Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A person too poor to present such an offering selects wood that will not rot; they look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple. New Living Translation Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down! English Standard Version He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Berean Standard Bible One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. Berean Literal Bible One bereft of a contribution chooses a tree not rotten, and a skillful craftsman seeks out for himself to prepare a carved image that will not topple? King James Bible He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. New King James Version Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks for himself a skillful workman To prepare a carved image that will not totter. New American Standard Bible He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. NASB 1995 He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. NASB 1977 He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. Legacy Standard Bible He who is too impoverished to make such a contribution Chooses a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a wise craftsman To prepare a graven image that will not be shaken. Amplified Bible He who is too impoverished for such an offering [to give to his god] Chooses a tree that will not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To [carve and] set up an idol that will not totter. Berean Annotated Bible One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. Christian Standard Bible A poor person contributes wood for a pedestal that will not rot. He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not fall over. Holman Christian Standard Bible To one who shapes a pedestal, choosing wood that does not rot? He looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not fall over. American Standard Version He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a skilful workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved. Contemporary English Version Or special wood may be chosen because it doesn't rot--then skilled hands take care to make an idol that won't fall on its face. English Revised Version He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved. GOD'S WORD® Translation The poorest people choose wood that will not rot and search out skillful craftsmen to set up idols that will not fall over. Good News Translation Anyone who cannot afford silver or gold chooses wood that will not rot. He finds a skillful worker to make an image that won't fall down. International Standard Version To the impoverished person? He prepares an offering— wood that won't rot— Or to the one who chooses a skilled craftsman and seeks to erect an idol that won't topple?" NET Bible To make a contribution one selects wood that will not rot; he then seeks a skilled craftsman to make an idol that will not fall over. New Heart English Bible He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up an engraved image for him that will not be moved. Webster's Bible Translation He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh for himself a skillful workman to prepare a graven image that shall not be moved. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOne lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple. World English Bible He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up a carved image for him that will not be moved. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHe who is poor [by] raised-offerings, "" Chooses a tree [that is] not rotten, "" He seeks a skillful artisan for it, "" To establish a carved image—not moved. Berean Literal Bible One bereft of a contribution chooses a tree not rotten, and a skillful craftsman seeks out for himself to prepare a carved image that will not topple? Young's Literal Translation He who is poor by heave-offerings, A tree not rotten doth choose, A skilful artisan he seeketh for it, To establish a graven image -- not moved. Smith's Literal Translation And he being poor of oblation will choose wood that will not be rotten; he will seek to him a wise artificer to prepare a carved image that will not shake. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe hath chosen strong wood, and that will not rot: the skilful workman seeketh how he may set up an idol that may not be moved. Catholic Public Domain Version He has chosen strong wood that will not decay. The skillful artisan seeks a way to set up an idol that cannot be moved. New American Bible Is mulberry wood the offering? A skilled artisan picks out a wood that will not rot, Seeks to set up for himself an idol that will not totter. New Revised Standard Version As a gift one chooses mulberry wood —wood that will not rot— then seeks out a skilled artisan to set up an image that will not topple. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe selects wood that is not worm-eaten; then chooses a carpenter, who fashions it with his skill, to make an image that will not be moved. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He fastened it, he selected it; it is wood that does not rot, and a carpenter chose and in his wisdom he engraved it and he constructed the image so that it is not shaken OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A holm-oak is set apart, He chooseth a tree that will not rot; He seeketh unto him a cunning craftsman To set up an image, that shall not be moved. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the artificer chooses out a wood that will not rot, and will wisely enquire how he shall set up his image, and that so that it should not be moved. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Here is Your God!…19To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? 20To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple? 21Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the foundation of the earth?… Cross References One lacking such an offering Leviticus 5:7 If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. Leviticus 12:8 But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’” Leviticus 14:21 If, however, the person is poor and cannot afford these offerings, he is to take one male lamb as a guilt offering to be waved to make atonement for him, along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering, a log of olive oil, chooses wood that will not rot. Jeremiah 10:3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. Isaiah 44:14-17 He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. / It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. / He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” … Habakkuk 2:18-19 What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” He seeks a skilled craftsman Isaiah 46:6 They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. Jeremiah 10:9 Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. Isaiah 44:12-13 The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. / The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. to set up an idol that will not topple. Jeremiah 10:4-5 They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. / Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” Isaiah 46:7 They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. Psalm 115:7-8 they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. / Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; … 1 Kings 18:26-29 And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. … Exodus 32:2-4 So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” / Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. / He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” Deuteronomy 4:28 And there you will serve man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. Treasury of Scripture He that is so impoverished that he has no oblation chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks to him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. Isaiah 2:8,9 Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: … Isaiah 44:13-19 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… Jeremiah 10:3,4 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe… shall not Isaiah 41:7 So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. Isaiah 46:7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 1 Samuel 5:3,4 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again… Jump to Previous Apart Chooses Chooseth Cunning Engraved Fixed Graven Holm-Oak Idol Image Impoverished Looks Makes Move Moved Oblation Offering Poor Prepare Present Rot Seeketh Seeks Selection Selects Skilful Skilled Skillful Soft Totter Tree Wise Wood WorkmanJump to Next Apart Chooses Chooseth Cunning Engraved Fixed Graven Holm-Oak Idol Image Impoverished Looks Makes Move Moved Oblation Offering Poor Prepare Present Rot Seeketh Seeks Selection Selects Skilful Skilled Skillful Soft Totter Tree Wise Wood WorkmanIsaiah 40 1. The promulgation of the Gospel3. The preaching of John Baptist foretold 9. The preaching of the apostles foretold 12. The prophet, by the omnipotence of God 18. And his incomparableness 26. Comforts the people. One lacking such an offering This phrase refers to an individual who does not possess the means to offer a more valuable sacrifice, such as gold or silver, which were common materials for idols in ancient times. The context here is the futility of idol worship, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. In biblical times, offerings were a significant part of worship, and those who lacked wealth would seek alternative means to fulfill their religious obligations. This highlights the socio-economic disparities present in ancient societies. chooses wood that will not rot He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. His prophecies often focus on the themes of judgment and redemption. 2. Idol Makers Craftsmen who create idols from materials like wood and metal. In this context, they are sought to make a stable idol that will not fall over. 3. Idol Worship The practice of worshiping physical objects as gods, which was common among the nations surrounding Israel and condemned by the prophets. 4. Israel The nation to whom Isaiah is prophesying, often falling into the sin of idolatry despite being chosen by God. 5. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which Isaiah specifically addresses, warning them against idolatry and calling them back to faithfulness to God. Teaching Points The Futility of IdolatryIdolatry is ultimately futile because it involves worshiping something that is lifeless and powerless. The Hebrew word for "idol" (pesel) implies something carved or shaped, emphasizing its man-made nature. God's Supremacy Over Idols Unlike idols, God is living and active. He is not created by human hands and does not depend on human craftsmanship to stand firm. The Danger of Materialism In a modern context, idolatry can take the form of materialism or placing undue importance on physical possessions. Believers are called to examine their lives for anything that might take the place of God. The Call to True Worship True worship involves recognizing God's sovereignty and giving Him the honor and reverence He deserves, rather than turning to substitutes. Trust in God's Stability Unlike idols that can topple, God is a firm foundation. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in Him, who is unchanging and reliable. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 40:20?2. How does Isaiah 40:20 challenge our understanding of idolatry in modern life? 3. What does Isaiah 40:20 reveal about the futility of man-made idols? 4. How can Isaiah 40:20 guide us in identifying idols in our hearts? 5. Connect Isaiah 40:20 with Exodus 20:3-4 on worshiping God alone. 6. How can we apply Isaiah 40:20 to prioritize God over material possessions? 7. How does Isaiah 40:20 challenge the concept of idol worship in ancient times? 8. What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 40:20? 9. How does Isaiah 40:20 reflect the futility of man-made idols? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40? 11. What do idols and demons share in common? 12. What defines unbiblical worship practices? 13. How does Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:21-24 align or conflict with other biblical teachings on monotheism? 14. How can the celestial bodies literally 'praise' God if they are inanimate? (Psalm 148:3) What Does Isaiah 40:20 Mean One lacking such an offering- The flow of Isaiah 40 contrasts God’s limitless greatness (40:12-18) with human attempts to manufacture gods (40:19-20). Verse 19 pictures the wealthy casting images of gold; verse 20 turns to “one lacking such an offering”—the person without means. - Poverty does not insulate anyone from idolatry. Whether rich or poor, the human heart still seeks a tangible substitute for the invisible God (Romans 1:22-23; Psalm 49:6-8). - Even the needy will divert limited resources toward an object of worship rather than call on the living Lord who “gives strength to the weary” (Isaiah 40:29). Chooses wood that will not rot - Because he cannot afford gold or silver, he selects durable wood, hoping for something that will last. - The choice exposes the illusion of permanence. Trees decay (Isaiah 40:6-8), yet the idolater convinces himself that careful material selection can produce an enduring god. - Isaiah later mocks the same practice: “He plants a pine… then takes some of it to warm himself… from the rest he makes a god” (Isaiah 44:14-17). - Like moth-eaten riches (James 5:2-3) or “treasures on earth” that rust (Matthew 6:19-20), even the best wood cannot escape time’s corruption—unlike the eternal Lord. He seeks a skilled craftsman - Since his chosen material is common, he relies on human artistry to elevate it. Craftsmanship becomes the savior of this would-be deity. - Scripture repeatedly exposes the folly of worshiping what human hands have fashioned (Exodus 32:4; Psalm 135:15-18; Acts 19:24-26). - The effort is backward: instead of humankind being shaped by the Creator (Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 64:8), the creature shapes the creator. - Skill cannot transform lifeless wood into the living God who alone “stretches out the heavens” (Isaiah 40:22). To set up an idol that will not topple - Stability is the idolater’s final concern. A fallen statue would reveal powerlessness, so he engineers a base “that will not topple.” - Yet Scripture records gods that collapse before the Lord, such as Dagon bowing before the ark (1 Samuel 5:3-4) and Baal remaining silent on Carmel (1 Kings 18:26-29). - Jeremiah echoes Isaiah: idols “must be carried, because they cannot walk” (Jeremiah 10:4-5). Contrast this with the Lord who “upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). - The very need to stabilize the idol exposes its emptiness; true Deity sustains the universe, not vice versa. Summary Isaiah 40:20 spotlights the absurd lengths to which people—rich or poor—will go to create a god in their own image. Careful material selection, expert craftsmanship, and engineering for stability cannot breathe life into wood. The verse underscores the Bible’s unshakeable truth: every handmade substitute is futile, while the eternal, sovereign Lord alone is worthy of worship and trust. (20) He that is so impoverished . . .--The transition is abrupt, but the intention apparently is to represent idolatry at its opposite extremes of the elaborate art in which kings and princes delighted, and the rude rough image, hardly more than a fetiche, the inutile lignum of Horace, "which cannot be moved," standing on its own wide base, so as not to fall.Verse 20. - He that is so impoverished, etc.; rather, he that can only make a poor offering, i.e. that cannot spend much on religion. Chooseth a tree; rather, chooseth wood - goes to the carpenter, and selects a good sound block of wood, out of which his idol shall be made. After this he has to find a skilful workman, who will carve his image for him and set it up, so that it shall not shake. As Delitzsch observes, "The thing carries its own satire" in the mere plain description of it. Is such a thing comparable to God?Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew To one bereftהַֽמְסֻכָּ֣ן (ham·suk·kān) Article | Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5533: To cut, damage, to grow, poor of an offering תְּרוּמָ֔ה (tə·rū·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8641: Contribution, offering (for sacred uses) who chooses יִבְחָ֑ר (yiḇ·ḥār) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select wood עֵ֥ץ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood that does not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no rot? יִרְקַ֖ב (yir·qaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7537: To decay He looks for יְבַקֶּשׁ־ (yə·ḇaq·qeš-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after a skilled חָכָם֙ (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise craftsman חָרָ֤שׁ (ḥā·rāš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2796: A fabricator, any material to set up לְהָכִ֥ין (lə·hā·ḵîn) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 3559: To be erect an idol פֶּ֖סֶל (pe·sel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6459: An idol, image that will not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no fall over. יִמּֽוֹט׃ (yim·mō·wṭ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4131: To waver, to slip, shake, fall Links Isaiah 40:20 NIVIsaiah 40:20 NLT Isaiah 40:20 ESV Isaiah 40:20 NASB Isaiah 40:20 KJV Isaiah 40:20 BibleApps.com Isaiah 40:20 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 40:20 Chinese Bible Isaiah 40:20 French Bible Isaiah 40:20 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:20 He who is too impoverished for such (Isa Isi Is) |
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