Isaiah 40:23

KJV

That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

That bringeth {H5414} the princes {H7336} to nothing; he maketh {H6213} the judges {H8199} of the earth {H776} as vanity {H8414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He reduces princes to nothing, the rulers of the earth to emptiness.

Berean Standard Bible

He brings the princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth meaningless.

American Standard Version

that bringeth princes to nothing; that maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 40:23 powerfully declares God's absolute and unparalleled sovereignty over all earthly authority. In stark contrast to the transient and limited power of human princes and judges, the verse asserts that the Almighty God effortlessly reduces even the most esteemed and influential rulers of the world to utter insignificance and futility. This profound statement serves as both a comfort to the oppressed and a humbling reminder to those in power, underscoring that all human dominion is temporary and ultimately subject to the eternal, unchallengeable will of the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Isaiah, initiating the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66) after a long section of judgment. It opens with a tender message of consolation for Israel, promising an end to their suffering and the pardon of their iniquity, preparing them for return from exile ([Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1-2 - Comfort for God's People")). The verses immediately preceding Isaiah 40:23 establish God's incomparable greatness and cosmic power, depicting Him as the Creator who measures the waters in the hollow of His hand and to whom nations are but a drop in a bucket or dust on the scales ([Isaiah 40:12-17](/isaiah/40-12 "Isaiah 40:12-17 - God's Incomparable Power")). Against this backdrop of divine omnipotence, verse 23 serves as a climactic statement, starkly contrasting the infinite power of God with the finite and ultimately inconsequential nature of human authority, reinforcing the message of God's unique supremacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 40-66 is addressed to a people either facing or enduring the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and perceived abandonment by God. Judah had been conquered, its temple destroyed, and its leaders deported. In such a context, the might of the Babylonian empire, personified by its powerful kings and officials, would have seemed overwhelming and insurmountable. The people of Israel might have questioned God's power or presence in the face of such overwhelming human dominion. Isaiah 40:23 directly confronts this despair by asserting that even the most formidable human rulers, like those of Babylon, are nothing before the God of Israel. This message would have been revolutionary and deeply comforting to a people feeling utterly powerless under foreign rule, reminding them that their oppressors were ultimately subject to a higher, divine authority.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 40:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's ultimate and absolute authority over all creation, including human political and judicial systems. No earthly power, however mighty, can thwart His purposes or stand against His will, as seen in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Transience and Insignificance of Human Power**. Earthly status, judicial authority, and political might are presented as fleeting and ultimately inconsequential in God's eternal scheme. What appears formidable in human eyes is rendered "nothing" or "vanity" by the Almighty, a theme echoed in [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes"). Thirdly, implicit in this declaration is God's **Justice and Control over Nations**. By asserting His ability to dismantle oppressive or unjust human systems, the verse offers a profound message of hope and comfort to those who feel subject to arbitrary or corrupt human rule, assuring them that God is actively overseeing the affairs of humanity and will ultimately bring about His righteous will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, _râzan'_):** From H7336, this primitive root means "to be heavy" or "honorable." Figuratively, it refers to those who possess significant weight, influence, and authority in society – rulers, nobles, or potentates. The term highlights their perceived importance and power in the human realm.
* **bringeth... to nothing (Hebrew, _nâthan... tôhûw'_):** This phrase combines H5414 (_nâthan_), a versatile verb meaning "to give, put, make," and H8414 (_tôhûw_), which signifies "a desolation," "a worthless thing," "vanity," or "nothing." The combination emphasizes God's active and deliberate role in reducing powerful human figures to utter emptiness, futility, or non-existence in terms of true power or lasting significance before Him. It's not merely that they *become* nothing, but that God *makes* them so.
* **maketh... as vanity (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh... tôhûw'_):** This parallel phrase uses H6213 (_ʻâsâh_), another broad verb meaning "to do or make," in conjunction with the same noun H8414 (_tôhûw_). This reiteration powerfully reinforces the message of the first clause. It underscores God's comprehensive and deliberate action in rendering even the most esteemed judges – those who pronounce sentence and govern – as utterly futile and devoid of any lasting substance when compared to His eternal and absolute sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That bringeth the princes to nothing":** This clause identifies God as the active agent who nullifies the power and influence of earthly rulers. "Princes" represents the highest echelons of political and governmental authority, those who wield significant power and command respect among people. The phrase "to nothing" (Hebrew: *tôhûw*) signifies a reduction to utter emptiness, futility, or non-existence in terms of their true power or lasting impact in God's sight, emphasizing their transient and ultimately unsubstantial nature.
* **"he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity":** This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, extending God's nullifying power to judicial authority. "Judges of the earth" refers to those who hold legal and moral power, responsible for justice and governance within society. The phrase "as vanity" (again, *tôhûw*) reiterates their ultimate insignificance and futility when contrasted with God's eternal, omnipotent, and righteous sovereignty. God actively renders their perceived power and wisdom as utterly worthless.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 40:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line ("he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first line ("That bringeth the princes to nothing") using different but related terms. This repetition serves to intensify the message, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's power over *all* forms of human authority – both political (princes) and judicial (judges). The use of "nothing" and "vanity" (**tôhûw**) is a powerful **Metaphor** for utter insignificance and futility. This term is famously used in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void") to describe the earth as "without form, and void" before creation, implying a state of primordial chaos and emptiness. By applying *tôhûw* to human rulers, Isaiah suggests that their power, in God's eyes, is reduced to a state akin to pre-creation chaos – utterly void of substance, order, or lasting purpose. Furthermore, "princes" and "judges of the earth" function as **Metonyms**, representing the entirety of human governmental and legal systems, thereby broadening the scope of God's sovereign declaration beyond mere individuals to all earthly power structures. The strong, declarative tone also lends itself to **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the reduction of human power to "nothing" to underscore the infinite chasm between divine and human authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 40:23 is a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, presenting Him as the ultimate power beyond whom no earthly authority can stand. This truth provides immense comfort to those suffering under oppressive regimes, assuring them that their oppressors are ultimately subject to a higher power who can bring their dominion to nothing. It also serves as a sobering reminder to those in positions of power, urging humility and recognition that their authority is derived, temporary, and accountable to the Almighty. The verse implicitly challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, redirecting trust and allegiance from fallible human institutions to the unchanging, eternal God. It asserts that God's plans will prevail, regardless of human schemes or resistance, reinforcing the biblical theme that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, orchestrating history according to His divine purpose.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at Earthly Rulers")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Everlasting Dominion")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-28](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - God Chooses the Weak and Despised")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 40:23 offers profound lessons for navigating life in a world often dominated by powerful human figures and institutions. For the believer, it provides a deep wellspring of comfort and hope, especially when faced with injustice, oppression, or political turmoil. It reminds us that no human power is absolute, and God, who is ultimately in control, sees and knows all. Our ultimate hope and trust should be placed not in the shifting sands of human politics or the fickle whims of earthly rulers, but in the unwavering justice and sovereignty of our God. This verse also serves as a crucial call to humility for those in positions of authority, whether in government, business, or any sphere of influence. It underscores that all power is temporary and derived, a stewardship given by God, and true wisdom lies in exercising authority with righteousness and a recognition that accountability is ultimately to the One who can bring all human power to nothing. In an age where political and social leaders often seem to dictate destiny, this verse powerfully calls us to place our ultimate allegiance and trust in the unchanging, omnipotent God alone, whose plans will always prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 40:23 challenge your perception of powerful human leaders or institutions today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place ultimate trust in human authority rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **What comfort does this verse offer when you feel overwhelmed by injustice or oppressive systems in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah use such strong language like "nothing" and "vanity" for rulers?**

Answer: Isaiah uses this strong language to emphasize the absolute supremacy of God and the utter insignificance of human power when compared to His infinite might. The Hebrew word *tôhûw*, translated as "nothing" and "vanity," is famously used in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void") to describe the earth as "without form, and void" before creation. By applying this term to princes and judges, Isaiah conveys that even the most esteemed and powerful human leaders are, in God's sight, reduced to a state of utter emptiness and futility, devoid of any lasting substance or significance. This is a theological declaration, not necessarily a literal annihilation of rulers, but a profound statement about their ultimate lack of true, independent power or lasting impact. It serves to comfort the oppressed by assuring them that their seemingly invincible oppressors are ultimately powerless before God, and to humble the powerful by reminding them of their transient nature.

**Does this verse mean human government is unimportant or that we shouldn't respect authority?**

Answer: No, Isaiah 40:23 does not negate the importance of human government or the biblical command to respect authority. Other Scriptures, such as [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), clearly instruct believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that they are appointed by God for the purpose of maintaining order and justice. This verse in Isaiah is not about disrespecting legitimate human authority but about establishing the *ultimate* authority of God above all earthly powers. It serves as a crucial reminder that human rulers are accountable to God, their power is derived and temporary, and our ultimate allegiance and trust belong to God alone. It provides a divine perspective that helps us to properly contextualize human power within the framework of God's eternal sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 40:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While earthly princes and judges are brought to "nothing" and made "vanity" by the sovereign God, Jesus Christ is revealed as the eternal King whose dominion is everlasting and whose kingdom will never be destroyed. He is the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "nothing" and "vanity" of human rulers foreshadow the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, which is not of this world yet will ultimately encompass it. His seemingly humble arrival, not as an earthly prince but as a servant, paradoxically led to His exaltation above every name, power, and dominion ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the righteous Judge who will one day judge the living and the dead, and before whom every knee will bow ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead"); [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the transient nature of human power highlighted in Isaiah 40:23 serves to magnify the eternal, unshakable, and all-encompassing reign of Christ, the one true Sovereign.

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

Job 12:21

He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.

Psalms 107:40

He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, [where there is] no way.

Jeremiah 25:18

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Isaiah 34:12

They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none [shall be] there, and all her princes shall be nothing.

Isaiah 19:13

The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.

Isaiah 19:14

The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken [man] staggereth in his vomit.