King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:16 Mean?

Isaiah 45:16 in the King James Version says “They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols. — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.

Isaiah 45:16 · KJV


Context

14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

15

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

16

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.

17

But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

18

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In contrast to the true God, idol-makers are ashamed and confounded 'together.' The Hebrew 'yachdav' (together) emphasizes their collective failure. They go to confusion - the same 'confusion' (kelem) that characterizes their products. Idol worship produces shame because idols cannot save.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

As Israel's return vindicates Yahweh, idol-makers face exposure. Their confident predictions failed; Israel's God proved true. History vindicated monotheism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What sources of false security lead to eventual shame and confusion?
  2. How does trusting in the true God prevent the shame that comes from misplaced faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בּ֥וֹשׁוּ1 of 9

They shall be ashamed

H954

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

וְגַֽם2 of 9
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

נִכְלְמ֖וּ3 of 9

and also confounded

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

כֻּלָּ֑ם4 of 9
H3605

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

יַחְדָּו֙5 of 9

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

הָלְכ֣וּ6 of 9

all of them they shall go

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַכְּלִמָּ֔ה7 of 9

to confusion

H3639

disgrace

חָרָשֵׁ֖י8 of 9

that are makers

H2796

a fabricator or any material

צִירִֽים׃9 of 9

of idols

H6736

a form (of beauty; as if pressed out, i.e., carved); hence, an (idolatrous) image


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 45:16 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 45:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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