King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:14 Mean?

Isaiah 44:14 in the King James Version says “He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 44:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The absurdity deepens: the wood for the idol comes from trees God made grow - cypress, oak, ash trees planted by God and watered by rain. The very material used to create false gods comes from the true God's creation. The Hebrew emphasizes divine agency: 'the LORD...doth nourish it.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This exposes the parasitic nature of idolatry - it depends on the true God's creation while denying Him. The irony that God's rain grows the trees for idols mocks the entire enterprise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do people use God's gifts to construct substitutes for God Himself?
  2. What does it mean that even the materials for false worship come from the true God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לִכְרָת1 of 14

“He heweth him down”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

ל֣וֹ2 of 14
H0
אֲרָזִ֔ים3 of 14

“cedars”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וַיִּקַּ֤ח4 of 14

“and taketh”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

תִּרְזָה֙5 of 14

“the cypress”

H8645

a species of tree (apparently from its slenderness), perhaps the cypress

וְאַלּ֔וֹן6 of 14

“and the oak”

H437

oak tree

וַיְאַמֶּץ7 of 14

“which he strengtheneth”

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

ל֖וֹ8 of 14
H0
בַּעֲצֵי9 of 14

“for himself among the trees”

H6086

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

יָ֑עַר10 of 14

“of the forest”

H3293

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

נָטַ֥ע11 of 14

“he planteth”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

אֹ֖רֶן12 of 14

“an ash”

H766

the ash tree (from its toughness)

וְגֶ֥שֶׁם13 of 14

“and the rain”

H1653

a shower

יְגַדֵּֽל׃14 of 14

“doth nourish”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

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 44:14 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 44:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:20Jeremiah 10:3-8Hosea 4:12Habakkuk 2:19

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