King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:24 Mean?

Isaiah 41:24 in the King James Version says “Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. of nothing: or, worse than n...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. of nothing: or, worse than nothing of nought: or, worse than of a viper”

Isaiah 41:24 · KJV

Context

22

Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. consider: Heb. set our heart upon them

23

Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.

24

Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. of nothing: or, worse than nothing of nought: or, worse than of a viper

25

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

26

Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The verdict is declared: 'Behold, ye are of nothing' ('ayin'—nonexistent) and 'your work of nought' ('ephes'—zero, worthless). The conclusion: 'an abomination is he that chooseth you' ('to'evah'—detestable thing). Choosing false gods is not just foolish but morally repugnant, deserving divine judgment. Idolatry offends God's holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This harsh judgment on idolatry and idolaters challenged the exiles' temptation to accommodate Babylonian religion or view it as a legitimate alternative to covenant faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's assessment of idolatry as abomination inform your evaluation of syncretism?
  2. What 'nothings' do you subtly choose, making yourself abominable through divided loyalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֵן1 of 8
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אַתֶּ֣ם2 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מֵאַ֔יִן3 of 8

“Behold ye are of nothing”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וּפָעָלְכֶ֖ם4 of 8

“and your work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

מֵאָ֑פַע5 of 8

“of nought”

H659

properly, a breath, i.e., nothing

תּוֹעֵבָ֖ה6 of 8

“an abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

יִבְחַ֥ר7 of 8

“is he that chooseth”

H977

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

בָּכֶֽם׃8 of 8
H0

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 41:24 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 41:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 115:81 Corinthians 8:4Isaiah 41:29Jeremiah 10:14Jeremiah 10:8Isaiah 37:19

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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