Isaiah 40:17

KJV

All nations before him [are] as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

All nations {H1471} before him are as nothing; and they are counted {H2803} to him less than nothing {H657}, and vanity {H8414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Before him all the nations are like nothing. He regards them as less than nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness.

American Standard Version

All the nations are as nothing before him; they are accounted by him as less than nothing, and vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:17 powerfully declares the absolute sovereignty and incomparable greatness of God, contrasting His infinite majesty with the utter insignificance of all human nations and their collective power. This verse serves as a profound statement of divine supremacy, asserting that from God's eternal perspective, the mightiest earthly empires are utterly without substance, amounting to less than nothing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book, transitioning from prophecies of judgment (chapters 1-39) to messages of comfort, hope, and restoration for Israel (chapters 40-66). This "Book of Comfort" begins with a divine command to "Comfort, comfort my people" ([Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - The Voice of Comfort")). The preceding verses in chapter 40 establish God's unique power and wisdom, depicting Him as the Creator who measures the waters in the hollow of His hand and metes out the heavens with a span ([Isaiah 40:12](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12 - God's Immeasurable Power")). He is the one who needs no counsel or instruction from humanity ([Isaiah 40:13-14](/isaiah/40-13 "Isaiah 40:13-14 - God Needs No Counsel")). Verse 17 extends this divine supremacy from creation and wisdom to encompass all earthly nations, reducing their perceived might to utter insignificance in God's sight, preparing the way for the declaration of God's enduring word and strength compared to fleeting human glory ([Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Grass Withers, the Word Endures")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-66 are primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, or to a people facing the imminent threat of such exile. During this period, the Babylonian Empire represented the pinnacle of earthly power, its vast armies, impressive architecture, and seemingly insurmountable strength dominating the ancient Near East. For the exiled Israelites, surrounded by this formidable empire, the question of God's power and faithfulness in the face of such overwhelming human might was critically important. The cultural backdrop included the worship of numerous national deities, each associated with the strength and prosperity of their respective nations. Isaiah's declaration directly challenges this worldview, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the incomparable sovereign over all nations and their gods. This message was intended to instill hope and trust in a people who felt abandoned and overwhelmed by a seemingly invincible foreign power.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 40:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, unequivocally declaring God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers. No nation, no matter how powerful or vast, holds any true standing or lasting significance before the Almighty, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - The Lord Laughs at the Nations"). This theme offers immense comfort and assurance to those oppressed by seemingly invincible powers, reminding them that God remains in control of history. Closely related is the **Incomparable Greatness of God**, portraying Him as so infinitely vast and powerful that the sum total of all human achievement, power, and population amounts to less than nothing in His presence. This highlights God's unrivaled majesty and unique nature, as further emphasized in [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "Isaiah 40:25 - To Whom Then Will You Liken God?"). Finally, the verse underscores **Human Insignificance** from an eternal, divine perspective. The might and influence of human empires are fleeting and ultimately meaningless when weighed against the Creator of the universe. This serves as a humbling reminder for humanity not to place ultimate trust or fear in earthly powers, but rather to acknowledge the transient nature of all worldly glory ([Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word, H1471, refers to a foreign nation or gentile people. In this context, it encompasses all the non-Israelite peoples and their collective power, particularly the formidable empires like Babylon that threatened God's people. The use of the plural "nations" emphasizes the totality of human political and military might.
* **counted (Hebrew, _châshab'_):: H2803 signifies to think, regard, value, or compute. Here, it describes God's divine assessment or evaluation of the nations. It's not merely that they *are* nothing, but that God actively *considers* or *reckons* them as such, implying a deliberate and authoritative judgment from His perspective. This highlights God's sovereign prerogative to define reality.
* **vanity (Hebrew, _tôhûw'_):** H8414 denotes a desolation, a worthless thing, confusion, or emptiness. It is famously used in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Was Without Form and Void") to describe the earth as "without form, and void" before creation. Its application to nations here intensifies the idea of their utter lack of substance, purpose, or lasting value apart from God's will. They are not just insignificant; they are chaotic, futile, and ultimately meaningless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All nations before him [are] as nothing;":** This clause establishes the initial comparison. "All nations" (referring to the entirety of human political and military power) are placed "before Him" (in the presence of God, implying His judgment and perspective). In this divine comparison, they are found to be "as nothing," signifying their utter lack of substance, weight, or importance when measured against God's infinite being.
* **"and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.":** This second clause intensifies the declaration. It reiterates that God actively "counts" or "regards" them in this way. The phrase "less than nothing" is a superlative expression, emphasizing an even deeper degree of worthlessness or non-existence. The addition of "and vanity" (Hebrew _tôhûw_) reinforces this, suggesting not just emptiness but also futility, chaos, and a complete lack of purpose or lasting value. Together, these phrases convey the absolute nullity of all human power and glory in the face of God's majesty.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that "all nations" are "less than nothing, and vanity." This exaggerated language effectively communicates the vast chasm between God's infinite majesty and the finite, transient nature of human power, emphasizing that no earthly entity can even begin to compare to Him. The device of **Contrast** is central, setting the immeasurable greatness of God against the utter insignificance of humanity. This stark juxtaposition elevates God's supremacy while humbling human pride. Furthermore, the **Repetition and Intensification** of terms like "nothing," "less than nothing," and "vanity" creates a cumulative effect, driving home the point of absolute worthlessness. The use of "vanity" (Hebrew _tôhûw_) also serves as an **Allusion** to the primeval chaos of [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Was Without Form and Void"), suggesting that apart from God's ordering power, human endeavors are formless, empty, and without true meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:17 serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute transcendence and sovereignty over all creation, particularly over human political and military power. It reminds us that while nations may rise and fall, and their leaders may wield immense influence, their existence and perceived might are utterly contingent upon the will of the Almighty. This truth provides immense comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by worldly powers, assuring them that their God is infinitely greater than any earthly threat. It also serves as a humbling reminder to all humanity, especially those in positions of authority, that true power and ultimate destiny reside solely with the Creator.

* [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Brings the Counsel of the Nations to Nothing")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God Does as He Pleases Among the Armies of Heaven and Earth")
* [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Lord God Omnipotent Reigns")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often consumed by political anxieties, nationalistic fervor, and the rise and fall of global powers, Isaiah 40:17 offers a profound and liberating perspective. It calls us to shift our gaze from the seemingly overwhelming forces of this world to the eternal, unchanging, and infinitely powerful God. When we are tempted to fear human governments, to place our ultimate hope in political solutions, or to be intimidated by the might of empires, this verse reminds us that all such earthly entities are but fleeting shadows before the radiant glory of God. Our ultimate trust, allegiance, and hope must be firmly anchored in Him alone. For those in positions of leadership, it serves as a sobering reminder of the temporary and accountable nature of all earthly authority, encouraging humility and a recognition that true power belongs to God. For every believer, it cultivates a deep sense of awe and worship for the God who holds the universe in His hands, enabling us to live with courage, peace, and an eternal perspective, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail regardless of the machinations of nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "all nations... are as nothing" before God impact your view of current global events or political leaders?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be placing too much trust or fear in earthly powers rather than in God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How can remembering God's incomparable greatness lead to deeper worship and a more profound sense of peace in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that nations and human efforts are completely meaningless and we shouldn't engage with them?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that nations or human efforts are entirely meaningless in an absolute sense, nor does it advocate for disengagement. Rather, it emphasizes their *relative* insignificance when compared to the infinite, transcendent power and majesty of God. From God's eternal perspective, the sum total of human power and achievement is utterly dwarfed. This truth serves to humble humanity and prevent us from placing ultimate trust or fear in earthly powers, which are transient and finite. It reminds us that God's plan will ultimately prevail regardless of human machinations ([Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails")). Believers are still called to engage constructively within their nations, seek justice, and pray for their leaders ([Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People")). The verse's primary purpose is to reorient our perspective, ensuring that God alone holds the supreme place in our hearts and minds.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:17, with its declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's control over earthly kingdoms, the New Testament unveils how this divine authority is fully vested in the Son. Jesus is not merely a powerful figure; He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), but also the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The "nations" that are "as nothing" before God the Father are ultimately destined to bow before Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus declared, "[All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")", demonstrating that the divine sovereignty proclaimed by Isaiah is now exercised through Him. His kingdom is not of this world, yet it will ultimately encompass all earthly kingdoms ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). The "vanity" of nations apart from God is overcome by the substantial and eternal reality of Christ's reign, which brings true meaning and purpose. Through Christ, believers are part of a kingdom that is unshakable, a reality far surpassing the fleeting power of any earthly empire ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Thus, Isaiah's profound statement about God's incomparable greatness finds its most glorious and redemptive fulfillment in the person of Jesus, the one to whom every knee will one day bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

Daniel 4:34

¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom [is] from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:35

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?

Isaiah 29:7

And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

Job 25:6

How much less man, [that is] a worm? and the son of man, [which is] a worm?