King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:15 Mean?

Isaiah 44:15 in the King James Version says “Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; y...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 44:15 · KJV

Context

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:

17

And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The same wood serves multiple purposes: fuel for warming, fire for baking bread, and material for a god to worship. The casual interchangeability - some for fire, some for worship - exposes the absurdity: what's the difference between the piece that warms and the piece that becomes divine? The Hebrew 'af' (also/even) emphasizes the ridiculous equivalence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This biting satire shows that the 'god' has no more inherent divinity than firewood. The same tree produces heat, bread, and a deity - all equally products of human manipulation of natural materials.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does treating the divine and the mundane interchangeably reveal idolatry's foolishness?
  2. What distinguishes the true God from objects we might elevate to His place?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָיָ֤ה1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאָדָם֙2 of 18

“Then shall it be for a man”

H120

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

לְבָעֵ֔ר3 of 18

“to burn”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

וַיִּקַּ֤ח4 of 18

“for he will take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵהֶם֙5 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַיָּ֔חָם6 of 18

“thereof and warm”

H2552

to be hot (literally or figuratively)

אַף7 of 18
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יַשִּׂ֖יק8 of 18

“himself yea he kindleth”

H5400

to catch fire

וְאָ֣פָה9 of 18

“it and baketh”

H644

to cook, especially to bake

לָ֑חֶם10 of 18

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אַף11 of 18
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יִפְעַל12 of 18

“yea he maketh”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

אֵל֙13 of 18

“a god”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וַיִּשְׁתָּ֔חוּ14 of 18

“and worshippeth”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

עָשָׂ֥הוּ15 of 18

“it he maketh”

H6213

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

פֶ֖סֶל16 of 18

“it a graven image”

H6459

an idol

וַיִּסְגָּד17 of 18

“and falleth down”

H5456

to prostrate oneself (in homage)

לָֽמוֹ׃18 of 18
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 44:15 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 44:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:14Isaiah 45:20Judges 2:19Isaiah 44:10Revelation 9:20

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 44 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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