Bible Compass
Log inGet started
Back to the chapter

Isaiah 44:15

13 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.

14 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.

16 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.”

17 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.”

Read the whole chapter

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
WEB
Then it will be for a man to burn; and he takes some of it and warms himself. Yes, he burns it and bakes bread. Yes, he makes a god and worships it; he makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.
ASV
Then shall it be for a man to burn; and he taketh thereof, and warmeth himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread: yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
DARBY
And it shall be for a man to burn, and he taketh thereof, and warmeth himself; he kindleth it also, and baketh bread; he maketh also a God, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
BLB
and it is for man to burn. And he takes from it and warms himself; also he kindles a fire and bakes bread; also he makes a god and bows down to [it]; he makes it a carved image and falls down before it!
ÅB
Og så tjener treet mennesket til brenne; han tar av det og varmer seg med det; han fyrer også og baker brød med det; han gjør også en gud av det, som han tilber, han gjør et utskåret bilde av det, som han faller ned for.
OTB
Det blir brensel til å brenne; noe av det tar han og varmer seg, han tenner en ild og baker brød. Men han former også en gud og tilber den; han lager et idol og bøyer seg ned for det.
B1930
Og så tjener treet mennesket til brenne; han tar av det og varmer sig med det; han fyrer også og baker brød med det; han gjør også en gud av det, som han tilbeder, han gjør et utskåret billede av det, som han faller ned for.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Chronicles 25:14

    When Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the Seirites, set them up as his own gods, bowed before them, and burned sacrifices to them.

    Read in context

  • Judges 2:19

    But when the judge died, the Israelites became even more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods to serve them and bow down to them. They would not give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.

    Read in context

  • Revelation 9:20

    Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 45:20

    Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 44:10

    Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?

    Read in context