King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:19 Mean?

Isaiah 44:19 in the King James Version says “And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

Isaiah 44:19 · KJV


Context

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?

20

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

21

Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah marvels that no one 'considers in his heart' ('lev' - the seat of understanding) the absurdity: burning part for fire and baking, then worshiping the 'residue.' The rhetorical questions expose the failure of basic reasoning: 'Shall I make the residue thereof an abomination?' The Hebrew 'toevah' (abomination) is the strongest term for what God detests.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The call to consider and reason reflects the prophetic appeal to use God-given rationality. Idolatry represents a failure not just of faith but of basic logic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does idolatry represent a failure to think clearly about what we're doing?
  2. What does it mean to 'consider in your heart' the implications of your worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְלֹא1 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָשִׁ֣יב2 of 27

And none considereth

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל3 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבּ֗וֹ4 of 27

in his heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְלֹ֨א5 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דַ֥עַת6 of 27

neither is there knowledge

H1847

knowledge

וְלֹֽא7 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְבוּנָה֮8 of 27

nor understanding

H8394

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

לֵאמֹר֒9 of 27

to say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֶצְי֞וֹ10 of 27

part

H2677

the half or middle

שָׂרַ֣פְתִּי11 of 27

I have burned

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בְמוֹ12 of 27

of it in

H1119

in, with, by, etc

אֵ֗שׁ13 of 27

the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְ֠אַף14 of 27
H637

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

אָפִ֤יתִי15 of 27

yea also I have baked

H644

to cook, especially to bake

עַל16 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גֶּחָלָיו֙17 of 27

upon the coals

H1513

an ember

לֶ֔חֶם18 of 27

bread

H3899

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

אֶצְלֶ֥ה19 of 27

thereof I have roasted

H6740

to roast

בָשָׂ֖ר20 of 27

flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְאֹכֵ֑ל21 of 27

and eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְיִתְרוֹ֙22 of 27

the residue

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

לְתוֹעֵבָ֣ה23 of 27

thereof an abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

אֶעֱשֶׂ֔ה24 of 27

it and shall I make

H6213

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

לְב֥וּל25 of 27

to the stock

H944

produce (of the earth, etc.)

עֵ֖ץ26 of 27

of a tree

H6086

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

אֶסְגּֽוֹד׃27 of 27

shall I fall down

H5456

to prostrate oneself (in homage)


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 44:19 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 44:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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