Isaiah 40:15

KJV

Behold, the nations [are] as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the nations {H1471} are as a drop {H4752} of a bucket {H1805}, and are counted {H2803} as the small dust {H7834} of the balance {H3976}: behold, he taketh up {H5190} the isles {H339} as a very little thing {H1851}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nations are like a drop in a bucket, they count like a grain of dust on the scales. The islands weigh as little as specks of dust.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust.

American Standard Version

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:15 stands as a profound declaration of God's incomparable majesty and supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers. Through a series of vivid, humbling similes, the prophet Isaiah conveys the utter insignificance of nations, with all their perceived might, influence, and grand designs, when measured against the boundless power and eternal nature of the Creator of the universe. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that human empires are mere trifles, transient and insubstantial, before the Almighty God, who effortlessly controls the vastness of creation and the course of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal transition in the book, shifting dramatically from prophecies of judgment and condemnation (chapters 1-39) to a resounding message of comfort, hope, and restoration for Israel, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66). The chapter immediately opens with the tender divine command, "Comfort, comfort my people, saith your God" [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - God's Comfort for Israel"), setting a tone of profound reassurance amidst the anticipated or ongoing Babylonian exile. Verses 12-14 directly precede our text, establishing an unparalleled portrayal of God's cosmic power, wisdom, and immeasurability as the Creator. These verses pose rhetorical questions that highlight God's unique ability to measure the waters of the sea, mete out the heavens, comprehend the dust of the earth, and instruct His own Spirit. This grand, almost overwhelming, depiction of God's omnipotence and omniscience provides the essential backdrop for the stark contrast presented in [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as Nothing Before God"), where the perceived vastness and strength of human nations are reduced to utter nothingness in comparison to the Creator's boundless might.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies found in Isaiah 40-66 are primarily addressed to a people either facing the imminent threat of, or already experiencing, the Babylonian exile. This period was one of profound national crisis, displacement, and despair for the Israelites, who had witnessed the rise of mighty empires like Assyria and Babylon. From their perspective, these empires would have seemed overwhelmingly powerful, leading to deep questions about God's power, presence, and faithfulness in the face of such overwhelming human force. In the broader ancient Near Eastern worldview, national deities were often perceived as limited to their specific territories or tied to the military and political strength of their respective nations. Isaiah's message directly challenges this polytheistic and anthropocentric perspective by unequivocally asserting Yahweh's universal and absolute dominion over all nations, including the seemingly invincible Babylonian empire. The vivid imagery of scales, buckets, and dust would have been immediately familiar and deeply impactful to an agrarian and mercantile society, making the metaphors relatable and powerfully conveying the utter lack of weight or substance of human power before the eternal God.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as Nothing Before God") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, unequivocally asserting God's absolute control and dominion over all nations and the entire course of human history. He is not merely a regional deity, but the supreme ruler of all the earth, capable of raising and lowering empires at will, a truth consistently affirmed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Sovereignty")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Insignificance of Human Power** when contrasted with God's omnipotence. By likening nations to a "drop of a bucket" or "small dust of the balance," Isaiah emphasizes the fragility, transience, and ultimate powerlessness of human empires, governments, and their grand designs before the eternal God. This theme is powerfully echoed in passages like [Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - God Frustrates Nations' Plans"), which declares, "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect." Finally, the imagery serves to magnify **God's Immeasurable Greatness** and transcendence. The declaration that God "taketh up the isles as a very little thing" implies that even vast landmasses and distant, formidable peoples are trivial to Him, inspiring profound awe and worship for His boundless power and majesty (cf. [Isaiah 40:22-23](/isaiah/40-22-23 "Isaiah 40:22-23 - God's View of Rulers and Inhabitants")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word (H1471) refers primarily to a foreign nation, often implying a Gentile people. It can also be used figuratively to denote a troop of animals or a flight of locusts, emphasizing a collective mass or multitude. In this context, "nations" refers to the collective peoples and political entities of the world, highlighting their foreignness or otherness in relation to Israel, but more significantly, their collective mass, power, and perceived might. The use of "nations" here underscores the global scope of God's dominion, encompassing all human polities and powers, not just one.
* **counted (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This verb (H2803) means to compute, reckon, regard, or think. It implies a mental effort of evaluation, calculation, or estimation. Here, it suggests that when God "counts" or assesses the nations, they are found to be so utterly insignificant that they barely register on the divine scale, akin to an immeasurable speck. It underscores a divine judgment of their true worth, substance, and impact, revealing them as utterly negligible in His sight.
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** This term (H339) denotes a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, or an island. In ancient Near Eastern thought, "isles" or "coastlands" often represented distant, remote lands or powerful maritime nations, symbolizing the farthest reaches of the known world, beyond the immediate reach of typical empires. By stating that God "taketh up the isles as a very little thing," Isaiah extends God's sovereignty to the most distant, seemingly formidable, and geographically isolated parts of the earth, reinforcing His universal and unchallenged authority over all creation and all peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the nations [are] as a drop of a bucket":** This opening clause immediately captures attention with the emphatic interjection "Behold," inviting the listener to consider a stark and humbling comparison. The "nations," representing all human political, military, and economic power, are likened to a "drop of a bucket." This imagery suggests something infinitesimally small and inconsequential, perhaps a single, residual drop clinging to the side of a bucket after it has been emptied, or a solitary drop in an immeasurable body of water. It powerfully conveys the utter insignificance, lack of substance, and fleeting nature of all human power when measured against the divine.
* **"and are counted as the small dust of the balance":** This second simile reinforces and amplifies the first, providing another vivid picture of extreme lightness and inconsequence. "Small dust of the balance" refers to the fine, almost imperceptible dust that might settle on the pans of a scale. Such dust is so light that it has no bearing whatsoever on the measurement; it adds no discernible weight and makes no difference to the outcome. This emphasizes that when God weighs the nations, they register as having no true weight, substance, or impact in His ultimate plans and purposes, underscoring their utter lack of significance.
* **"behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing":** The verse concludes with a third powerful image, again prefaced by "behold," drawing attention to God's action. The "isles" (or coastlands), symbolizing vast territories, distant lands, or mighty maritime nations, are depicted as being "taken up" by God "as a very little thing." The verb "taketh up" (H5190, _nâṭal'_) implies lifting, carrying, or imposing with effortless ease. This conveys God's absolute and effortless control and manipulation of even the largest and most formidable human domains and geographical entities, treating them as if they were insignificant, easily portable objects, further magnifying His boundless power and unchallenged sovereignty over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:15 is replete with **Simile**, a prominent literary device that directly compares two unlike things using "as" or "like" to illuminate a shared quality. The nations are explicitly compared to "a drop of a bucket" and "the small dust of the balance," vividly illustrating their utter insignificance and insubstantiality before God. This is further intensified by **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect. The prophet exaggerates the nations' lack of substance to underscore God's overwhelming greatness, making the profound point that their power is not just small, but virtually non-existent from the divine perspective. Additionally, there is a subtle yet powerful element of **Anthropomorphism** in the phrase "he taketh up the isles," attributing human-like action (lifting or carrying) to God. This device makes God's immense, cosmic power more comprehensible and relatable to the human mind, while simultaneously highlighting the effortless ease with which He handles even the most vast and formidable geographical entities and political powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:15 is a cornerstone text for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty, not only over creation but specifically over the affairs of humanity and the rise and fall of empires. It profoundly challenges any humanistic worldview that places ultimate trust in political power, military might, or economic strength. Theologically, it asserts that God is truly transcendent, existing above and beyond His creation, yet intimately involved in its governance. His power is not merely greater than human power; it is of an entirely different order, rendering all human might utterly negligible in comparison. This truth provides profound comfort and stability to those who feel overwhelmed by earthly powers, reminding them that their ultimate hope and security rest in the One who holds the nations in His hand. Conversely, it serves as a humbling reminder to nations and their leaders that their authority is delegated, temporary, and ultimately subject to the divine will, accountable to the God who counts them as dust.

* [Isaiah 40:22-23](/isaiah/40-22-23 "God's View of Rulers and Inhabitants") - "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity."
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "God Frustrates Nations' Plans") - "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "God's Dominion Over All") - "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the believer, Isaiah 40:15 offers a wellspring of profound comfort and a compelling call to humility and worship. In a world often dominated by political anxieties, economic uncertainties, and the seemingly overwhelming power of global forces, this verse anchors our hope in an unshakeable reality: God is utterly sovereign over all. We are reminded that the grand narratives of human history, with their empires rising and falling, are but fleeting moments in the eternal counsel of God. This liberating truth frees us from the fear of human institutions and encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in the strength of nations or the wisdom of their leaders, but in the One who holds them as nothing. It should also cultivate a deep sense of humility within us, recognizing that if entire nations are but dust before God, how much more insignificant are our individual efforts, ambitions, and pride before the infinite Creator. This realization should not lead to passivity or fatalism, but rather to a renewed commitment to live in humble dependence on Him, to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else, and to worship Him for His incomparable greatness and unwavering control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "drop of a bucket" and "small dust of the balance" challenge your perspective on current global events or the perceived power of political entities?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to place your trust or security in human systems, institutions, or power, rather than in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How can meditating on God's immense, effortless power, as described in this verse, deepen your worship and increase your sense of peace amidst personal or global uncertainty?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more consistently with the truth that God holds all nations as a "very little thing," shifting your focus and reliance more fully onto Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "nations are as a drop of a bucket" and "small dust of the balance"?**

Answer: These are powerful similes used by the prophet Isaiah to illustrate the utter insignificance, lack of substance, and transience of all human nations, their power, and their achievements when compared to the infinite and immeasurable might of God. A "drop of a bucket" suggests something so tiny it barely registers, perhaps a single drop remaining after the bucket is emptied, or one drop in an ocean. "Small dust of the balance" refers to imperceptible dust that might settle on a scale, so light it adds no weight and has no impact on the measurement. Both images convey extreme lightness, inconsequence, and transience, emphasizing that all earthly powers amount to nothing in the sight of the Almighty Creator, especially when contrasted with the cosmic power of God described in the preceding verses of [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - God's Comfort and Power").

**Does this verse imply that human efforts or nations are completely meaningless?**

Answer: While [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as Nothing Before God") strongly emphasizes the *relative* insignificance of nations compared to God, it does not imply that human efforts or the existence of nations are meaningless in an absolute sense. Rather, it places them in their proper, humble perspective. God often uses nations and human agents, even those unaware of His purposes, to accomplish His divine will (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). The meaning and significance derived from human efforts come from their alignment with or submission to God's overarching plan. The primary point of the verse is to humble human pride and instill profound confidence in God's ultimate control, regardless of the apparent strength or weakness of earthly powers. It reminds us that our true hope and security should be placed in God alone, not in fleeting human institutions or achievements.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice or judgment of nations?**

Answer: This verse lays the essential theological groundwork for understanding God's justice and judgment of nations by establishing His absolute and unquestionable authority over them. If nations are as insignificant as dust before Him, then they are certainly accountable to Him and subject to His righteous decrees. The ease with which God "taketh up the isles as a very little thing" implies His effortless ability to raise up or cast down empires according to His sovereign will and moral standards. Throughout the Old Testament, God consistently judges nations for their idolatry, injustice, oppression, and rebellion against His moral law (e.g., [Amos 1-2](/amos/1-2 "Amos 1-2 - God's Judgment on Nations")). [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as Nothing Before God") provides the fundamental theological foundation for such divine interventions, demonstrating that God is not limited by human power or political boundaries in executing His perfect justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:15, with its awe-inspiring portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the entire created order, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The very God who holds the nations as a "drop of a bucket" is revealed in the Son, who is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ's Supremacy"). It is through Him that "all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him" [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ"). Thus, the power to "take up the isles as a very little thing" is not merely an abstract attribute of God, but is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things"). After His resurrection, Jesus triumphantly declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), confirming His rightful and comprehensive dominion over every nation, every earthly power, and every cosmic force. He is the Lamb who was slain, yet also the "King of kings, and Lord of lords" [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), before whom "every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Therefore, the profound comfort offered in Isaiah 40:15 is immeasurably amplified in Christ, for it is His sovereign rule that guarantees the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the eventual subjugation of all earthly powers to His divine and righteous will.

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 40:22

[It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Jeremiah 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Isaiah 29:5

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones [shall be] as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

Job 34:15

All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

Isaiah 59:18

According to [their] deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.