Isaiah 2:22
Isaiah 2:22 in Multiple Translations
Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Have no more to do with man, whose life is only a breath, for he is of no value.
Don't bother trusting human beings who only live for a while. How much do they count?
Cease you from the man whose breath is in his nostrels: for wherein is he to be esteemed?
Cease for you from man, Whose breath [is] in his nostrils, For — in what is he esteemed?
Stop trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Cease ye therefore from the man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for he is reputed high.
So, do not trust that people will save you, because people are as powerless as [MET] their own breath. People certainly cannot help you [RHQ]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 2:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 2:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חִדְל֤וּ
לָ/כֶם֙
מִן
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
נְשָׁמָ֖ה
בְּ/אַפּ֑/וֹ
כִּֽי
בַ/מֶּ֥ה
נֶחְשָׁ֖ב
הֽוּא
חִדְל֤וּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָ/כֶם֙
Prep | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נְשָׁמָ֖ה
nᵉshâmâh
H5397
breath
N-fs
בְּ/אַפּ֑/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
face
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בַ/מֶּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
נֶחְשָׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 2:22
חִדְל֤וּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
לָ/כֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נְשָׁמָ֖ה
nᵉshâmâh
H5397
"breath"
N-fs
This word means breath, spirit, or wind, and is used in Genesis and other Old Testament books to describe God's breath and the breath of living things. It is related to the idea of divine inspiration and intellect, and is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breath, spirit 1a) breath (of God) 1b) breath (of man) 1c) every breathing thing 1d) spirit (of man) Aramaic equivalent: nish.ma (נִשְׁמָא "breath" H5396)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: blast, (that) breath(-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8; Psalms 18:16.
בְּ/אַפּ֑/וֹ
ʼaph
H639
"face"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בַ/מֶּ֥ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נֶחְשָׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 2:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 2:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:22
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
- Sermons on Isaiah 2:22
Context — The Day of Reckoning
20In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold— the idols they made to worship.
21They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.
22Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:5 | This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. |
| 2 | Psalms 146:3 | Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. |
| 3 | James 4:14 | You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. |
| 4 | Psalms 144:3–4 | O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. |
| 5 | Psalms 8:4 | what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? |
| 6 | Genesis 2:7 | Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. |
| 7 | Isaiah 40:15 | Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. |
| 8 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 9 | Genesis 7:22 | Of all that was on dry land, everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. |
| 10 | Job 27:3 | as long as my breath is still within me and the breath of God remains in my nostrils, |
Isaiah 2:22 Summary
[This verse reminds us that humans are not reliable or strong enough to be our ultimate source of trust and security. As it says in Psalm 118:8-9, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. We should look to God alone for our strength and salvation, rather than relying on fragile and mortal human beings. By putting our trust in God, we can find true security and peace, as promised in Proverbs 29:25.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to put trust in man?
To put trust in man means to rely on human beings for our security, happiness, or salvation, rather than on God, as warned against in Jeremiah 17:5 and Psalm 118:8-9.
Why are we reminded that man has only the breath in his nostrils?
This reminder highlights the fragility and mortality of human life, as seen in Job 27:3 and Ecclesiastes 8:13, emphasizing that man is not a reliable source of strength or salvation.
What does it mean that man is of no account?
This phrase emphasizes the insignificance and powerlessness of humanity compared to God, as stated in Isaiah 40:17 and Psalm 62:9, encouraging us to look to God alone for our trust and confidence.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?
This verse serves as a conclusion to the description of God's judgment in Isaiah 2:20-21, warning us not to trust in human strength or idols, but to fear and reverence God alone, as seen in Isaiah 2:10 and Luke 12:5.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I currently putting my trust in man, rather than in God?
- How can I practically apply the warning of this verse to my daily life and relationships?
- What are some idols or false sources of security that I need to cast away, as described in Isaiah 2:20?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear and reverence for God, as encouraged in this passage?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 2:22
Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils,.... "From that man" (y), meaning antichrist, the man of sin; who is but a mere man, a poor, frail, mortal man; though he sits in the temple of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 2:22
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
Seeing God will undoubtedly bring down the highest and proudest of the sons of men into so much contempt and misery, from henceforth never admire nor place your trust in man, whose breath, upon which his life and strength depends, is in his nostrils, and therefore is quickly stopped and taken away. Wherein is he to be accounted of? what one real and valuable excellency is there in him, to wit, considered in himself, and without dependence upon God?
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
Isaiah 2:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?Ver. 22. Cease ye from man.] Man or means, human helps and creature comforts; think not that these can secure you from an angry God, or moat you up against his fire. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his dust, in that very day his golden thoughts perish. Whose breath is in his nostrils.] Every moment ready to puff out, as the Emperor Jovinian’ s did; a good emperor, but he reigned only seven months, being stifled, as it is thought, with the smell of his bedchamber newly white-limed, wherein he had commanded a great fire to be made on a cold night. Hence Jerome; - Jovinian, who succeeded Julian the apostate in the empire, whenas yet he had scarce tasted of the goodness of it, faetore prunarum suffocatus interiit, died suffocated with the stench of hot burning coals, declaring to all men what a poor thing man is in his greatest power. The Cardinal of Lorrain was lighted to his lodging and to his long home both at once by a poisoned torch; Pope Adrian IV was choked by a fly getting into his windpipe, A.D. 1159. For wherein is he to be esteemed?] All his power without God is but weakness, all his wisdom folly, all his plenty poverty. What is man, saith a father, but soul and soil? Breath and body; a puff of wind the one, a pile of dust the other - no solidity in either.
Abstinete ergo vos ab ipso homine - nam quanti est? What reckoning is to be made of him? Eutrop. Oros. In Epitap. Nepotian. Bevius, De Vit. Pen. Nουςκαιχους. - Greg. Naz.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
(22) Cease ye from man . . .—The verse is wanting in some MSS. of the LXX. version, and is rejected by some critics, as of the nature of a marginal comment, and as not in harmony with the context. The first fact is the most weighty argument against it, but is not decisive. The other objection does not count for much. To “cease from man” as well as from “idols” is surely the natural close of the great discourse which had begun with proclaiming that men of all classes and conditions should be brought low. The words “whose breath is in his nostrils” emphasise the frailty of human life (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 7:22; Psalms 146:3-4). Looking to that frailty, the prophet asks, as the psalmist had asked, “What is man? (Psalms 8:1). What is he to be valued at?” If it could be proved that the verse was not Isaiah’s, it is at least the reflection of a devout mind in harmony with his.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
Verse 22. Cease ye from man] Trust neither in him, nor in the gods that he has invented. Neither he, nor they, can either save or destroy.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 2:22
22. whose breath … nostrils] A translation both weak and ungrammatical, although retained in R.V. Render: in whose nostrils is a breath. The breath of the nostrils symbolises the divinely imparted principle of life in man (Genesis 2:7); and the meaning of the clause is that man’s life is frail and perishable as a breath (cf. Job 7:7). This verse is not found in the LXX., and is regarded by many as a later insertion in Isaiah’s prophecy.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 2:22
Cease ye from man - That is, cease to confide in or trust in him. The prophet had just said Isaiah 2:11, Isaiah 2:17 that the proud and lofty people would be brought low; that is, the kings, princes, and nobles would be humbled.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 2:22
22. Thus far the warning has been Abjure idols: now it is, Depend not on man. Cease… from — Let him alone. Human strength is impotent. Whose breath is in his nostrils — Genesis 2:7. Whose life is transitory, precarious.
Sermons on Isaiah 2:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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Where Does It Lie by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a ship carrying valuable cargo to illustrate the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and sinful behaviors. He emphasizes t |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |
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Overcoming as Jesus Did by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with God's values, focusing on the need to overcome worldly thinking and prioritize spiritual growth. It highlights the |
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Built Together in Christ's Body by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building fellowship and unity in the body of Christ, drawing parallels to the construction of Solomon's temple where stones were shaped in |
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People Pleasing and the Fear of Man by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into the topic of the fear of man, exploring how believers can be dominated by this sin even when they are free from other sins. It emphasizes the importance of |
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The New Covenant Life and Church - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's ability to not only forgive sins but also to save individuals from the power of sin. It challenges listeners to trust in |