Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.

ISAIAH 41:24KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 41:24 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:24 mean?

Isaiah 41:24 declares that the idols and false gods are worthless and their works amount to nothing; anyone who chooses them is detestable in God’s eyes. The verse strongly rejects the value and power of idols, warning that trusting in them is not just useless but offensive.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to the people of Israel, addressing the surrounding nations and their idols. The context is a courtroom-like scene where God challenges the idols to prove their power or predict the future, exposing their inability to do anything meaningful. The verse underscores the emptiness of idol worship and God’s total rejection of it.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:24

  • "nothing" (אַיִן, 'ayin, H369): This word often means "nonexistent" or "nothingness," emphasizing that the idols have no real substance or power.
  • "work" (פֹּעַל, po'al, H6467): This term refers to deeds or actions, highlighting that the actions or supposed miracles of the idols are empty and ineffective.
  • "nought" (אֶפֶס, 'ephes, H659): This word means "zero" or "utter nothing," reinforcing the total lack of value in the idols' works.
  • "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah, H8441): This is a strong word for something detestable or repulsive, showing how seriously God views the choice to follow idols.
  • "chooseth" (בָּחַר, bachar, H977): This verb means "to choose" or "to select," making clear that the responsibility lies with those who decide to trust in idols.

Why Isaiah 41:24 matters

  • Isaiah 41:24 clears up any idea that idols might have some hidden power or value; the language is absolute in its rejection.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of choosing to trust in anything other than God, calling it not just foolish but an "abomination."
  • This verse fits into the larger argument of Isaiah 41, where God contrasts His own power and knowledge with the utter helplessness of idols, strengthening the message of His uniqueness and sovereignty.

Where else these words appear

“nothing” Hebrew H369 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
  • Isaiah 40:16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

“work” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 28:4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.
  • Proverbs 21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.