Isaiah 1:31

KJV

And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the strong {H2634} shall be as tow {H5296}, and the maker {H6467} of it as a spark {H5213}, and they shall both {H8147} burn {H1197} together {H3162}, and none shall quench {H3518} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The strong will be like tinder and [the idol's] maker like a spark; both will burn together, and no one will put them out."

Berean Standard Bible

The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.

American Standard Version

And the strong shall be as tow, and his work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 1:31 delivers a profound and sobering declaration of divine judgment against the rebellious people of Judah, serving as a climactic warning in Isaiah's initial prophetic indictment. This verse vividly illustrates the inevitable and devastating consequences for those who persist in self-reliance and unrighteousness, portraying their perceived strength and their works as utterly combustible and destined for an unquenchable destruction at the hand of God. It underscores the futility of human power and the certainty of divine justice against all forms of spiritual rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 1 opens with a stark indictment of Judah, portraying them as a nation deeply diseased by sin, having rebelled against their divine Parent despite His nurturing care. The chapter moves from a lament over their spiritual sickness in [Isaiah 1:2-6](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-6 - Israel's rebellion and wounds") to a passionate call for genuine repentance and moral transformation in [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean"). The prophet contrasts the promised restoration for the obedient with severe judgment for the defiant. Verse 31 acts as a powerful concluding statement to this initial section, summarizing the dire fate of those who refuse to return to the Lord, emphasizing the ultimate and inescapable nature of the judgment that awaits them. It directly follows verses that speak of the destruction of transgressors and sinners (e.g., [Isaiah 1:28](/isaiah/1-28 "Isaiah 1:28 - Destruction of transgressors and sinners")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah (late 8th century BCE). This was a period marked by political instability, the rising threat of Assyria, and pervasive spiritual decline within Judah. Despite outward religious observance, the people were deeply entrenched in idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption. "The strong" (H2634) in this context could refer to the wealthy elite, military powers, or those who trusted in political alliances rather than God. "The maker of it" (H6467) could signify their idols, their unjust systems, or the fruits of their sinful labor—anything they created or relied upon apart from God. The imagery of fire was a common ancient Near Eastern metaphor for divine judgment and purification, often associated with the consuming wrath of a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's unyielding and righteous wrath against sin and rebellion as an inevitable consequence of human choices. It underscores the **Futility of Human Strength and Self-Reliance**, asserting that any power, wealth, or influence relied upon apart from God is as fragile and combustible as "tow," destined for swift destruction. This theme resonates with passages like [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - The curse of trusting in man"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Unrighteous Works**, indicating that the very things people create or trust in defiance of God will become the catalyst for their downfall, acting as the "spark" that ignites their destruction. Finally, the phrase "none shall quench [them]" powerfully conveys the **Inevitability and Irreversibility** of this divine judgment, a concept echoed in [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The day of burning") and other eschatological warnings, signifying that once God's judgment is unleashed, it is absolute and final.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong (Hebrew, _châçôn'_):** From H2634, meaning "powerful" or "strong." In this context, it refers to those who rely on their own might, influence, or worldly systems, rather than on God. It encapsulates human self-sufficiency and pride, which are ultimately exposed as fragile before divine judgment.
* **tow (Hebrew, _nᵉʻôreth'_):** From H5296, describing something shaken out, specifically the coarse, broken fibers of flax or hemp. This material is known for being extremely dry, brittle, and highly combustible. It symbolizes extreme fragility and vulnerability, highlighting the inherent weakness and transient nature of human strength when confronted by divine judgment.
* **burn (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, a primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "consume by fire." This word vividly portrays the destructive and consuming nature of God's judgment upon the rebellious. It signifies a complete and irreversible destruction, leaving nothing behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the strong shall be as tow":** This clause immediately establishes a powerful simile, likening those who are outwardly powerful, self-reliant, or trusting in their own might to "tow"—a highly flammable and easily consumed material. It signifies that their perceived strength is utterly fragile and vulnerable to divine judgment, lacking any true substance or resilience.
* **"and the maker of it as a spark":** This second clause continues the imagery, identifying "the maker of it" (referring to the works, idols, or systems created by the strong) as the "spark." This spark is the igniting agent that will set the "tow" ablaze, indicating that the very things in which the rebellious trust or which they have produced in defiance of God will become the instrument or catalyst of their own destruction.
* **"and they shall both burn together":** This phrase emphasizes the complete and shared fate of both the "strong" (the individual or group) and "the maker of it" (their works or objects of trust). They are inextricably linked in their rebellion and thus in their destruction. The burning signifies a comprehensive, consuming judgment that leaves nothing intact.
* **"and none shall quench [them]":** This final, chilling declaration underscores the absolute and irreversible nature of the impending judgment. Once God's fire of judgment is kindled, no human or earthly power will be able to extinguish it. It speaks to the finality and inevitability of the consequences for unrepentant sin and rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 1:31 is rich in **Imagery** and employs a striking **Simile** to convey its message. The comparison of "the strong" to "tow" and "the maker of it" to a "spark" vividly paints a picture of swift, complete, and irreversible destruction. **Symbolism** is central, with "tow" representing the inherent weakness and combustibility of human strength apart from God, and the "spark" symbolizing the self-destructive nature of unrighteous works or idols. The act of "burning" serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine judgment, emphasizing its consuming and purifying force. The phrase "none shall quench [them]" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and inescapable nature of this judgment, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of human resistance against His decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 1:31 stands as a stark testament to the biblical truth that God is a holy and just judge who will not tolerate unrepentant sin. It powerfully illustrates the theological principle that human strength, self-reliance, and the works of rebellion are utterly futile when confronted by divine holiness. The verse underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice, revealing that the very things in which humanity places its trust apart from Him will become the instruments of its downfall. It serves as a perennial warning against idolatry in all its forms, whether it be the worship of material wealth, political power, human intellect, or even one's own achievements, reminding us that only God is the true source of enduring strength and security.

* [Psalm 1:4-6](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4-6 - The wicked are like chaff")
* [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - Unquenchable fire")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a consuming fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 1:31 serves as a timeless and urgent call to introspection for every individual and community. It challenges us to honestly evaluate the foundations upon which we build our lives and derive our security. Do we, like ancient Judah, place our trust in our own abilities, our material possessions, our social status, or our worldly achievements? The imagery of "the strong" becoming "tow" and "the maker of it" a "spark" should profoundly humble us, reminding us that all human strength and self-generated works are ultimately fragile and combustible before the consuming fire of God's holiness. This verse compels us to abandon any form of self-reliance or idolatry that displaces God as our ultimate source of strength and salvation. It calls for genuine repentance—a turning away from all that is not of God—and a turning towards Him in complete trust and obedience. Only by building our lives on the unshakable foundation of God's grace and righteousness can we escape the inevitable and unquenchable judgment reserved for those who persist in rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strength" or "works" do I tend to rely on apart from God for my security or significance?**
* **How does the imagery of "tow" and "spark" challenge my sense of self-sufficiency or worldly security?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and trust God's sovereign judgment and grace more fully?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the strong" and "the maker of it" in this verse?**

Answer: "The strong" (Hebrew: *châçôn*) refers to those who are powerful, mighty, or self-reliant, often in a worldly sense. This could include the wealthy, the politically influential, or those who trust in their own military might or strategic alliances. "The maker of it" (Hebrew: *pôʻal*) refers to their works, deeds, or creations. In the context of Judah's rebellion, this often implies their idols, their unjust systems, or the products of their sinful lives—anything they have made or relied upon that stands in opposition to God. The verse implies that both the person and their ungodly endeavors will face judgment.

**What does "tow" signify in this context?**

Answer: "Tow" (Hebrew: *nᵉʻôreth*) refers to the coarse, broken fibers of flax or hemp, which are extremely dry and highly combustible. It is a material that ignites instantly and burns away completely. In Isaiah 1:31, it serves as a powerful symbol of extreme fragility and vulnerability. It signifies that the perceived strength, wealth, or power of the rebellious, which they trust in, is ultimately weak and utterly defenseless against the consuming fire of God's judgment, destined to be swiftly and completely annihilated.

**Is this judgment literal fire or symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery of fire is vivid and draws from literal experiences of burning, in prophetic literature, it is primarily **symbolic** of God's consuming judgment, wrath, and purification. It represents a complete and destructive consequence for sin, leaving nothing behind. This unquenchable fire signifies the finality and inevitability of divine justice against unrepentant rebellion, much like the "unquenchable fire" mentioned by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's prophecy of unquenchable fire") concerning the chaff.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 1:31, with its stark imagery of unquenchable judgment against human strength and works, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in both the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "strong" who become "tow" and whose "maker" is a "spark" vividly portray humanity's utter inability to stand before God's holiness through its own efforts or righteousness. In Christ, however, we see the perfect fulfillment of strength and work. He is the one true "strong" one, the [Mighty God](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Mighty God"), whose strength is not fragile but eternal. Moreover, His "work" is not a spark leading to destruction, but the perfect, sinless life and atoning sacrifice on the cross. On the cross, Jesus became the "tow" for us, bearing the consuming fire of God's wrath against sin, so that those who trust in Him might not be consumed (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). He quenched the fire of judgment for believers, absorbing its full force, so that for those in Him, there is now [no condemnation](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No condemnation in Christ Jesus"). Thus, the unquenchable fire of judgment for the rebellious in Isaiah 1:31 highlights the absolute necessity and sufficiency of Christ's perfect work, which alone provides true strength and an enduring foundation, contrasting sharply with the futile works of humanity that lead to destruction (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:11-15](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11-15 - Building on the foundation of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 66:24

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Ezekiel 32:21

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Isaiah 9:19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 20:48

And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.