Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah 40:18 in Multiple Translations
To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him?
¶ To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Whom then is God like, in your opinion? or what will you put forward as a comparison with him?
Who do you think is like God? What image do you think he looks like?
To whom then wil ye liken God? or what similitude will ye set vp vnto him?
And unto whom do ye liken God, And what likeness do ye compare to Him?
To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to him?
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare to him?
To whom then have you likened God? or what image will you make for him?
So, to whom can you compare God? What image resembles him?
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:18
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 40:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶל
מִ֖י
תְּדַמְּי֣וּ/ן
אֵ֑ל
וּ/מַה
דְּמ֖וּת
תַּ֥עַרְכוּ
לֽ/וֹ
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
תְּדַמְּי֣וּ/ן
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
דְּמ֖וּת
dᵉmûwth
H1823
likeness
N-fs
תַּ֥עַרְכוּ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 40:18
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
תְּדַמְּי֣וּ/ן
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | 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.
דְּמ֖וּת
dᵉmûwth
H1823
"likeness"
N-fs
This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used to describe something that is similar to something else. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, describing creation and God's relationship with humanity. It helps us understand how things are connected.
Definition: 1) likeness, similitude adv 2) in the likeness of, like as
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fashion, like (-ness, as), manner, similitude. See also: Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 1:16; Psalms 58:5.
תַּ֥עַרְכוּ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:18
Context — Here Is Your God!
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.
18To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him?
19To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? 20One lacking such an offering chooses wood that will not rot. He seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:5 | To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:2 | There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:25 | “To whom will you liken Me, or who is My equal?” asks the Holy One. |
| 4 | Exodus 15:11 | Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? |
| 5 | Acts 17:29 | Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 10:6 | There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. |
| 7 | Psalms 89:6 | For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? |
| 8 | Micah 7:18 | Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? |
| 9 | Job 40:9 | Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? |
| 10 | Exodus 9:14 | Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. |
Isaiah 40:18 Summary
Isaiah 40:18 is asking us to think about who or what we can compare to God, and the answer is no one and nothing. God is unique and incomparable, as seen in Psalm 86:8 and Isaiah 46:5. This means that we should not try to make idols or images to represent Him, but instead focus on worshiping Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24. By recognizing God's greatness and uniqueness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for Him in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Isaiah 40:18?
The main point of Isaiah 40:18 is to emphasize the uniqueness and incomparability of God, highlighting that there is no one or nothing like Him, as also stated in Isaiah 46:5 and Psalm 86:8.
Why does God ask us to compare Him to something?
God asks us to compare Him to something in Isaiah 40:18 to show us the futility of trying to find something or someone comparable to Him, as He is the Creator and we are mere creatures, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 11:33-36.
Is Isaiah 40:18 saying that we should not use any images or symbols to represent God?
While Isaiah 40:18 is not directly saying we should not use any images or symbols to represent God, it is warning against making idols or comparing God to created things, as also warned against in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8.
How does this verse relate to our worship of God?
This verse reminds us that our worship of God should be focused on His greatness and uniqueness, and not on created things or idols, as seen in John 4:24 and Psalm 95:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have compared God to created things or idols in my own life, and how can I stop doing so?
- How does the fact that God is incomparable affect my prayer life and worship?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God's uniqueness in my daily life?
- How can I apply the truth of Isaiah 40:18 to my relationships with others and with the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:18
To whom then will ye liken God?.... There is nothing in the whole creation that can bear any resemblance to him, or he to them; since all nations are as a drop of the bucket, as the small dust of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:18
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? To whom then will ye liken God? - Which of the pagan idols, then, is to be compared to this Almighty God?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
This is a proper inference from the foregoing discourse of God’ s immense and infinite greatness; from whence he taketh occasion to show both the folly of those that make mean and visible representations of God, as not the Gentiles only, but even some of the Jews did; and the utter inability of men or idols to give any opposition to God in the doing of these great works. And this discourse of the madness of idolaters, prosecuted both here and in the following chapter, was designed by God, as a necessary antidote whereby the Jews might be preserved from the contagion of idolatry, to which God saw they now had strong inclinations, and would have many and great temptations when they were in captivity.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?Ver. 18. To whom then will ye liken God?] A sin which the Jews were exceeding prone unto, and would be tempted to, when in captivity at Babylon; here therefore they have an antidote provided beforehand. The voice of the gospel is, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
(18) To whom then will ye liken God . . .—The thought of the infinity of God leads, as in St. Paul’s reasoning (Acts 17:24-29), to the great primary argument against the folly of idolatry. It is characteristic, partly of the two men individually, partly of the systems under which they lived, that while the tone of Isaiah is sarcastic and declamatory, that of St Paul is pitying, and as with indulgent allowance for the “times of ignorance.” We must remember, of course, that the Apostle speaks to those who had known nothing better than the worship of their fathers, the prophet to those who were tempted to fall into the worship of the heathen from a purer faith.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:18
18–20. “To whom will ye liken God?” This question introduces the second distinct theme of the argument, the folly of idolatry. Although the prophet has in his mind the difficulties of Jews impressed by the fascinations of idolatry, his words are addressed not to them directly, but to men in general. The error he exposes is not the worshipping of Jehovah by images, but the universal error of thinking that the Deity (’çl) can be represented by the works of human hands. His point of view is that of Paul’s speech to the Athenians: “we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, graven by art and device of man” (Acts 17:29). In order to see how absurd this is, one has but to observe how the images are manufactured; and the various processes are described with an unmistakeable irony. After Isaiah 40:19 Duhm and Cheyne (following out a hint of Lagarde’s) insert Isaiah 40:6-7 of the next chapter. The description would then fall into two unequal parts; first, the construction of a metal idol (Isaiah 40:19, Isaiah 41:6-7), and second, that of a wooden idol (Isaiah 40:20); each ending naturally with the fastening of the image to its pedestal.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:18
To whom then will ye liken God? - Since he is so great, what can resemble him? What form can be made like him?
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:18
18, 19. To whom… will ye liken God — The conclusion is, the impossibility of adequately conceiving Jehovah’s greatness and exaltation. Likeness of him to any thing is beyond any human conception.
Sermons on Isaiah 40:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Perfection of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and holiness of God. He compares the excitement of a child playing with a ball to our attempts to impress God with our achieve |
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The Majesty of Our God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dave Wilkerson and his wife discuss the power of experiencing God's presence firsthand rather than just watching it in films or hearing about it in class. They anno |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 2 - Graven Mistakes by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the influence of entertainment on our culture and how it has affected public discourse. He emphasizes the longing within every person to get |
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The Incomparable One by Carl Armerding | The sermon transcript discusses the quest for security and the tendency of people to seek it in worldly things rather than in God. The speaker emphasizes the need for a ministry of |
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The Helpless State of the Sinner Under Condemnation by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge delivers a powerful sermon urging sinners to consider how they can be saved from impending ruin, emphasizing that salvation cannot be attained through personal off |
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Leaning Toward Heresy by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer warns against the heresy that arises when the Christian church adopts a distorted view of God, leading to a tragic decline in the understanding of His majesty and presen |
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Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 2 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and embracing the holiness of God in our lives. It explores how the vision of God's holiness can be a rock and sour |