To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

ISAIAH 40:18KJV
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Isaiah 40:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:18 mean?

Isaiah 40:18 asks who or what could possibly be compared to God, highlighting that nothing and no one is truly like Him. The verse challenges the reader to consider the uniqueness and incomparability of God by questioning whether any image or likeness could ever match Him.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, many of whom lived among nations that worshipped idols or made images to represent their gods. In this part of the book, Isaiah is emphasizing that the God of Israel cannot be captured by any physical form or compared to anything humans could create or imagine. The verse sets up a contrast between the living God and the lifeless idols of surrounding cultures.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:18

  • "liken" (דָּמָה, damah): This word means to make a comparison or to consider something as similar. Here, it stresses the impossibility of finding anything that truly matches God.
  • "God" (אֵל, el): This is a common Hebrew word for God, often emphasizing strength or might. Using this term underlines God's power and majesty in the context of comparison.
  • "likeness" (דְּמוּת, demut): This refers to a form, image, or representation. The word points to the idea of making something that resembles God, which Isaiah says cannot be done.
  • "compare" (עָרַךְ, arakh): This word means to set side by side or to arrange for comparison. Isaiah uses it to ask whether anything can even be set alongside God for comparison, reinforcing God's uniqueness.

Why Isaiah 40:18 matters

  • Isaiah 40:18 clears up any idea that God can be represented by an idol, statue, or any created thing, which was a common practice in the ancient world.
  • The verse emphasizes the absolute uniqueness of God, preparing the reader for the following verses where Isaiah will further highlight the difference between God and idols.
  • This question invites the reader to reflect on the greatness of God, which is a central theme in this chapter, especially as Isaiah comforts the people by reminding them of who God truly is.