King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:7 Mean?

Isaiah 41:7 in the King James Version says “So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. goldsmith: or, founder him: or, the smiting saying: or, saying of the soder, It is good

Isaiah 41:7 · KJV


Context

5

The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.

6

They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. Be: Heb. Be strong

7

So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. goldsmith: or, founder him: or, the smiting saying: or, saying of the soder, It is good

8

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

9

Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse satirizes idol-making in crisis—the carpenter encourages the goldsmith, and the smith encourages the hammerer, all collaborating to create a 'god' they must fasten with nails so it won't topple. The irony is biting: they create something requiring securing against falling, then trust it for security. The Hebrew 'chazaq' (fasten) reveals the impotence of what needs fastening.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

As Persian threat grew, Babylonian society increased idol production, pouring resources into manufacturing and maintaining lifeless objects while ignoring the living God directing events.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'idols' require constant maintenance and reinforcement yet remain unable to save?
  2. How does this verse expose the absurdity of trusting created things for ultimate security?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ1 of 17

and he fastened

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

חָרָשׁ֙2 of 17

So the carpenter

H2796

a fabricator or any material

אֶת3 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צֹרֵ֔ף4 of 17

the goldsmith

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

מַחֲלִ֥יק5 of 17

and he that smootheth

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

פַּטִּ֖ישׁ6 of 17

with the hammer

H6360

a hammer

אֶת7 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ה֣וֹלֶם8 of 17

him that smote

H1986

to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband

פָּ֑עַם9 of 17

the anvil

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

אֹמֵ֤ר10 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַדֶּ֙בֶק֙11 of 17

for the sodering

H1694

a joint; by implication, solder

ט֣וֹב12 of 17

It is ready

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

ה֔וּא13 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיְחַזְּקֵ֥הוּ14 of 17

and he fastened

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְמַסְמְרִ֖ים15 of 17

it with nails

H4548

a peg (as bristling from the surface)

לֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

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

יִמּֽוֹט׃17 of 17

that it should 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 41:7 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 41:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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