Isaiah 40:23

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 40:23 (KJV)

Isaiah 40:23 declares God's absolute supremacy over all human authority: "That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity." This powerful verse is part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah chapters 40-66), which begins after chapters of judgment and offers hope and reassurance to a people facing exile and oppression.

Context

Chapter 40 opens with a message of comfort for Israel, promising an end to their warfare and the pardon of their iniquity (Isaiah 40:2). The preceding verses establish God's immense power and incomparable nature, describing Him as the Creator who measures the waters in the hollow of His hand (Isaiah 40:12) and to whom nations are but a drop in a bucket (Isaiah 40:15). Against this backdrop of divine omnipotence, verse 23 starkly contrasts the transient and insignificant nature of even the most powerful human rulers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. No king, prince, or judge, however mighty or influential, can stand against His will or thwart His purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical truth that God rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will.
  • The Transience of Human Power: Earthly power, status, and judicial authority 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.
  • God's Justice and Control: Implicit in this declaration is the idea that God oversees and can dismantle oppressive or unjust human systems. This offers a profound message of hope and comfort to those who feel subject to arbitrary or corrupt human rule.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "vanity" in this verse is tōhû (תֹּהוּ). This term is highly significant. It describes something as empty, formless, or utterly worthless. It is famously used in Genesis 1:2 to describe the earth as "without form, and void" before creation. By using tōhû, Isaiah conveys that even the most esteemed and powerful human leaders are, in God's sight, reduced to a state of utter nothingness and futility, devoid of any lasting substance or significance when compared to Him.

Practical Application

Isaiah 40:23 offers timeless lessons for believers and all people:

  • Comfort for the Oppressed: For those living under oppressive regimes or experiencing injustice from powerful individuals, this verse provides immense comfort. It reminds us that no human power is absolute, and God sees, knows, and is ultimately in control. Our hope should be placed in His divine justice, not the fickle whims of earthly rulers.
  • Humility for the Powerful: It serves as a sobering reminder to those in positions of authority—whether in government, business, or any sphere of influence—that their power is temporary and derived. True wisdom lies in exercising authority with humility, recognizing that all power ultimately belongs to God, who can bring it to nothing.
  • Trust in God Alone: In an age where political and social leaders often seem to dominate discourse and destiny, this verse calls us to place our ultimate trust and allegiance not in human institutions or personalities, but in the unchanging, sovereign God who alone is eternal and omnipotent. His plans will prevail, regardless of human schemes or resistance, as seen in Proverbs 19:21, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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