Isaiah 41:29
Isaiah 41:29 in Multiple Translations
See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.
Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.
Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nought; their molten images are wind and confusion.
Truly they are all nothing, their works are nothing and of no value: their metal images are of no more use than wind.
Look at them! They're all evil, deceptive things. They can't do anything! They're just idols full of hot air! ”
Beholde, they are all vanitie: their worke is of nothing, their images are wind and confusion.
'Lo, all of them [are] vanity, Nought [are] their works, Wind and emptiness their molten images!'
Behold, all of their deeds are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.
Behold, they are all vanity, their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.
Behold they are all in the wrong, and their works are vain: their idols are wind and vanity.
Think about it: Those idols are all useless, worthless [DOU] things. They are as meaningless as [MET] the wind.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:29
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 41:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣ן
כֻּלָּ֔/ם
אָ֥וֶן
אֶ֖פֶס
מַעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם
ר֥וּחַ
וָ/תֹ֖הוּ
נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
כֻּלָּ֔/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
אָ֥וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
אֶ֖פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
end
N-ms
מַעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
וָ/תֹ֖הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
formlessness
Conj | N-ms
נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם
neçek
H5262
drink offering
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:29
הֵ֣ן
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.
כֻּלָּ֔/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָ֥וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
אֶ֖פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
N-ms
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
מַעֲשֵׂי/הֶ֑ם
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וָ/תֹ֖הוּ
tôhûw
H8414
"formlessness"
Conj | N-ms
Tohuw describes a desolate or empty place, like a wilderness or wasteland. It can also mean something is worthless or unreal, like an idol.
Definition: 1) formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 1a) formlessness (of primeval earth) 1a1) nothingness, empty space 1b) that which is empty or unreal (of idols) (fig) 1c) wasteland, wilderness (of solitary places) 1d) place of chaos 1e) vanity
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: confusion, empty place, without form, nothing, (thing of) nought, vain, vanity, waste, wilderness. See also: Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 107:40.
נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם
neçek
H5262
"drink offering"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:29
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:29
Context — Meaningless Idols
27I was the first to tell Zion: ‘Look, here they are!’ And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.
28When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say.
29See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:13 | The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them. ” |
| 2 | Isaiah 41:24 | Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:2–16 | This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz— the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. 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. Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols. For his molten images are a fraud, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish. The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance— the LORD of Hosts is His name. |
| 4 | Isaiah 44:9–20 | All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine. He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread; he even fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. He burns half of it in the fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. Indeed, he warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.” From the rest he makes a god, his graven image. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it and says, “Save me, for you are my god.” They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” |
| 5 | Psalms 135:15–18 | The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 6 | Psalms 115:4–8 | Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; they have hands, but cannot feel; they have feet, but cannot walk; they cannot even clear their throats. Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 2:18 | What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. |
Isaiah 41:29 Summary
[This verse is saying that the things people make and worship, like idols, are completely useless and have no power to help us. It's like chasing after the wind - it's empty and doesn't lead to anything real. As it says in Psalms 96:5, 'all the gods of the nations are idols', and we should trust in the one true God instead. By recognizing the emptiness of idols, we can turn to God and seek His wisdom and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the idols to be a delusion in Isaiah 41:29?
The idols being a delusion means that they are empty and powerless, offering no real help or salvation to those who worship them, as seen in other scriptures like Psalms 115:4-8 and Isaiah 44:9-20.
Why do the works of the idols amount to nothing in this verse?
The works of the idols amount to nothing because they are mere creations of human hands and have no power to save or deliver, as stated in Isaiah 41:29 and supported by verses like Jeremiah 10:5.
How does this verse relate to the idea of false prophets and counselors in the surrounding context?
This verse relates to the idea of false prophets and counselors because it highlights the emptiness and lack of wisdom of those who trust in idols, as seen in the preceding verses like Isaiah 41:27-28, where God laments the absence of wise counsel among His people.
What is the significance of the images being as empty as the wind in this verse?
The images being as empty as the wind signifies that they are fleeting, ephemeral, and without substance, much like the wind that blows and is gone, as seen in other scriptures like Ecclesiastes 1:14 and Hosea 12:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day idols that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I recognize their emptiness?
- In what ways can I trust in the power and wisdom of God, rather than relying on my own strength or the counsel of others?
- How can I apply the truth of this verse to my daily life, recognizing the futility of trusting in anything other than God?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of true wisdom and counsel, and how can I seek God's guidance in my decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:29
Behold, they are all vanity,.... Both the idols and the worshippers of them; in vain they claim the title of deity, to which they have no right; and in vain do men worship them, since they receive no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:29
Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion. Their molten images (are) ... confusion - emptiness: Hebrew, thohu, without form (Isaiah 34:11).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
They are all vanity: this is the conclusion of the whole dispute, and the just sentence which God passeth upon idols after a fair trial; they are vain things, and are falsely called gods. Their works are nothing: see . Their molten images; which he mentions, because their materials were most precious, and more cost and art was commonly bestowed upon them; for after they had been molten, they used to be carved, or polished, and adorned: but under these he synecdochichally comprehends all images whatsoever. Are wind; empty and unsatisfying things, which also, like the wind, do quickly pass away, and come to nothing. And confusion; confused, and deformed, and useless things, like that rude heap in the beginning of God’ s creation, of which this very word is used, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
Isaiah 41:29 Behold, they [are] all vanity; their works [are] nothing: their molten images [are] wind and confusion.Ver. 29. Behold they are all vanity.] Jeremiah 10:3; Jeremiah 10:15. Their works are nothing.] See Isaiah 41:24. Are wind and confusion.] Or, Emptiness; Heb., Tohu. Nothing in themselves, and yet of sufficient efficacy to inflict vengeance on their worshippers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
(29) They are all . . . their works . . .—The first pronoun refers to the idols themselves, the second to the idolaters who make them. In “confusion” we have the familiar tohu.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:29
29. The last word of the argument. all of them (R.V.)] idols and worshippers together. their works] are the images of the gods, “the work of men’s hands” (parallel to “molten images” below). confusion] “nothingness”—chaos (see ch. Isaiah 40:17).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:29
Behold, they are all vanity - They are unable to predict future events; they are unable to defend their friends, or to injure their enemies.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:29
28, 29. I beheld — All opportunities were given the prophets of idolatry, pagan priests, soothsayers, necromancers, etc., to furnish the first indication of predictive power; but not one ever appeared.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Breaking Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his ability to sense when someone is truly connected to Jesus and walking in righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of the body of Christ |
|
The History of Rock - Part 2 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of maintaining a natural and normal approach to music in worship. He compares the excitement and thrill of extra musical notes |
|
Unreached Peoples: The Drokpa People of the Himalayas by Paul Hattaway | This sermon delves into the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Drogpa people, who live in a fruitful yet isolated area, practicing ancient customs and idol worship. Despite the |
|
Learn Not the Way of the Heathen - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not following the ways of the world but instead staying true to God's teachings. He warns against adopting the abominable |
|
It's Not Business, It's Personal by Bob Sorge | In this sermon, Bob Sorge discusses the importance of having a father figure in worship ministry. He emphasizes the unique and precious relationship that can be formed with a fathe |
|
(1 Timothy) Church and the Truth by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a surf movie called "Noah's Ark" that he recently watched. The movie tells the story of professional surfers who have encountered God and ex |
|
Homily 10 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome preaches in Tripolis about the dangers of ignorance and error, highlighting the difference between those who worship idols and those who worship the one true God. H |