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Isaiah 40:22

Isaiah 40:22 in Multiple Translations

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.

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

It is he that sitteth above the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in;

It is he who is seated over the arch of the earth, and the people in it are as small as locusts; by him the heavens are stretched out like an arch, and made ready like a tent for a living-place.

God sits on his throne above the horizon of the earth; the people that live there are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, spreading them out like a tent to live in.

He sitteth vpon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grashoppers, hee stretcheth out ye heauens, as a curtaine, and spreadeth them out, as a tent to dwell in.

He who is sitting on the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants [are] as grasshoppers, He who is stretching out as a thin thing the heavens, And spreadeth them as a tent to dwell in.

It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in,

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

It is he that sitteth upon the globe of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as locusts: he that stretcheth out the heavens as nothing, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

God sits on his throne above the earth, and the people on the earth below seem to be as small as [SIM] grasshoppers. He spreads out the sky like a curtain; it is like [SIM] a tent for him to live in.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:22

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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 40:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ עַל ח֣וּג הָ/אָ֔רֶץ וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ כַּ/חֲגָבִ֑ים הַ/נּוֹטֶ֤ה כַ/דֹּק֙ שָׁמַ֔יִם וַ/יִּמְתָּחֵ֥/ם כָּ/אֹ֖הֶל לָ/שָֽׁבֶת
הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
ח֣וּג chûwg H2329 circle N-ms
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal | Suff
כַּ/חֲגָבִ֑ים châgâb H2284 locust Prep | N-mp
הַ/נּוֹטֶ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Art | V-Qal
כַ/דֹּק֙ dôq H1852 curtain Prep | N-ms
שָׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven N-mp
וַ/יִּמְתָּחֵ֥/ם mâthach H4969 to spread Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
כָּ/אֹ֖הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Prep | N-ms
לָ/שָֽׁבֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:22

הַ/יֹּשֵׁב֙ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ח֣וּג chûwg H2329 "circle" N-ms
This word refers to a circular shape or object. It can also describe the vault of the heavens. The KJV translates it as 'circle', 'circuit', or 'compass'.
Definition: 1) circle, circuit, compass 2) (BDB) vault (of the heavens)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: circle, circuit, compass. See also: Job 22:14; Proverbs 8:27; Isaiah 40:22.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/יֹשְׁבֶ֖י/הָ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
כַּ/חֲגָבִ֑ים châgâb H2284 "locust" Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a locust, a type of insect that can cause significant damage to crops. In the Bible, locusts are often used as a symbol of destruction or judgment.
Definition: locust, grasshopper
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: locust. See also: Leviticus 11:22; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Isaiah 40:22.
הַ/נּוֹטֶ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Art | V-Qal
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
כַ/דֹּק֙ dôq H1852 "curtain" Prep | N-ms
Refers to a curtain or veil, possibly made of a thin, crumbling material, like a fine cloth.
Definition: veil, curtain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: curtain. See also: Isaiah 40:22.
שָׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וַ/יִּמְתָּחֵ֥/ם mâthach H4969 "to spread" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to spread, meaning to stretch out or extend something. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of spreading out one's hands or arms. In some passages, it is used to describe the spreading of news or information.
Definition: (Qal) to spread out
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: spread out. See also: Isaiah 40:22.
כָּ/אֹ֖הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
לָ/שָֽׁבֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

Study Notes — Isaiah 40:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 8:27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,
2 Psalms 104:2 He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,
3 Isaiah 42:5 This is what God the LORD says— He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:
4 Isaiah 66:1 This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
5 Jeremiah 10:12 The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.
6 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.
7 Psalms 68:33 to Him who rides upon the highest heavens of old; behold, His mighty voice resounds.
8 Job 9:8 He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
9 Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
10 Job 38:4–9 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket,

Isaiah 40:22 Summary

[Isaiah 40:22 tells us that God is in control of the whole world, and that He is much more powerful than we are, like the difference between a grasshopper and a giant. This reminds us to trust in His sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6. God's power is also shown in how He created the universe, stretching out the heavens like a curtain, as seen in Job 37:18 and Psalm 104:2. By trusting in God's power and control, we can find peace and comfort in His presence, just like Psalm 23:4 says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.']

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God sits enthroned above the circle of the earth?

This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and dominion over the entire world, as seen in Isaiah 40:22, and is reinforced by Psalm 103:19, which says that God's throne is in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Why are the dwellers of the earth compared to grasshoppers in this verse?

The comparison to grasshoppers highlights the smallness and insignificance of humanity in contrast to God's greatness, a theme also found in Psalm 8:3-4, where humans are described as a little lower than the angels.

What does it mean that God stretches out the heavens like a curtain?

This phrase is a metaphor that describes God's creative power and control over the universe, as seen in Isaiah 40:22, and is similar to the description of God stretching out the heavens in Job 37:18 and Psalm 104:2.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

Isaiah 40:22 reminds us of God's majesty and power, and encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the description of God sitting enthroned above the circle of the earth impact my view of His sovereignty and control in my life?
  2. In what ways can I apply the truth of God's greatness and my smallness, as described in this verse, to my daily struggles and challenges?
  3. What does it mean for me to 'dwell' in the heavens that God has stretched out like a tent, and how can I experience that reality in my life?
  4. How can I balance the truth of God's power and control with the reality of human freedom and responsibility, as seen in this verse and others like Jeremiah 29:11?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:22

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth,.... Or, "the globe (z)" of it; for the earth is spherical or globular: not a flat plain, but round, hung as a ball in the air; here Jehovah sits as

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:22

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: (It

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:22

That sitteth, as a judge or governor upon his throne, upon the circle of the earth; or, above the circle &c.; far above this round earth, even in the highest heavens; from whence he looketh down upon the earth, where men appear to him like grasshoppers. He alludes to one that looks down upon the earth below him from some high place. As here we have the circle of the earth, so elsewhere we read of the circle of heaven, , and of the circle of the deep, or sea, , because the form of the heaven, and earth, and sea is circular and round, as is evident both from sense, and from the principles of philosophy. As grasshoppers; small and contemptible in his sight. Compare . Stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in, for the benefit of the earth and of mankind, that all parts might partake of its comfortable influences. See Poole ""; See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:22

Isaiah 40:22 [It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Ver. 22. It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.] As sovereign, and is he fit to be portrayed? In Thebes, a town of Egypt, they painted God in the likeness of a man blowing an egg out of his mouth, to signify that he made the round world by his word. Others set him forth as an emperor with a globe in one hand, and a light bolt in the other. Peucer and others tell us, that if there were a path made round the circle of the earth, an able footman might easily go it in nine hundred days. Plut. in Numa.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:22

(22) The circle of the earth—i.e., the vault of heaven over-arching the earth (Job 22:14; Proverbs 8:27). As grasshoppers.—The word indicates some insect of the locust tribe. The comparison may have been suggested by Numbers 13:33. That stretcheth out the heavens.—A favourite phrase of 2 Isaiah (Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah 44:24, et al.), taken probably from Psalms 104:2. As a curtain . . . as a tent.—The words indicate a clearer perception of space than the older Hebrew word for the “firmament” of Genesis 1:7. The visible heavens are thought of as a thin, filmy veil of gauze, the curtains of the tent of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 40:22

Verse 22. As a curtain - "As a thin veil"] "It is usual in the summer season, and upon all occasions when a large company is to be received, to have the court sheltered from heat or inclemency of the weather by a velum, umbrella, or veil, as I shall call it; which being expanded on ropes from one side of the parapet wall to the other, may be folded or unfolded at pleasure. The psalmist seems to allude to some covering of this kind in that beautiful expression of spreading out the heavens like a curtain." - Shaw's Travels, p. 274.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:22

22, 23. The majesty of the God who reveals Himself in Creation and Providence is described in interjectional participial clauses, the force of which should not be blunted by the superfluous “It is” of E.V. upon (rather: above, R.V. marg.) the circle of the earth] i. e. the horizon, where earth and heaven meet (see Proverbs 8:27), “at the confines of light and darkness” (Job 26:10). The earth with its surrounding ocean is conceived as a flat disc, on which the arch of heaven comes down. The rendering “on the vault of the earth” (see Job 22:14, “vault of heaven,” the same word) is possible, though not so good. and (so that) the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers] Comp. for the expression Numbers 13:33, and for the thought Psalms 113:5 f. as a curtain] like gauze (lit. fine cloth). a tent to dwell in] i.e. simply “a habitable tent.”

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:22

It is he that sitteth - Margin, ‘Him that sitteth,’ that is, have you not known him?

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:22

22. He that sitteth — This verse contains the fact that should have been known by all men. It is He alone that is enthroned above the vault of the earth, etc.

Sermons on Isaiah 40:22

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
Warren Wiersbe Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise the Creator by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation chapter 4 and highlights the central theme of worship in heaven. The chapter describes John's arrival in heaven, where he sees a
Paris Reidhead What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li
A.W. Tozer His Immensity - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonder and mystery of God's creation. They share a personal anecdote about their younger brother's fear of falling up, highlighting the
Bill McLeod Prayer and Revival - Part 2 by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and suggests that God is sending judgments upon North America. He references Ezekiel 14:21, which mentions four
Bakht Singh Straw Rags, Wilderness by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the Lord's servant discusses the concept of possessing material things and the importance of true wisdom. The speaker emphasizes that our possessions on earth are t
David Wilkerson 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

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