Isaiah 40:20

KJV

He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that is so impoverished {H5533}{H5534} that he hath no oblation {H8641} chooseth {H977} a tree {H6086} that will not rot {H7537}; he seeketh {H1245} unto him a cunning {H2450} workman {H2796} to prepare {H3559} a graven image {H6459}, that shall not be moved {H4131}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A man too poor to afford an offering chooses a piece of wood that won't rot, then seeks out a skilled artisan to prepare an image that won't fall over.

Berean Standard Bible

To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple?

American Standard Version

He that is too impoverished for such an oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a skilful workman to set up a graven image, that shall not be moved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:20 powerfully exposes the profound futility and spiritual poverty of idolatry, contrasting the immense effort and meticulous craftsmanship invested in creating a lifeless, man-made deity with the incomparable, eternal majesty of the true God. The verse highlights the desperation of those who, lacking a genuine offering or spiritual understanding, meticulously select durable materials and employ skilled artisans to fashion an idol they hope will provide unshakeable security, ironically seeking stability in an inherently unstable creation rather than in the immutable Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal turning point in the book of Isaiah, shifting from prophecies of judgment (chapters 1-39) to a vibrant message of comfort, hope, and restoration for Israel, particularly in anticipation of their return from Babylonian exile. The chapter commences with a majestic declaration of God's comforting presence and the preparation of a highway for His glorious return ([Isaiah 40:1-5](/isaiah/40-1-5 "Isaiah 40:1-5 - Comfort for Zion and the Coming Glory")). Following this, Isaiah launches into a profound exposition of God's incomparable greatness, contrasting His eternal nature with the fleeting existence of humanity ([Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6-8 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - The Enduring Word of God")) and the insignificance of the nations before Him ([Isaiah 40:15-17](/isaiah/40-15-17 "Isaiah 40:15-17 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket")). Verses [Isaiah 40:18-20](/isaiah/40-18-20 "Isaiah 40:18-20 - God's Incomparability and the Folly of Idols") directly challenge the absurdity of comparing the Almighty God to any created thing, specifically focusing on the creation of idols. This passage serves as a direct rebuke to the pervasive idolatrous practices among God's people and surrounding nations, setting the stage for Isaiah's later declarations of God's unmatched sovereignty and His unique ability to declare the future ([Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Everlasting Power")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Uzziah to Hezekiah (c. 740-680 BC). Idolatry was a persistent and deeply entrenched problem in Israel and Judah, often involving the adoption of foreign deities and worship practices from surrounding Mesopotamian and Canaanite cultures. These idols were typically crafted from wood, metal, or stone, often overlaid with precious metals, and were believed to embody or represent specific gods or spirits. The act of creating an idol was a common practice, and skilled artisans were highly valued for their ability to fashion impressive images. The desire for an idol that "will not rot" or "shall not be moved" reflects a deep-seated human longing for permanence, stability, and control, especially in a world marked by political instability and shifting powers. People sought tangible representations of divine power that they could manipulate or rely upon, contrasting sharply with the invisible, transcendent God of Israel who demands faith and obedience. The mention of "oblation" also points to the sacrificial system, highlighting a potential spiritual impoverishment where true worship of Yahweh was neglected in favor of manufactured deities.
* **Key Themes:** The verse vividly illustrates the **folly and absurdity of idolatry**, underscoring the immense human effort and material resources invested in creating something lifeless, which is then worshipped as divine. This stands in stark contrast to the effortless majesty of the Creator of the universe. It also highlights **human desperation and misplaced resourcefulness**; the "impoverished" individual, whether financially or spiritually, redirects their ingenuity and resources towards crafting a tangible, yet ultimately powerless, object for security. This speaks to a fundamental human need for something to worship and rely on, a need that, when misdirected, leads to the creation of false gods. Furthermore, the emphasis on an idol "that will not rot" and "shall not be moved" reveals a human longing for **illusionary permanence and stability**. Ironically, this desire for an unchanging source of power is sought in a static, man-made object, rather than in the truly immutable God who alone is the ultimate source of stability and strength, as declared throughout Isaiah's prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - The Lord is the Everlasting God")). The passage implicitly draws a sharp **contrast between the weakness of these carved images and the omnipotence of God**, who "sitteth upon the circle of the earth" ([Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God's Sovereignty Over Creation")) and "giveth power to the faint" ([Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Strengthens the Weak")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Impoverished (Hebrew, _çâkan'_):** From H5533, meaning "to cut, i.e. damage; also to grow (causatively, make) poor; endanger, impoverish." This term describes a state of being diminished or made poor, extending beyond mere financial lack to encompass a spiritual or resource-based destitution. It suggests that the idolater's condition of "impoverishment" drives their search for an alternative to true worship.
* **Graven Image (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** From H6459, meaning "an idol; carved (graven) image." This word specifically refers to an idol that has been carved or sculptured, typically from wood or stone. It emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of the object of worship, highlighting that it is a product of human hands and ingenuity, not divine power.
* **Not Be Moved (Hebrew, _môwṭ'_):** From H4131, meaning "to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall; be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip." The negative construction "will not be moved" signifies the desired permanence and stability for the idol. The profound irony is that humans seek an unshakeable deity in an object that, by its very nature, is subject to human manipulation and the laws of physics, contrasting starkly with the truly unmovable God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation":** This clause introduces the subject of the verse – an individual in a state of profound lack. The "impoverished" (H5533, _çâkan_) condition is not merely financial but can extend to a spiritual destitution, implying a lack of means or perhaps a disinclination to offer a proper "oblation" (H8641, _tᵉrûwmâh_), a heave offering or sacrifice, to the true God. This spiritual void drives the individual to seek alternatives.
* **"chooseth a tree that will not rot;":** Driven by this spiritual or material poverty, the individual makes a deliberate choice (H977, _bâchar_, "to select"). They do not choose just any material, but specifically a "tree" (H6086, _ʻêts_) known for its durability, one "that will not rot" (H7537, _râqab_). This reveals a pragmatic desire for longevity and stability in their chosen deity, a hope that their investment will yield a lasting object of worship.
* **"he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image,":** The process continues with active seeking (H1245, _bâqash_, "to search out, strive after"). The impoverished individual spares no effort in securing the best human talent: a "cunning" (H2450, _châkâm_, "wise, skillful") "workman" (H2796, _chârâsh_, "artificer, craftsman"). This skilled artisan is employed "to prepare" (H3559, _kûwn_, "to establish, fix, prepare") a "graven image" (H6459, _peçel_, "carved idol"). This highlights the human origin and meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the idol, emphasizing its manufactured nature.
* **"that shall not be moved.":** The final clause expresses the ultimate aspiration for the idol: that it "shall not be moved" (H4131, _môwṭ_, "to waver, slip, shake"). This speaks to the human desire for a stable, unshakeable source of power and security, a deity that will endure and provide constant reassurance. The profound irony lies in seeking this unmovable quality in a static, inanimate object, crafted by human hands, rather than in the truly immutable and sovereign God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:20 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its message. **Irony** is central, as the verse depicts individuals who are "impoverished" (spiritually or materially) yet expend significant resources and skill to create an idol that they hope "shall not be moved." The irony lies in seeking stability and permanence from an object that is itself a product of human effort and subject to decay, rather than from the truly eternal and unshakeable God. **Contrast** is also prominent, implicitly juxtaposing the meticulous, costly, and ultimately futile human endeavor of idol-making with the effortless, boundless power and majesty of God described elsewhere in the chapter. The "cunning workman" and the "graven image" stand in stark opposition to the Creator who "measures the waters in the hollow of his hand" ([Isaiah 40:12](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12 - God's Immeasurable Power")). **Personification** is subtly present in the desire for an idol that "shall not be moved," attributing a quality of steadfastness to an inanimate object, reflecting the human longing for a reliable deity. Finally, the vivid **imagery** of selecting the "tree that will not rot" and employing a "cunning workman" paints a clear picture of the human investment and misplaced devotion, making the folly of idolatry tangible and relatable to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:20 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and the futility of human-made religion. It underscores the inherent human need to worship, which, when misdirected, leads to the creation of "gods" in our own image, reflecting our desires for control, security, and tangibility. The passage critiques the anthropocentric nature of idolatry, where the worshipper dictates the form and perceived power of their deity, rather than submitting to a transcendent, self-existent God. It highlights the spiritual poverty that often underlies idol worship – a lack of faith in the invisible God leading to a desperate search for visible, controllable alternatives. Ultimately, the verse affirms God's sole claim to deity, demonstrating that any attempt to compare Him to created things or to replace Him with human constructs is not only absurd but also spiritually bankrupt, leaving the worshipper with a false sense of security in an object that cannot truly deliver.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "The Futility of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3-5 "Idols are Lifeless")
* [Romans 1:22-23](/romans/1-22-23 "Exchanging God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal carving of wooden idols may be less common in contemporary society, the spiritual principles of Isaiah 40:20 remain profoundly relevant. We often create "idols" out of anything we rely on for ultimate security, identity, worth, or happiness apart from God. These modern idols can be subtle, manifesting as an excessive devotion to material possessions, career success, academic achievements, personal talents, physical appearance, or even relationships. We invest our time, energy, and resources into these things, hoping they will provide the stability and fulfillment that only God can truly offer. The "tree that will not rot" becomes our carefully curated financial portfolio, our perfect social media image, or our unshakeable reputation. The "cunning workman" represents our relentless efforts and strategic planning to build a life independent of divine sovereignty. This verse challenges us to honestly examine what we truly depend on, what we worship with our attention and affections, and what we believe will "not be moved" in our lives. It calls us to recognize the inherent futility of placing ultimate trust in any human-made construct or created thing, and instead to place our unwavering faith in the living God, who alone is truly immutable, the source of all lasting hope, strength, and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "trees that will not rot" in my life—the things I invest in most heavily, hoping they will provide lasting security or happiness apart from God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I act as the "cunning workman," meticulously crafting a sense of control or identity that ultimately relies on my own efforts rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **What "graven images" (modern idols) do I seek to make "not be moved," expecting them to provide unshakeable stability when only God is truly unmovable?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a reliance on God as the ultimate source of security, or a subtle dependence on created things?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to be "impoverished" in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 40:20, "impoverished" (Hebrew: _çâkan_) can refer to a state of being materially poor, lacking the means for a proper sacrifice or offering to the true God. However, it also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, suggesting a spiritual destitution or a lack of true faith that drives individuals to seek tangible, man-made alternatives to the invisible God. This spiritual poverty leads them to invest their limited resources and ingenuity into crafting idols, hoping to find security and a sense of divine presence that they miss in genuine worship of Yahweh. The verse highlights that this "poverty" is not an excuse for idolatry, but rather a symptom of a misplaced spiritual hunger.

**Why does Isaiah emphasize the "cunning workman" and the idol's durability?**

Answer: Isaiah emphasizes these aspects to highlight the absurdity and futility of idolatry. By stressing the "cunning workman" (Hebrew: _châkâm chârâsh_), the prophet underscores that the idol is entirely a product of human skill and labor. It has no inherent divine power; it is merely what human hands have fashioned. The desire for a "tree that will not rot" and an idol that "shall not be moved" reveals the idolater's deep-seated longing for permanence, stability, and an unchanging source of power in a world full of uncertainty. The irony is profound: humans strive to create an "unmovable" deity from finite, created materials, while the true God is inherently eternal, immutable, and the only truly unshakeable foundation, as declared in passages like [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord is Clothed with Majesty") or [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom").

**How is this ancient critique of idolatry relevant to people today?**

Answer: While literal idol carving is rare in most modern societies, the underlying principle of idolatry remains highly relevant. Idolatry, at its core, is placing ultimate trust, devotion, or hope in anything other than God. Today, "graven images" can take many forms: wealth, career success, social status, physical appearance, relationships, technology, political ideologies, or even self-reliance. We invest our time, energy, and affections into these things, seeking from them the security, identity, and fulfillment that only God can truly provide. Isaiah 40:20 challenges us to examine what we truly worship and depend on, reminding us that any ultimate reliance on created things will ultimately prove to be as futile and "movable" as the ancient idols, whereas the Lord alone offers true and lasting stability, as seen in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:20, with its scathing indictment of idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "impoverished" state of the idolater, lacking a true oblation and seeking stability in created things, points to humanity's spiritual bankruptcy and desperate need for a perfect sacrifice. Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate and sufficient "oblation" for sin, offering Himself once for all time ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). The futility of seeking an idol that "shall not be moved" highlights humanity's yearning for an unshakeable foundation, a desire perfectly met in Christ. He is the one who upholds all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")) and in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). Unlike the lifeless, man-made images, Jesus is the [living God](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning to the Living God"), the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"), through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. Our trust is not placed in a "tree that will not rot," but in the resurrected Christ, who conquered death and decay, offering eternal life and an [unshakable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom"). He alone is the true source of stability, security, and spiritual wealth, contrasting sharply with the poverty and illusion offered by idols.

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 41:7

So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, [and] he that smootheth [with] the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It [is] ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, [that] it should not be moved.

Isaiah 46:7

They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, [one] shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.

Jeremiah 10:3

For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

Jeremiah 10:4

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

Isaiah 2:8

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

Isaiah 2:9

And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

Daniel 5:23

But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: