King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:17 Mean?

Isaiah 44:17 in the King James Version says “And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 44:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. shut: Heb. daubed

19

And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? considereth: Heb. setteth to his heart the stock: Heb. that which comes of a tree?

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The residue ('sheerith' - what's left over, the remainder) becomes a god. He falls down before leftover wood, prays to it, asks 'Deliver me; for thou art my god.' The Hebrew 'natsal' (deliver) implies rescue from danger - he asks the leftovers to save him. The pathos and absurdity merge: this is both ridiculous and tragic.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'residue' language is deliberately demeaning - the god is made from scraps, leftovers, the portion not good enough for fire. Yet people entrust their deliverance to these remnants.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'residue' or leftovers do people today treat as worthy of ultimate trust?
  2. How does praying to what you created expose the absurdity of all idolatry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּשְׁאֵ֣רִית֔וֹ1 of 14

“And the residue”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

אֵלִ֖י2 of 14

“a god”

H410

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

עָשָׂ֖ה3 of 14

“thereof he maketh”

H6213

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

לְפִסְל֑וֹ4 of 14

“even his graven image”

H6459

an idol

ל֤וֹ5 of 14

“he falleth down”

H5456

to prostrate oneself (in homage)

ל֤וֹ6 of 14

“he falleth down”

H5456

to prostrate oneself (in homage)

וְיִשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙7 of 14

“unto it and worshippeth”

H7812

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

וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל8 of 14

“it and prayeth”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֵלָ֔יו9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיֹאמַר֙10 of 14

“unto it and saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַצִּילֵ֔נִי11 of 14

“Deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵלִ֖י13 of 14

“a god”

H410

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

אָֽתָּה׃14 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

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 44:17 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 44:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:201 Kings 18:26Daniel 3:17Daniel 6:27Daniel 3:29Isaiah 36:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 44 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes