Isaiah 40:15
Isaiah 40:15 in Multiple Translations
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.
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
See, the nations are to him like a drop hanging from a bucket, and like the small dust in the scales: he takes up the islands like small dust.
It's obvious that the nations are just a drop in a bucket. They're like dust on a set of scales. He can pick up islands as if they weigh next to nothing.
Beholde, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the dust of the balance: beholde, he taketh away the yles as a litle dust.
Lo, nations as a drop from a bucket, And as small dust of the balance, have been reckoned, Lo, isles as a small thing He taketh up.
Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold, he lifts up the islands like a very little thing.
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
Behold the Gentiles are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the smallest grain of a balance: behold the islands are as a little dust.
Yahweh considers that the nations are as insignificant as [MET] one drop from a bucket full of water. They are as insignificant as dust on scales. He is able to weigh islands as though they weighed no more than grains of sand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:15
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 40:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֤ן
גּוֹיִם֙
כְּ/מַ֣ר
מִ/דְּלִ֔י
וּ/כְ/שַׁ֥חַק
מֹאזְנַ֖יִם
נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ
הֵ֥ן
אִיִּ֖ים
כַּ/דַּ֥ק
יִטּֽוֹל
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
כְּ/מַ֣ר
mar
H4752
drop
Prep | N-ms
מִ/דְּלִ֔י
dᵉlîy
H1805
bucket
Prep | N-ms
וּ/כְ/שַׁ֥חַק
shachaq
H7834
cloud
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מֹאזְנַ֖יִם
môʼzên
H3976
balance
N-md
נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אִיִּ֖ים
ʼîy
H339
coastland
N-mp
כַּ/דַּ֥ק
daq
H1851
thin
Prep | Adj
יִטּֽוֹל
nâṭal
H5190
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:15
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
כְּ/מַ֣ר
mar
H4752
"drop"
Prep | N-ms
Mar refers to a drop, a small amount of liquid that falls. It can describe a flowing down of something, like a drop of water.
Definition: a drop, a flowing down
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: drop. See also: Isaiah 40:15.
מִ/דְּלִ֔י
dᵉlîy
H1805
"bucket"
Prep | N-ms
A bucket or pail is what this Hebrew word refers to, used for carrying or drawing water. It is a simple, everyday object in biblical times.
Definition: bucket
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bucket. See also: Numbers 24:7; Isaiah 40:15.
וּ/כְ/שַׁ֥חַק
shachaq
H7834
"cloud"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.
מֹאזְנַ֖יִם
môʼzên
H3976
"balance"
N-md
In the Bible, this word means a pair of scales used for weighing, like the ones in the book of Leviticus. It symbolizes fairness and justice. The prophet Daniel also used scales in his visions.
Definition: scales, balances Aramaic equivalent: mo.zen (מֹאזֵנְיָא "scale" H3977)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: balances. See also: Leviticus 19:36; Isaiah 40:12; Psalms 62:10.
נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
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.
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אִיִּ֖ים
ʼîy
H339
"coastland"
N-mp
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
כַּ/דַּ֥ק
daq
H1851
"thin"
Prep | Adj
Means thin or small, like a thin cloth or a gaunt person, used to describe something or someone as fragile or weak.
Definition: 1) thin, small, fine, gaunt 1a) thin 1b) small, fine
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: dwarf, lean(-fleshed), very little thing, small, thin. See also: Genesis 41:3; Exodus 16:14; Isaiah 29:5.
יִטּֽוֹל
nâṭal
H5190
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lift or bear something, as in Exodus 25:12 where the Israelites lifted the Ark of the Covenant. It can also imply imposing a burden on someone. In 2 Kings 5:18, Naaman asks for forgiveness for lifting up the idol he will bear in the temple.
Definition: 1) to lift, bear, bear up 1a) (Qal) to lift, lift over, lift upon, set up 1b) (Piel) to bear up Aramaic equivalent: ne.tal (נְטַל "to lift" H5191)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bear, offer, take up. See also: 2 Samuel 24:12; Isaiah 63:9; Isaiah 40:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:15
Context — Here Is Your God!
13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?
14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
15Surely 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.
16Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering. 17All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:22 | He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. |
| 2 | Job 34:14–15 | If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:10 | But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. |
| 4 | Isaiah 29:5 | But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant, |
| 5 | Isaiah 11:11 | On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:5 | The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward. |
| 7 | Genesis 10:5 | From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations. |
| 8 | Zephaniah 2:11 | The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place. |
| 9 | Daniel 11:18 | Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him. |
| 10 | Isaiah 66:19 | I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. |
Isaiah 40:15 Summary
[Isaiah 40:15 teaches us that to God, all the nations of the world are like a tiny drop of water in a bucket or a speck of dust that can easily be blown away, showing us how small and powerless they are compared to Him (as also seen in Isaiah 40:17). This verse helps us understand that just like God can lift up islands like they are light dust, He is all-powerful and in control of everything, reminding us to trust in His greatness and not in the strength of nations (see Psalm 24:1 and Isaiah 46:10). It's a call to humility, reminding us that despite the grand things humans can do, we are small in God's eyes, and our accomplishments are but a small part of His larger plan (Romans 11:33-36).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the nations are like a drop in a bucket?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 40:15, means that the nations of the world are insignificant compared to God's power and greatness, much like a small drop of water in a large bucket (see also Isaiah 40:17).
Why does God compare the nations to a speck of dust on the scales?
This comparison emphasizes the idea that the nations are not only small but also lack any real weight or significance in God's eyes, highlighting His sovereignty and omnipotence (as seen in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalm 115:3).
What is the significance of God lifting up the islands like fine dust?
This image reinforces the idea of God's immense power and control over all creation, including the mightiest nations and geographical formations, reminding us of His ability to do as He pleases (as stated in Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 4:35).
How should this verse affect our perspective on global events and our place in the world?
Isaiah 40:15 should humble us, reminding us that despite the grandeur of human achievements, all nations and their endeavors are but a small part of God's larger plan, encouraging us to trust in His wisdom and sovereignty (see Romans 11:33-36 and Isaiah 55:8-9).
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing the insignificance of nations in God's eyes impact my trust in His sovereignty over global events?
- In what ways can I apply the humility taught by this verse to my daily life and interactions with others?
- What does it mean for me to live with the awareness that all human achievements are but 'a speck of dust' in God's perspective?
- How can meditating on God's power, as described in this verse, strengthen my faith during challenging times?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:15
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket,.... Not only the Chaldeans and Babylonians, and other nations most known, and most troublesome to the Jews, but all the nations of the world; these, in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:15
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. Of - literally, (hanging) from a bucket ( midliy (H1805)).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
The nations, all the nations of the world, are as a drop of a bucket, compared with all the water in the bucket, wherein are innumerable drops: such are they if compared with God. And are counted by him, and in comparison of him, as the small dust of the balance; which accidentally cleaves to the balance, but makes no alteration in the weight. The isles; those numerous and vast countries to which they went from Judea by sea, which are commonly called isles, as hath been oft observed.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations [are] as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.Ver. 15. Behold, the nations are as the drop of a bucket.] Quota igitur es tu istius guttae particula? What a small parcel art thou then of that small drop? saith an ancient. As the small dust of the balance.] That weigheth nothing; yea, all men together laid in the balance with vanity itself will ascend or tilt up. He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.] Or, He taketh up and throweth away the isles as powder. Mira igitur superbiae nostrae stultitia. - Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
(15) The nations are as a drop . . .—“Nations” and “isles” bring us into the region of human history, as distinct from that of the material world. “Isles” as elsewhere, stands vaguely for far-off lands, or sea-coasts. The word is that of one who looks on the Mediterranean, and thinks of the unexplored regions that lie in it and around. It is one of Isaiah’s favourite words in this aspect of its meaning. A drop of a bucket.—Better, on a bucket. Such a drop adds nothing to the weight which the bearer feels; as little do the nations and the isles to the burden which Jehovah bears. The “small dust in the balance” presents another illustration of the same idea.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:15
15–17. The insignificance of collective humanity before Jehovah. The meditation passes from Nature to History, with the same design of encouraging those who doubted Jehovah’s power to save. a drop of a bucket] Rather: a drop from the bucket; which falls away without appreciably lessening the weight. the small dust &c.] which does not turn the scale. the isles] a characteristic word of the second half of Isaiah, occurring 12 times (see Introd. p. xlviii). In the general usage of O.T. it denotes the islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean (comp. the use of the singular by Isaiah in ch. Isaiah 20:6). Etymologically it probably means simply “habitable lands”; and this prophet uses it with great laxity, hardly distinguishing it from “lands” (see esp. ch. Isaiah 42:15). as a very little thing] “a grain of powder,” used of the manna, Exodus 16:14.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:15
Behold, the nations - All the nations of the earth. This is designed to show the greatness of God, in comparison with that which strikes man as great - a mighty nation; and the main object seems to
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:15
15. The nations are as a drop — So far the omnipotence and omniscience of God: — now his exaltation as governor of the universe.
Sermons on Isaiah 40:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Ultimate Test of Faith by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel in Exodus. He highlights how they witnessed a great miracle when God saved them and led them through the |
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The Local Church 1 - Part 5 by William MacDonald | This sermon emphasizes the significance of the church as a divine institution that will endure against all odds, serving as a witness to angelic beings and forming the capstone of |
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Characteristics of Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not questioning or trying to understand God's ways. He reminds the congregation that God does not owe anyone an explanatio |
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Christian, Are You Refusing God? by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not refusing God's voice, drawing parallels between the consequences faced by those who rejected God's warnings in the past and the greater |
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The Glory of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance in the eyes of God. He shares a personal experience of witnessing to others and how he shared his |
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God's Everlasting, Unchanging Love by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes God's everlasting and unchanging love, as declared in Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting that this profound love is extended even in the face of human rebellio |
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God Has Everything Under Control by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite the chaos and calamities shaking the world, believers can find peace in the knowledge that God is in control. He reassures the faithful that |