King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:11 Mean?

Isaiah 44:11 in the King James Version says “Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.”

Isaiah 44:11 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

9

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. delectable: Heb. desirable

10

Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

11

Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.

12

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. with the tongs: or, with an axe

13

The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All associates of idolaters will be ashamed, for their craftsmen are merely human. When gathered for judgment ('let them stand up'), they will fear and be ashamed together. The contrast is between God who knows the future and pronounces it, and craftsmen who can make an image but cannot give it life or power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah anticipates a future reckoning when idol-makers and worshipers face the true God. Their collective shame will vindicate those who refused to participate in idolatry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prospect of future judgment affect current choices about what you worship?
  2. What does it mean that idolatry's promoters are 'of men' - merely human?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הֵ֤ן1 of 13
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כָּל2 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֲבֵרָיו֙3 of 13

“Behold all his fellows”

H2270

an associate

יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ4 of 13

“and they shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְחָרָשִׁ֥ים5 of 13

“and the workmen”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

הֵ֖מָּה6 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֵֽאָדָ֑ם7 of 13

“they are of men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יִֽתְקַבְּצ֤וּ8 of 13

“let them all be gathered together”

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

כֻלָּם֙9 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יַֽעֲמֹ֔דוּ10 of 13

“let them stand up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

יִפְחֲד֖וּ11 of 13

“yet they shall fear”

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ12 of 13

“and they shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

יָֽחַד׃13 of 13

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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 44:11 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 44:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:17Isaiah 45:16Psalms 97:7Isaiah 1:29Jeremiah 51:171 Samuel 6:4-5

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