Isaiah 40:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:20 mean?

Isaiah 40:20 describes a person who is so poor that he cannot afford a proper offering, so he carefully selects a durable piece of wood and hires a skilled craftsman to make an idol that will not decay or topple over. The verse highlights the effort and care even the poorest people put into making idols, despite their lack of resources.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Israel, pointing out the irony and futility of idol-making. The context is a message about the greatness of God compared to lifeless idols. Isaiah uses the example of a poor person who still finds a way to make an idol, showing how widespread and deep-rooted idol worship had become, even among those with almost nothing.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:20

• The word "impoverished" (דָּלוּל, dalul) is used for someone who is truly lacking or needy, emphasizing that even those with very little still participate in idol-making.
• "Oblation" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah) refers to an offering or gift, often given in worship, showing that the person cannot afford even a basic religious sacrifice.
• "Cunning" (חָכָם, chakam) describes the craftsman as skillful or wise, underlining the care and expertise involved in making the idol, even though it is ultimately powerless.
• "Moved" (מוֹט, mot) means to totter or shake, so the idol is made specifically so it will stand firm and not fall over, highlighting the irony that people must work to keep their gods upright.

Why Isaiah 40:20 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that idol worship was only for the wealthy; Isaiah shows that even the poorest found ways to participate, revealing how deeply ingrained the practice was.
• Isaiah emphasizes the contrast between the living God and lifeless idols, which need human help just to remain standing.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the argument that God, unlike idols, is not made or maintained by human hands and cannot be compared to anything people create.