

וַיִּמְתָּחֵ֥ם10 of 12

“and spreadeth them out”

H4969

to stretch out

כָּאֹ֖הֶל11 of 12

“as a tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

לָשָֽׁבֶת׃12 of 12

“It is he that sitteth”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 40:22 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 40:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 8:27Psalms 104:2Isaiah 42:5Isaiah 66:1Jeremiah 10:12Job 22:14

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