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Isaiah 46:6

Isaiah 46:6 in Multiple Translations

They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship.

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

Such as lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, they hire a goldsmith, and he maketh it a god; they fall down, yea, they worship.

As for those who take gold out of a bag, and put silver in the scales, they give payment to a gold-worker, to make it into a god; they go down on their faces and give it worship.

There are those who extravagantly tip out gold from their bags, and weigh out silver on the scales, and hire a goldsmith to make them a god they can bow down to and worship.

They draw gold out of the bagge and weigh siluer in the balance, and hire a goldsmith to make a god of it, and they bowe downe, and worship it.

— They are pouring out gold from a bag, And silver on the beam they weigh, They hire a refiner, and he maketh it a god, They fall down, yea, they bow themselves.

Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down— yes, they worship.

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yes, they worship.

You that contribute gold out of the bag, and weigh out silver in the scales: and hire a goldsmith to make a god: and they fall down and worship.

So it is stupid/ridiculous that some people pour out gold and silver from their bags and weigh it on a scale. Then they hire a man who makes things from gold to make an idol from it. After he makes an idol, they bow down and worship it!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 46:6

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 46:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַ/זָּלִ֤ים זָהָב֙ מִ/כִּ֔יס וְ/כֶ֖סֶף בַּ/קָּנֶ֣ה יִשְׁקֹ֑לוּ יִשְׂכְּר֤וּ צוֹרֵף֙ וְ/יַעֲשֵׂ֣/הוּ אֵ֔ל יִסְגְּד֖וּ אַף יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
הַ/זָּלִ֤ים zûwl H2107 to lavish/despise Art | V-Qal
זָהָב֙ zâhâb H2091 gold N-ms
מִ/כִּ֔יס kîyç H3599 purse Prep | N-ms
וְ/כֶ֖סֶף keçeph H3701 silver Conj | N-ms
בַּ/קָּנֶ֣ה qâneh H7070 branch Prep | N-ms
יִשְׁקֹ֑לוּ shâqal H8254 to weigh V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יִשְׂכְּר֤וּ sâkar H7936 to hire V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
צוֹרֵף֙ tsâraph H6884 to refine V-Qal
וְ/יַעֲשֵׂ֣/הוּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אֵ֔ל ʼêl H410 god N-ms
יִסְגְּד֖וּ çâgad H5456 to prostrate V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אַף ʼaph H637 also DirObjM
יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow V-v-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 46:6

הַ/זָּלִ֤ים zûwl H2107 "to lavish/despise" Art | V-Qal
The Hebrew word means to lavish or despise, like shaking something out or scattering it, and is used in the Bible to describe treating something lightly. It appears in various forms, such as pouring out or lavishing. In the KJV, it is translated as lavish or despise.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to pour out, lavish 2) (Hiphil) despise
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: lavish, despise. See also: Isaiah 46:6; Lamentations 1:8.
זָהָב֙ zâhâb H2091 "gold" N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
מִ/כִּ֔יס kîyç H3599 "purse" Prep | N-ms
A purse or bag was used to carry money or weights in ancient times. It was a container made of leather or cloth, used for storing valuables. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the books of Genesis and Zechariah.
Definition: 1) bag, purse 1a) for weights, money
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bag, cup, purse. See also: Deuteronomy 25:13; Proverbs 23:31; Proverbs 1:14.
וְ/כֶ֖סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" Conj | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בַּ/קָּנֶ֣ה qâneh H7070 "branch" Prep | N-ms
This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.
Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.
יִשְׁקֹ֑לוּ shâqal H8254 "to weigh" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To weigh or measure something, like a merchant weighing goods, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Proverbs 16:11.
Definition: 1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weigh 1a2) to weigh out (a price) 1a3) of grief (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be weighed 1b2) to be weighed out Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. See also: Genesis 23:16; Esther 4:7; Isaiah 33:18.
יִשְׂכְּר֤וּ sâkar H7936 "to hire" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
צוֹרֵף֙ tsâraph H6884 "to refine" V-Qal
To refine means to purify something, like metal, by removing impurities. In the Bible, God refines his people like silver, testing and purifying them through trials. This process makes them stronger and more faithful.
Definition: 1) to smelt, refine, test 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smelt, refine 1a2) to test 1a3) to test (and prove true) 1a4) smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be refined 1c) (Piel) to be a refiner 1c1) refiner (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cast, (re-) fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. See also: Judges 7:4; Isaiah 1:25; Psalms 12:7.
וְ/יַעֲשֵׂ֣/הוּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | 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.
אֵ֔ל 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.
יִסְגְּד֖וּ çâgad H5456 "to prostrate" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to bow down or prostrate oneself in worship or homage, often translated as 'fall down'. It's used to describe showing respect to God or someone in authority. This act is seen in many passages, including Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: (Qal) to prostrate oneself (in worship) Aramaic equivalent: se.gid (סְגִ֑ד "to do homage" H5457)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fall down. See also: Isaiah 44:15; Isaiah 44:19; Isaiah 44:17.
אַף ʼaph H637 "also" DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" V-v-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.

Study Notes — Isaiah 46:6

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.
2 Isaiah 40:19–20 To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple?
3 Habakkuk 2:18–20 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. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.” But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.
4 Daniel 3:5–15 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, the people of every nation and language would fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews, saying to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, may you live forever! You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”
5 Judges 17:3–4 And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.” 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.
6 Jeremiah 10:3–4 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.
7 Isaiah 2:8 Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.
8 1 Kings 12:28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
9 Isaiah 44:12–19 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?”
10 Hosea 8:4–6 They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.

Isaiah 46:6 Summary

Isaiah 46:6 shows us how silly it is for people to make their own gods out of gold and silver, just so they can worship them. This is because, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5, God commands us to worship Him alone and not to make idols. The people in this verse are trying to fill a spiritual void, but they're looking in the wrong place, as Psalm 16:11 tells us that true joy and fulfillment come from knowing and worshiping the one true God. By remembering God's power and love, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:13-15, we can avoid the trap of idolatry and find true satisfaction in Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Isaiah 46:6?

The main point of Isaiah 46:6 is to highlight the foolishness of idolatry, where people create their own gods with gold and silver, as seen in the actions described in the verse, which is also warned against in Deuteronomy 4:15-18 and Exodus 20:4-5.

Why do people create idols according to this verse?

According to Isaiah 46:6, people create idols so they can bow down and worship them, showing a deep-seated desire for spiritual connection, but one that is misplaced and contrary to the worship commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah?

Isaiah 46:6 fits into the overall message of Isaiah, which emphasizes the uniqueness and sovereignty of the one true God, as stated in Isaiah 44:6 and Isaiah 45:5-6, and warns against the futility of idolatry.

What can we learn from the futility of idolatry in this verse?

We can learn from Isaiah 46:6 that true worship and satisfaction can only be found in the one true God, as expressed in Psalm 16:11 and Jeremiah 2:13, and that creating or following idols will always lead to emptiness and disappointment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some modern forms of idolatry that I might be unknowingly practicing in my life, and how can I redirect my worship to the one true God?
  2. How does the desire to create and worship idols reflect a deeper human need, and how can this need be fulfilled in a biblical way?
  3. In what ways can I apply the warning against idolatry in Isaiah 46:6 to my daily life and priorities, ensuring that I am giving God the worship and reverence He deserves?
  4. What role does gratitude and remembrance of God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Isaiah 46:8-9, play in preventing the temptation to idolatry, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own heart?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 46:6

They lavish gold out of the bag,.... As if it was of no value and account; that is, the Heathen idolaters, some of them, who are excessively devoted to idolatry; these, being rich, take out their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 46:6

They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 46:6

Maketh it a god; let us suppose, a god made with the greatest cost and art.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 46:6

Isaiah 46:6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, [and] hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.Ver. 6. They lavish gold out of the bag.] They spare for no cost. Nebuchadnezzar did not in that vast Colossus. Canutus bestowed upon a cross his whole annual entrado, or revenue. He also gave a hundred talents of silver and one of gold for St Augustine’ s arm, which he bestowed on Coventry as a memorial of his blind zeal. The Lady of Loretto hath her churches so stuffed with vowed presents and memorials, as they are forced to hang their cloisters and churchyards with them. Sandys’ s Relation.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 46:6

6, 7. Contemptuous description of idolatry in general. Comp. especially with ch. Isaiah 44:9-20.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 46:6

They lavish gold - The word used here means properly to shake out; and then to pour out abundantly, or in a lavish manner. It is used in connection with the idea of squandering in Deuteronomy 21:20; Proverbs 23:21; Proverbs 28:7.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 46:6

6, 7. They lavish gold — A more brief but substantially similar picture to the one drawn in Isaiah 44:12-20. The idols of the more wealthy are here, doubtless, referred to.

Sermons on Isaiah 46:6

SermonDescription
Alan Martin 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
Paul Hattaway 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
Bill Gallatin 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
John Gill 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
Winkie Pratney 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
Martin Knapp 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
Stephen Kaung Vision #2 by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking God's word seriously and living out the visions He gives us. The example of Abraham is used to illustrate this poin

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