Isaiah 41:24

KJV

Behold, ye [are] of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination [is he that] chooseth you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, ye are of nothing {H369}, and your work {H6467} of nought {H659}: an abomination {H8441} is he that chooseth {H977} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

You can't! - because you are less than nothing. Whoever chooses you is an abomination!

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.

American Standard Version

Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work is of nought; an abomination is he that chooseth you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:24 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the futility of idols and the spiritual offense of those who choose to worship them. It emphatically declares that false gods possess no substance, their actions yield no results, and the act of choosing them is an utter abomination to the one true God. This verse serves as a climactic pronouncement within a broader prophetic challenge, starkly contrasting the impotence of man-made deities with the sovereign power and unique identity of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section primarily addressed to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope, reassurance, and a powerful demonstration of God's unique sovereignty. Specifically, Isaiah 41 initiates a series of "courtroom scenes" where God challenges the nations and their idols to prove their divine claims. He invites them to foretell the future or perform mighty deeds, highlighting their utter inability to do so (e.g., [Isaiah 41:21-23](/isaiah/41-21 "Isaiah 41:21-23 - God Challenges the Idols")). Verse 24 serves as the devastating verdict following this divine cross-examination, concluding that the idols are worthless, and their worshippers are detestable. It sets the stage for God's subsequent declarations of His own power to raise up Cyrus and deliver His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period when Israel was surrounded by a dominant polytheistic culture. The Babylonians, like other ancient Near Eastern peoples, worshipped a pantheon of gods, often represented by elaborate idols and cultic practices. The exiles faced constant temptation to assimilate and adopt these foreign religious customs, questioning the power of their own God who had allowed their defeat and displacement. In this context, Isaiah's prophecies served to bolster their faith, reminding them of the true God's absolute supremacy over all so-called deities and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The condemnation of idolatry was not merely theological but also a call to national and spiritual distinctiveness in a foreign land.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 41:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. First, it underscores the **utter impotence and non-existence of idols**, portraying them as "nothing" and their works as "nought," a theme reiterated throughout Isaiah's challenges to idolatry (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Second, it highlights God's **exclusive sovereignty and unique identity** as the only true God who can declare the end from the beginning and control history (e.g., [Isaiah 43:10-13](/isaiah/43-10 "Isaiah 43:10-13 - God's Uniqueness and Deliverance")). Third, the verse reveals God's profound **detestation and condemnation of idolatry**, labeling it an "abomination." This strong theological term emphasizes that idolatry is not merely a mistake but a direct affront to God's holiness and His rightful claim to exclusive worship, a concept deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:7-9](/deuteronomy/5-7 "Deuteronomy 5:7-9 - The First and Second Commandments")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nothing (Hebrew, _ʼayin'_):** As used here (H369), this word conveys absolute non-existence, emptiness, or futility. It emphasizes that the idols are not merely weak or ineffective; they are utterly devoid of substance, power, or reality. They are a "non-entity," a void.
* **work (Hebrew, _pôʻal'_):** (H6467) Refers to an act, deed, or concrete work. In this context, it signifies the supposed actions, influence, or products of the idols. The declaration that their "work is of nought" means that anything attributed to them, or any effort expended in their service, is equally empty, without effect, and useless.
* **nought (Hebrew, _ʼêphaʻ'_):** (H659) Derived from a root meaning "to breathe," this word literally means "a breath" or "nothing." It reinforces the idea of extreme insignificance, transience, and lack of substance. The idols and their actions are as fleeting and insubstantial as a mere breath.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** (H8441) This powerful term denotes something morally disgusting, abhorrent, or utterly detestable to God. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe idolatry and pagan practices, signifying a profound spiritual offense that violates God's holiness and His covenant with Israel. It implies God's utter revulsion.
* **chooseth (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** (H977) This primitive root means "to try" or "to select." Here, it refers to the deliberate act of choosing, preferring, or trusting in idols. The verse highlights that the choice to align oneself with these false gods is not a neutral act but one that incurs God's severe condemnation, rendering the chooser an "abomination" in His sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, ye [are] of nothing":** This initial declaration is a direct, confrontational address to the idols themselves, or perhaps to the nations who worship them. "Behold" commands attention to a stark reality. The phrase "of nothing" (Hebrew: `H369 ʼayin`) asserts their absolute non-existence and utter lack of substance or inherent power. They are a void, a nullity, possessing no divine essence or authority.
* **"and your work of nought":** This clause extends the condemnation from the idols' being to their doing. Not only are they nothing, but anything they supposedly accomplish or any influence they exert is also "of nought" (Hebrew: `H659 ʼêphaʻ`). This signifies that their actions are futile, ineffective, and ultimately meaningless, yielding no true benefit or divine intervention.
* **"an abomination [is he that] chooseth you":** This is the climactic judgment. The focus shifts from the idols to their worshippers. To "choose" (Hebrew: `H977 bâchar`) these empty deities is not merely a mistake but an act so offensive that the person making this choice becomes an "abomination" (Hebrew: `H8441 tôwʻêbah`) in the eyes of the holy God. This strong term conveys God's utter detestation for such spiritual disloyalty and the profound moral and spiritual corruption it represents.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the repeated emphasis on "nothing" and "nought," exaggerating the idols' emptiness to underscore their absolute futility and non-existence in contrast to the living God. This serves to drive home the point that there is no comparison. **Contrast** is the overarching device, setting the utter impotence and worthlessness of idols against the implied, yet powerfully affirmed, omnipotence and unique reality of the God of Israel. The verse functions as a divine **Oracle of Judgment**, a formal pronouncement of condemnation from God himself, lending it immense authority and finality. Furthermore, the use of the term "abomination" is a form of **Strong Denunciation**, expressing God's profound moral revulsion and underscoring the severity of idolatry as a spiritual offense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:24 stands as a stark declaration of God's unwavering monotheism and His absolute intolerance for anything that usurps His rightful place as the sole object of worship. The theological significance lies in its clear articulation of the non-negotiable nature of God's sovereignty and His demand for exclusive devotion. Idolatry, whether ancient or modern, is not merely a misunderstanding of God but an act of spiritual rebellion, a detestable betrayal of the Creator. It fundamentally distorts humanity's relationship with the divine, leading to emptiness and condemnation because it exchanges the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man (cf. [Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory for Idols")). This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational text for understanding the gravity of idolatry and the necessity of true worship.

* [Deuteronomy 18:12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Deuteronomy 18:12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Powerlessness of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idol Making")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ancient world grappled with physical idols, the message of Isaiah 41:24 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. Modern "idols" are often less tangible but equally insidious: the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, self-gratification, technological advancement, or even the worship of political ideologies and human leaders. Anything that consistently demands our ultimate allegiance, trust, and devotion, displacing God from the center of our lives, becomes an idol. This verse challenges us to critically examine our hearts and priorities, asking what we truly serve and what we believe will ultimately deliver satisfaction and security. To place our hope and identity in anything other than the living God is to build upon "nothing," leading inevitably to disappointment, spiritual emptiness, and a life "of nought." The call is to recognize the futility of misplaced trust and to turn wholeheartedly to the One who alone is worthy of all worship, for He is the only source of true life, meaning, and eternal hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "idols" might be competing for your ultimate allegiance and devotion today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be placing your trust in "nothing" or pursuing "work of nought"?**
* **How does understanding God's view of idolatry as an "abomination" impact your perspective on spiritual compromise?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that God alone holds the supreme place in your heart and life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for idols to be "of nothing" and their "work of nought"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the absolute non-existence and utter futility of idols. "Of nothing" (Hebrew: `ʼayin`) means they have no inherent being, substance, or divine reality whatsoever; they are a void. "Their work of nought" (Hebrew: `ʼêphaʻ`) means that any supposed actions, influence, or benefits attributed to them are equally empty, ineffective, and without lasting impact. They cannot create, sustain, or deliver, making any trust placed in them utterly pointless and leading to disappointment. It underscores that they are man-made constructs, devoid of any true power.

**Why is choosing idols considered an "abomination" to God?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew: `tôwʻêbah`) signifies something utterly detestable or abhorrent to God, often used in the Old Testament for practices that violate His holiness and covenant. Choosing idols is an abomination because it represents a profound act of spiritual infidelity and rebellion. It denies God's unique sovereignty, exchanges His glory for a created thing (as seen in [Romans 1:23](/romans/1-23 "Romans 1:23 - Exchanging God's Glory")), and attempts to give divine honor to that which is not God. It is a direct affront to His exclusive claim to worship, breaking the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:24, with its stark condemnation of idolatry and declaration of God's singular worth, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the very "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ's Supremacy")). In Christ, the emptiness of idols is fully exposed, for He alone possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The "nothingness" of false gods stands in stark contrast to Christ, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). His finished "work" on the cross is not "of nought" but is the definitive act that secures salvation, defeats sin and death, and establishes His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice")). Furthermore, for those who "choose" Christ, they are not an abomination but are made righteous and holy through His sacrifice, becoming a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the true object of faith, the one in whom all things hold together, and the only one worthy of our worship and devotion, liberating us from the futile service of any idol.

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

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Psalms 115:8

They that make them are like unto them; [so is] every one that trusteth in them.

Isaiah 41:29

Behold, they [are] all vanity; their works [are] nothing: their molten images [are] wind and confusion.

Jeremiah 10:8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.

Isaiah 37:19

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Isaiah 66:24

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.