Isaiah 44:13
Isaiah 44:13 in Multiple Translations
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.
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
The carpenter stretcheth out a line; he marketh it out with a pencil; he shapeth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compasses, and shapeth it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house.
The woodworker is measuring out the wood with his line, marking it out with his pencil: after smoothing it with his plane, and making circles on it with his instrument, he gives it the form and glory of a man, so that it may be placed in the house.
The woodworker measures out a piece of wood, and draws an image on it. He carves it with a chisel and uses a compass to make an outline. He creates an idol that looks like a person, someone beautiful, to be put in a shrine.
The carpenter stretcheth out a line: he facioneth it with a red thread, he planeth it, and he purtreyeth it with the compasse, and maketh it after the figure of a man, and according to the beautie of a man that it may remaine in an house.
He hath wrought [with] wood, He hath stretched out a rule, He doth mark it out with a line, He maketh it with carving tools, And with a compass he marketh it out, And maketh it according to the form of a man, According to the beauty of a man, To remain in the house.
The carpenter stretches out a line. He marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, and shapes it like the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house.
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
The carpenter hath stretched out his rule, he hath formed it with a plane: he hath made it with corners, and hath fashioned it round with the compass: and he hath made the image of a man as it were a beautiful man dwelling in a house.
Then a woodcarver takes a big block/piece of wood and he measures it; then he marks it to show where he will cut it. He uses a chisel and other tools to carve it to resemble a human. He causes it to become a very beautiful idol, and then he puts it in a shrine.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:13
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 44:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָרַ֣שׁ
עֵצִים֮
נָ֣טָה
קָו֒
יְתָאֲרֵ֣/הוּ
בַ/שֶּׂ֔רֶד
יַעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
בַּ/מַּקְצֻע֔וֹת
וּ/בַ/מְּחוּגָ֖ה
יְתָאֳרֵ֑/הוּ
וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
כְּ/תַבְנִ֣ית
אִ֔ישׁ
כְּ/תִפְאֶ֥רֶת
אָדָ֖ם
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
בָּֽיִת
חָרַ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
N-ms
עֵצִים֮
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-mp
נָ֣טָה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קָו֒
qav
H6957
cord
N-ms
יְתָאֲרֵ֣/הוּ
tâʼar
H8388
to border
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בַ/שֶּׂ֔רֶד
sered
H8279
stylus
Prep | N-ms
יַעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בַּ/מַּקְצֻע֔וֹת
maqtsuʻâh
H4741
plane
Prep | N-fp
וּ/בַ/מְּחוּגָ֖ה
mᵉchûwgâh
H4230
compass
Conj | Prep | N-fs
יְתָאֳרֵ֑/הוּ
tâʼar
H8388
to border
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
כְּ/תַבְנִ֣ית
tabnîyth
H8403
pattern
Prep | N-fs
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כְּ/תִפְאֶ֥רֶת
tiphʼârâh
H8597
beauty
Prep | N-fs
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:13
חָרַ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
עֵצִים֮
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
נָ֣טָה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
קָו֒
qav
H6957
"cord"
N-ms
This word means a cord or line, used for measuring or as a musical string. It can also mean a rule or a rim, and is translated as line in the Bible.
Definition: 1) line, measuring-line 2) (BDB) onomatapoetic mimicry of Isaiah's words, perhaps senseless
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: line. Compare H6978 (קַו־קַו)lemma קַו־קַי yod, corrected to קַו־קַו. See also: 2 Kings 21:13; Isaiah 34:11; Psalms 19:5.
יְתָאֲרֵ֣/הוּ
tâʼar
H8388
"to border"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to draw or delineate something, like tracing an outline. It can also mean to extend or mark out boundaries. The KJV translates it as be drawn or mark out.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be drawn, incline, delineate, extend 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: be drawn, mark out, (Rimmon-) methoar (by union with H7417 (רִמּוֹן)). See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:17; Isaiah 44:13.
בַ/שֶּׂ֔רֶד
sered
H8279
"stylus"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a stylus or sharp tool used for marking wood. It was a common tool for carpenters and craftsmen in biblical times. The word is related to the idea of leaving a mark or making a line.
Definition: 1) stylus, a line, marker 1a) a marking tool for wood
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: line. See also: Isaiah 44:13.
יַעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בַּ/מַּקְצֻע֔וֹת
maqtsuʻâh
H4741
"plane"
Prep | N-fp
This word means a scraping tool, like a chisel, used to carve or shape objects, including idols. It is a specific type of tool used for crafting and shaping materials. The word is used in the context of idol-making and craftsmanship.
Definition: scraping tool (used in fashioning idols)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: plane. See also: Isaiah 44:13.
וּ/בַ/מְּחוּגָ֖ה
mᵉchûwgâh
H4230
"compass"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a tool used to draw circles, like a compass. It appears in Isaiah 44:13, describing a craftsman's work. The KJV translates it as 'compass'.
Definition: circle-instrument, compass
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: compass. See also: Isaiah 44:13.
יְתָאֳרֵ֑/הוּ
tâʼar
H8388
"to border"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to draw or delineate something, like tracing an outline. It can also mean to extend or mark out boundaries. The KJV translates it as be drawn or mark out.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to be drawn, incline, delineate, extend 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: be drawn, mark out, (Rimmon-) methoar (by union with H7417 (רִמּוֹן)). See also: Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:17; Isaiah 44:13.
וַֽ/יַּעֲשֵׂ֨/הוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כְּ/תַבְנִ֣ית
tabnîyth
H8403
"pattern"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a pattern or model, like a blueprint for building something. It appears in Exodus 25:40, describing the pattern for the tabernacle. The idea is to follow a specific design or plan.
Definition: 1) pattern, plan, form, construction, figure 1a) construction, structure 1a1) meaning uncertain 1b) pattern 1c) figure, image (of idols)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: figure, form, likeness, pattern, similitude. See also: Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 28:12; Psalms 106:20.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כְּ/תִפְאֶ֥רֶת
tiphʼârâh
H8597
"beauty"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes something beautiful or glorious, like a lovely garment or a person's honor. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's glory, as well as the beauty of creation and human achievements, as seen in Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) beauty, splendour, glory 1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels) 1b) glory 1b1) of rank, renown 1b2) as attribute of God 1c) honour (or nation Israel) 1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty. See also: Exodus 28:2; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 71:8.
אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
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.
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
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.
בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 44:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 44:13
Context — The LORD Has Chosen Israel
11Behold, 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.
12The 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.
13The 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.
14He 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. 15It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 17:4–5 | So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a graven image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah. Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household idols, and ordained one of his sons as his priest. |
| 2 | Psalms 115:5–7 | 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. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Romans 1:23 | and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:16–18 | that you do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves of any form or shape, whether in the likeness of a male or female, of any beast that is on the earth or bird that flies in the air, or of any creature that crawls on the ground or fish that is in the waters below. |
| 6 | Exodus 20:4–5 | You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 27:15 | ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 8 | Genesis 31:19 | Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols. |
| 9 | Genesis 31:32 | If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. |
| 10 | Isaiah 41:7 | The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. |
Isaiah 44:13 Summary
In Isaiah 44:13, we see a woodworker carefully crafting an idol, using precise measurements and skilled craftsmanship, but ultimately creating something worthless and futile. This verse reminds us that anything we create or prioritize above God is an idol, and that true worship and devotion should be directed towards Him alone (as seen in Exodus 20:4-5). By recognizing the futility of idolatry, we can turn our focus to the one true God, who is worthy of our worship and praise. Just as the woodworker's idol is unable to truly satisfy or save, so too will our own creations and priorities fall short if they are not rooted in a deep devotion to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the woodworker in Isaiah 44:13?
The woodworker in Isaiah 44:13 represents the skilled craftsman who creates an idol, highlighting the careful and deliberate process of creating something to be worshiped, as seen in the attention to detail with measuring lines, styluses, chisels, and compasses, much like the potter in Jeremiah 18:3-4 shapes clay into a vessel.
Why does the woodworker fashion the idol in the likeness of man?
The woodworker fashions the idol in the likeness of man to create a relatable and familiar image, appealing to human emotions and desires, as mentioned in Psalm 115:8, where it is written that those who make idols become like them.
What is the ultimate purpose of the idol created by the woodworker?
The ultimate purpose of the idol is for it to dwell in a shrine, where it will be worshiped and revered, as seen in the context of Isaiah 44:13, where the idol is created to be a object of worship, much like the golden calf in Exodus 32:4-6.
How does this verse relate to the warning against idolatry in the Bible?
This verse serves as a warning against the futility and foolishness of idolatry, as seen in Isaiah 44:9-20, where the prophet condemns the creation and worship of idols, and echoes the commandment in Exodus 20:4-5 to not make or worship idols.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be creating my own 'idols' in my life, and how can I recognize the futility of worshiping things that are not God?
- How does the careful craftsmanship of the woodworker in this verse contrast with the worthlessness of the idol itself, and what does this reveal about the nature of idolatry?
- In what ways do I prioritize the creation of my own hands over the worship of the one true God, and how can I shift my focus to prioritize God above all else?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am not succumbing to the temptation of idolatry in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper devotion to God?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:13
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule,.... Or, the worker of trees (e); that works in wood, or makes images of wood; having cut down a tree, he stretches out his rule or line upon it, and takes the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:13
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
He here speaks, either, 1. Of the same image, which is supposed to be made of wood, and then covered with some metal; or, 2. Of another sort of images made of wood, as the former might be made of iron. It is not material which way you understand it. He marketh it with a line; he measureth and marketh that portion of wood by his rule and line of which the idol is to be made. According to the beauty of a man; in the same comely shape and proportions which are in a living man, whom he designs to represent as exactly as is possible. That it may remain, or sit, or dwell; which implies either, 1. That it cannot stir out of its place; or, 2. That when the image is made, it is set up and fixed in its appointed place. In the house; either in the temple appointed for it; or in the dwelling-house of him that made it; that he and his family might more frequently give worship to it, and might receive protection from it, as idolaters vainly imagined.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out [his] rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.Ver. 13. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule.] As did the carpenter of Cockram, who yet made but an ill-shaped rood, and was forced to sue for his money. Mrs Catismore suffered in King Henry VIII’ s days for saying that images were but carpenters’ chips; and yet they are no better. That is a remarkable saying of Seneca, Ridiculum est genu posito, &c. It is a ridiculous thing to worship images, and yet to slight the man that made them. And maketh it after the figure of a man.] God made man after his own image; and man, to be even with God, will needs make him after his image. Acts and Mon., fol. 1340. Quasi ad hostimentum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
(13) The carpenter.—The wooden idol comes next. First there is the rough measurement with the “rule;” then the artificer draws the outline of the figure in red chalk. “Plane” and “compasses” come in to make the form more definite. The human figure is complete; then there is the artist’s final touch to add the element of beauty; and so it is ready for the “house,” or temple.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:13
13. The carpenter] lit., “the workman in wood.” stretcheth out a line, (R.V.)] to mark off the dimensions of the future image on the block of wood. For line in the next clause read pencil (as R.V.); the word, like that for “planes” (which may mean “chisels” or any cutting implement), occurs only here. fitteth] R.V. “shapeth”; lit. maketh. that it may remain in the house] to dwell in a house; either a great temple, or a private shrine.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:13
The carpenter - The axe is made Isaiah 44:12, and the carpenter now proceeds to the construction of the god. Stretcheth out his rule - For the purpose of laying out his work, or measuring it.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:13
12, 13. Notably, withering sarcasm is presented in these verses.
Sermons on Isaiah 44:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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Epistle 128 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking purity and wisdom from God, using His creation for His glory instead of being consumed by covetousness and worry about the futur |
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Does God Love the World Outside of Jesus Christ? by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. He states that there is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ and that al |
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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 |
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Acts 19_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worshiping the beast and receiving the mark of his name as described in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the |
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Of the Nature of God. by John Gill | John Gill explores the profound nature of God, emphasizing that while God's essence is incomprehensible to human understanding, it is essential to recognize Him as the ultimate Cre |
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The King and His Kingdom by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney preaches about the King of all Kings, emphasizing the fellowship of three Divine Personalities known as the Godhead, who have always existed unmade, distinct yet one |
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Second River -- Idol Worship by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of idolatry, emphasizing the First Commandment's prohibition of internal idolatry and the Second Commandment's prohibition of out |