King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:9 Mean?

Isaiah 44:9 in the King James Version says “They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their o... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. delectable: Heb. desirable

Isaiah 44:9 · KJV


Context

7

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. God; I: Heb. rock, etc

9

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. delectable: Heb. desirable

10

Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This begins the satire on idol-making (verses 9-20). Those who fashion idols are 'tohu' (formlessness, chaos - the same word describing earth before creation in Genesis 1:2). Their 'delectable things' (precious idols) 'shall not profit.' The irony is biting: their own witnesses (the idols themselves) neither see nor know, ensuring their worshipers' shame.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah exposes idolatry's fundamental absurdity: worshiping what cannot see, know, or help. This mockery recurs throughout prophetic literature as Israel repeatedly fell into idol worship despite knowing better.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'idols' promise much but deliver nothing and bring shame?
  2. How does the inability of idols to see or know contrast with God's omniscience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
יֹֽצְרֵי1 of 15

They that make

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

פֶ֤סֶל2 of 15

a graven image

H6459

an idol

כֻּלָּם֙3 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תֹּ֔הוּ4 of 15

are all of them vanity

H8414

a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

וַחֲמוּדֵיהֶ֖ם5 of 15

and their delectable things

H2530

to delight in

בַּל6 of 15
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יוֹעִ֑ילוּ7 of 15

shall not profit

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

וְעֵדֵיהֶ֣ם8 of 15

and they are their own witnesses

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

הֵׄ֗מָּׄהׄ9 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בַּל10 of 15
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יִרְא֛וּ11 of 15

they see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּבַל12 of 15
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יֵדְע֖וּ13 of 15

not nor know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לְמַ֥עַן14 of 15
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יֵבֹֽשׁוּ׃15 of 15

that they may be ashamed

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed


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 44:9 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 44:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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