King James Version
What Does Isaiah 40:25 Mean?
“To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.”
Context
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.
25
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
26
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
27
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**4. When--**that is, After.
**washed--**(Zec 13:1).
**filth--**moral (Is 1:21-25).
**daughters of Zion--**same as in Is 3:16.
**purged--**purified by judgments; destroying the ungodly, correcting and refining the godly.
**blood--**(Is 1:15).
**spirit--**Whatever God does in the universe, He does by His Spirit, "without the hand" of man (Job 34:20; Psa 104:30). Here He is represented using His power as Judge.
**burning--**(Mt 3:11, 12). The same Holy Ghost, who sanctifies believers by the fire of affliction (Mal 3:2, 3), dooms unbelievers to the fire of perdition (1Co 3:13-15).
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 40:25 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 40:25
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge