Isaiah 2:22

KJV

Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

KJV (with Strong's)

Cease {H2308} ye from man {H120}, whose breath {H5397} is in his nostrils {H639}: for wherein is he to be accounted of {H2803}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Stop relying on man, in whose nostrils is a mere breath - after all, he doesn't count for much, does he?

Berean Standard Bible

Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

American Standard Version

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:22 delivers a profound divine imperative, urging humanity to withdraw its ultimate trust and reliance from fellow human beings. This concise yet powerful admonition highlights the inherent fragility and ephemeral nature of human life—dependent on a mere breath—and rhetorically questions the basis for placing ultimate confidence or value in such a temporary and limited entity. It serves as a climactic statement in Isaiah's indictment of human pride and idolatry, redirecting the focus from the created to the eternal Creator as the sole worthy object of faith and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:22 concludes a significant prophetic section (Isaiah 2:6-21) that vividly describes the coming "Day of the Lord." This day is portrayed as a time of divine judgment and humbling, where all forms of human arrogance, self-sufficiency, and idolatry will be brought low. The preceding verses detail the widespread worship of idols, the accumulation of wealth, military might, and reliance on human wisdom—all presented as objects of misplaced trust. The call to "Cease ye from man" in verse 22 acts as a summary and culminating warning, directly addressing the core issue of humanity's tendency to deify itself or its creations, rather than submitting to the one true God. It is the logical conclusion to the preceding pronouncements of judgment against human pride and the empty idols they worship, emphasizing the utter futility of such reliance in the face of God's overwhelming majesty, as described in [the Day of the Lord's judgment](/isaiah/2-10-17 "Isaiah 2:10-17 - The Day of the Lord's Judgment"). This verse serves as the final, piercing indictment of human self-reliance before the narrative shifts to the specific judgment on Jerusalem and Judah in [Isaiah 3](/isaiah/3 "Isaiah 3 - Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The people of Judah, like many nations in the ancient Near East, were perpetually tempted to place their security in human-derived sources. This included reliance on military alliances with powerful nations like Egypt or Assyria, trust in their own accumulated wealth, pride in their political leaders, or confidence in their own strategic wisdom. Such reliance often manifested in idolatry, where the tangible symbols of human power or prosperity became objects of worship, diverting their allegiance from Yahweh. Isaiah's ministry took place during a tumultuous period (8th century BCE) when Judah faced existential threats, making the temptation to trust in human strength or political maneuvering particularly acute. The prophet's message directly confronts this cultural inclination, asserting that any foundation built on human strength or wisdom is inherently unstable. This warning resonates with broader biblical wisdom, such as the admonition in [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes") not to put trust in princes or human beings, "in whom there is no salvation."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **human frailty and mortality**, emphasizing that human existence is utterly dependent and transient, contrasting sharply with God's eternal and unchanging nature. The phrase "whose breath is in his nostrils" serves as a stark reminder of humanity's precarious hold on life. Secondly, it highlights the profound **contrast between divine sovereignty and human insignificance**. The rhetorical question, "for wherein is he to be accounted of?", challenges any notion that humanity possesses ultimate power, wisdom, or lasting help, asserting that human beings are unworthy of ultimate trust or fear when compared to the infinite God. This theme resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on God's unique power and wisdom, as seen in [Jeremiah's warning](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man"). Finally, the verse functions as an emphatic **call to trust in God alone**, urging a radical reorientation of allegiance from the created to the Creator. It is an imperative to turn away from reliance on human strength, wisdom, or resources and instead place complete faith and dependence on God, a recurring motif throughout prophetic literature that calls for covenant faithfulness and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, especially prominent in [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Trusting in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cease (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** From H2308, this primitive root properly means "to be flabby," and by implication, "desist." It conveys the idea of stopping, ending, forbearing, or leaving off. In this context, it is an imperative command to completely stop or desist from placing ultimate reliance or trust in human beings. It's not a suggestion but a forceful demand to abandon a misplaced foundation of security, implying a cessation of a deeply ingrained habit or mindset.
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this term refers to a human being, an individual, or the species mankind. It often carries the connotation of common humanity, emphasizing the shared vulnerability and limitations of all people, regardless of status, power, or perceived wisdom. The use of this general term highlights that the warning applies to *any* human, from the most powerful king to the humblest peasant, underscoring their shared finite nature.
* **Breath (Hebrew, _nᵉshâmâh'_):** From H5397, meaning a "puff," "wind," or "vital breath." It refers to the very essence of life, the air that sustains existence. Its presence "in the nostrils" signifies the immediate, fragile, and temporary nature of human life, which can be extinguished in an instant. This word underscores humanity's utter dependence on an external, divine source for life itself, highlighting its transient and non-self-sufficient state.
* **Accounted of (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, this root means to "think," "regard," "value," or "compute." The rhetorical question "for wherein is he to be accounted of?" challenges the very basis for valuing or trusting humanity as an ultimate source of security, power, or wisdom. It implies that from an eternal, divine perspective, human beings, with their fleeting existence and inherent limitations, hold no ultimate worth or capacity that would warrant absolute reliance, esteem, or fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cease ye from man,"**: This is a direct, emphatic command (an imperative plural) to the people of Judah, and by extension, to all humanity. The verb "cease" (châdal) implies a complete cessation of an activity or mindset, indicating a radical reorientation. The object "man" (ʼâdâm) refers to humanity in general, encompassing all individuals and human institutions, indicating that the command is to stop placing ultimate trust, reliance, or fear in any human being or human system, as they are inherently limited and unreliable.
* **"whose breath [is] in his nostrils:"**: This clause provides the immediate and profound reason for the preceding command. It highlights the extreme fragility and transience of human life. The phrase "breath in his nostrils" is a vivid idiom for life itself, emphasizing that human existence is precarious, dependent on a constant, external supply of air, and can be extinguished at any moment. It underscores humanity's utter dependence and lack of inherent self-sufficiency, serving as a stark reminder of mortality.
* **"for wherein is he to be accounted of?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question that serves as the ultimate justification for the preceding command. It challenges the very premise of human reliability or ultimate significance. The phrase "accounted of" (châshab) means to be valued, esteemed, or considered important. The question implies that, given humanity's fleeting nature and dependence, there is no ultimate basis or inherent quality in man that warrants absolute trust, worship, or fear. From God's eternal perspective, human power, wisdom, or life itself is too ephemeral to be the foundation of ultimate security or worth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:22 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The verse opens with a direct **Imperative** ("Cease ye from man"), a forceful command that demands immediate and complete reorientation of trust. This direct address underscores the gravity of the issue and the prophet's divine authority. Following this command, the phrase "whose breath is in his nostrils" serves as a striking example of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where "breath in nostrils" represents the entirety of human life, emphasizing its fragility and dependence on a momentary, external source. It's a vivid, visceral image that highlights the precariousness of existence. Finally, the verse culminates in a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("for wherein is he to be accounted of?"). This question is not meant to elicit an answer but to make a profound statement: there is no ultimate basis for placing trust or value in humanity. It forces the audience to confront the logical absurdity of relying on something so fleeting and dependent, contrasting it implicitly with the eternal and self-sufficient nature of God. The entire verse is built on a fundamental **Contrast** between the finite, dependent nature of humanity and the infinite, sovereign nature of God, though God is not explicitly named in this verse, His implied presence is the standard by which human insignificance is measured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:22 stands as a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical emphasis on divine sovereignty and human humility. Theologically, it asserts that ultimate trust and worship belong exclusively to God. To place ultimate reliance on human beings—whether leaders, institutions, or even oneself—is a form of idolatry, diverting the heart's true allegiance from the Creator to the created. This verse challenges the human propensity for self-sufficiency and pride, reminding us that our very existence is a gift, sustained by God's breath. It calls for a radical re-evaluation of where we seek security, wisdom, and significance, pointing unequivocally to God as the sole reliable and worthy foundation. This theological truth liberates believers from the fear of man and the disappointments of human failure, anchoring their hope in the unchanging character and infinite power of the Almighty, who alone is truly worthy of ultimate devotion and trust.

* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - A King is Not Saved by His Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:22 remains profoundly relevant in a world that often places immense value on human achievements, fame, power, and intellect. This verse serves as a vital reminder to continuously evaluate the objects of our ultimate confidence. Are we placing our deepest security in political leaders, financial stability, scientific advancements, social status, or even our own abilities and wisdom? The prophet's call to "cease ye from man" challenges us to recognize the inherent limitations of all human constructs and individuals. When we truly grasp that human breath is fleeting, the fear of man's opinion, disapproval, or power diminishes significantly. Our ultimate accountability and source of security shift from the fickle and finite to the eternal and unchanging God. This perspective fosters profound humility, reminding us of our own mortality and complete dependence on God for every breath and every blessing. It leads to a healthier, more God-centered perspective on life, its challenges, and its true meaning, freeing us to serve God and others without the burden of human expectations or the anxiety of human failures, enabling us to live with a peace that transcends earthly circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and seek my security in life?**
* **How does the understanding of human fragility ("whose breath is in his nostrils") impact my view of human authority, success, or criticism?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly or overtly "accounting of" man more than God in my daily decisions and anxieties?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consciously shift my ultimate reliance from human sources to God alone?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean we should never trust or rely on other people at all?**

Answer: No, Isaiah 2:22 does not advocate for complete isolation or distrust of all human interaction. Rather, it is a warning against placing *ultimate* or *absolute* trust and reliance on human beings, as if they possess divine power, unfailing wisdom, or eternal security. The Bible encourages healthy human relationships, mutual support, and even respecting human authority (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). However, it consistently warns against elevating any human or human institution to the level of God, who alone is worthy of our ultimate faith and dependence. Our trust in others should always be secondary and subservient to our primary trust in God, recognizing that all human capabilities are ultimately derived from and sustained by Him.

**How does this verse relate to leadership or authority, especially in the church or government?**

Answer: This verse provides a crucial lens through which to view all forms of human leadership and authority. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God establishes human authorities for order and good governance (e.g., [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submission to Authority")), no human leader or government is infallible, omniscient, or eternally powerful. Their "breath is in their nostrils," signifying their mortality and inherent limitations. Therefore, while we are called to respect and obey legitimate authority, our ultimate allegiance and hope must never rest in them. This perspective encourages discernment, prayer for leaders, and a healthy skepticism towards any leader who demands absolute, unquestioning loyalty or promises ultimate solutions apart from God. It grounds our hope not in political saviors or charismatic figures, but in the unchanging sovereignty of God, who alone is truly worthy of ultimate trust and worship, as emphasized throughout [Scripture](/psalms/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is Better to Trust in the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:22, with its stark admonition to "Cease ye from man," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. Humanity's inherent frailty and the futility of placing ultimate trust in "man, whose breath is in his nostrils," are perfectly contrasted by the person of Christ. Jesus is not merely "man," but the God-man, the Word who was with God and was God, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike finite humanity, His "breath" is not merely in His nostrils; He is the very source of life and breath for all creation ([Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "Acts 17:25 - God Gives Life to All")). The rhetorical question, "for wherein is he to be accounted of?", finds its answer in Christ: He is the one worthy to be accounted of, the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). In a world where people constantly seek security, wisdom, and purpose in human systems, ideologies, or charismatic leaders, Jesus stands as the ultimate and only truly reliable foundation. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), and the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The call to "cease ye from man" is ultimately a call to turn to Christ, for in Him alone is true life, ultimate wisdom, and eternal salvation found ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the perfect man, yet also fully God, making Him the only one truly worthy of our complete and unwavering trust, fulfilling the very need that Isaiah's warning highlights by offering Himself as the unshakeable rock upon which all true hope must be built ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

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

Jeremiah 17:5

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Psalms 146:3

Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Psalms 144:3

LORD, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.

Psalms 8:4

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Genesis 7:22

All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died.