King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:13 Mean?

Isaiah 44:13 in the King James Version says “The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out w... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 44:13 · KJV


Context

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.

14

He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. strengtheneth: or, taketh courage

15

Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The carpenter measures with a line, marks with compass, planes it, shapes it with compasses, makes it 'after the figure of a man' - human-shaped. The final product 'remains in the house' - static, immobile, powerless. The Hebrew 'tiferet adam' (beauty of a man) suggests they make their god in their own image - the reverse of Genesis.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The detailed craftsman's process - measuring, marking, planing, shaping - contrasts with God who simply speaks creation into existence. Human effort produces human-like results; only God creates truly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we make God in our own image rather than being transformed into His?
  2. What does it mean that the idol 'remains in the house' - immobile and powerless?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
חָרַ֣שׁ1 of 17

The carpenter

H2796

a fabricator or any material

עֵצִים֮2 of 17
H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

נָ֣טָה3 of 17

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)

קָו֒4 of 17

his rule

H6957

a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord

יְתָאֳרֵ֑הוּ5 of 17

and he marketh it out

H8388

to delineate; reflexive to extend

בַשֶּׂ֔רֶד6 of 17

with a line

H8279

a (carpenter's) scribing-awl (for pricking or scratching measurements)

וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙7 of 17

and maketh

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּמַּקְצֻע֔וֹת8 of 17

it with planes

H4741

a scraper, i.e., a carving chisel

וּבַמְּחוּגָ֖ה9 of 17

with the compass

H4230

an instrument for marking a circle, i.e., compasses

יְתָאֳרֵ֑הוּ10 of 17

and he marketh it out

H8388

to delineate; reflexive to extend

וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙11 of 17

and maketh

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּתַבְנִ֣ית12 of 17

it after the figure

H8403

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

אִ֔ישׁ13 of 17

of a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּתִפְאֶ֥רֶת14 of 17

according to the beauty

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

אָדָ֖ם15 of 17

of a man

H120

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

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת16 of 17

that it may remain

H3427

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

בָּֽיִת׃17 of 17

in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)


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 44:13 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 44:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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