Isaiah 42:17

KJV

They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye [are] our gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall be turned {H5472} back {H268}, they shall be greatly {H1322} ashamed {H954}, that trust {H982} in graven images {H6459}, that say {H559} to the molten images {H4541}, Ye are our gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who trust in idols, who say to statues, 'You are our gods,' will be repulsed in utter shame.

Berean Standard Bible

But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.

American Standard Version

They shall be turned back, they shall be utterly put to shame, that trust in graven images, that say unto molten images, Ye are our gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:17 powerfully declares the inevitable and profound humiliation awaiting those who place their trust in idols. It prophesies a complete reversal of fortune and deep disgrace for all who worship and rely on man-made images, whether carved or cast, rather than on the one true God. This verse serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the utter futility of idolatry and implicitly exalting the unparalleled sovereignty and unique power of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42 initiates the first of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9), introducing the Lord's chosen Servant who is commissioned to bring justice and light to the nations. This passage intentionally contrasts the active, righteous, and effective work of God's Servant with the inertness, impotence, and ultimate failure of idols. Following a celebratory hymn of praise to God for His mighty acts (Isaiah 42:10-13) and a declaration of His impending judgment and deliverance (Isaiah 42:14-17), verse 17 stands as a climactic warning. It directly underscores the decisive power of God, who acts sovereignly, in opposition to the utter powerlessness of false gods and the resulting shame of their devotees. The verse immediately precedes a lament over Israel's spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:18-25), highlighting that the promised judgment against idolaters is a direct consequence of rejecting the true God and His covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah are set against a turbulent historical backdrop, primarily the rise of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. During these periods, Israel faced constant political pressure and the pervasive temptation to form alliances with foreign nations, often involving the adoption of their deities. Idolatry was deeply embedded in the religious and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East, where various nations worshipped a pantheon of gods represented by physical images. These idols were commonly believed to embody divine presence and power, and trust in them was a widespread practice for securing prosperity, military victory, or protection. The creation of "graven images" (carved from wood or stone) and "molten images" (cast from metal) was a common craft. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts this prevailing cultural norm, challenging the worldview of his audience by asserting the unique sovereignty of the God of Israel and exposing the inherent emptiness and deceitfulness of all other deities.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 42:17 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Isaiah. Foremost, it powerfully articulates the **Futility of Idolatry**, a recurring motif throughout Isaiah that consistently mocks the powerlessness and absurdity of man-made gods (e.g., the detailed exposition in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). It profoundly highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh, who alone is God, whose plans are unthwartable, and whose active power stands in stark contrast to the inertness of idols. The verse also speaks directly to the theme of **Judgment and Shame**, prophesying that those who reject God's covenant and embrace false worship will inevitably face disgrace and a reversal of their perceived security, a consequence frequently tied to Israel's disobedience (e.g., the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Furthermore, it implicitly reinforces the **Uniqueness of God**, positioning Him as incomparable and the only one truly worthy of trust and worship, echoing the foundational commands of the [Torah](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") against idolatry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_ / _bôsheth'_):** The primary verb is H954 (_bûwsh_), meaning "to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed." This signifies a deep personal and public humiliation that arises from the exposure of misplaced confidence. The accompanying H1322 (_bôsheth_), translated "greatly," is from the same root and denotes "shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause)." Together, they emphasize a profound and inescapable disgrace, a public exposure of the idolaters' folly as their false gods prove utterly incapable of delivering on their promises.
* **graven images (Hebrew, _peçel'_):** H6459 (_peçel_) refers to "an idol; carved (graven) image." This term specifically designates idols that are sculpted, hewn, or carved, typically from materials like wood, stone, or bone. Its use here underscores the human effort and material limitations inherent in their creation, contrasting sharply with the uncreated, self-existent, and living God. These are objects of human manufacture, not divine revelation.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430 (_ʼĕlôhîym_) is a plural form that can refer to "gods in the ordinary sense," but also, especially with the article, to the supreme God. In this context, it unequivocally refers to the false deities worshipped by the idolaters. The irony is profound: humans declare inanimate objects to be their "gods," attributing divine power and authority to that which has none, a claim that the prophet directly refutes by exposing their ultimate powerlessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall be turned back":** This phrase, using the Hebrew root H5472 (_çûwg_), meaning "to flinch, i.e., to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)," indicates a sudden and complete reversal of their expected progression, success, or position of confidence. It signifies a decisive defeat, a forced retreat from their chosen path, or a turning away from their idolatrous reliance, ultimately demonstrating the utter failure of their misplaced trust.
* **"they shall be greatly ashamed":** This clause emphasizes the profound and public humiliation that will inevitably accompany their reversal. The shame is not merely an internal regret but a deep-seated disgrace, intensified by the Hebrew term H1322 (_bôsheth_). It signifies the utter confusion and disappointment that arises when one's trust is utterly betrayed by the object of their devotion, revealing its impotence and the folly of their allegiance.
* **"that trust in graven images":** This identifies the specific group facing judgment: those who place their confidence (H982, _bâṭach_, "to hide for refuge... to trust, be confident or sure") in idols crafted by human hands. Their reliance is fundamentally misplaced, resting on objects that possess no inherent power, consciousness, or ability to deliver, protect, or fulfill.
* **"that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods":** This further defines the idolaters as those who verbally acknowledge and declare their allegiance to "molten images" (H4541, _maççêkâh_, referring to a "fusion of metal, especially a cast image"). This declaration, "Ye are our gods" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), is a direct affront to the singular sovereignty of Yahweh. It demonstrates their complete spiritual and existential allegiance to inanimate objects, a devotion that will ultimately lead to their downfall and profound shame.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the repetition of the consequences ("turned back," "greatly ashamed") and the identification of the subjects ("that trust in graven images," "that say to the molten images"). This structural repetition emphasizes the certainty, severity, and dual nature of the impending judgment. **Irony** is central to the verse's impact: those who proclaim lifeless, man-made images as their "gods" will themselves be "turned back" and "ashamed," thereby demonstrating the absolute powerlessness of their supposed deities. The very objects meant to bring strength, security, and blessing instead lead to weakness, confusion, and humiliation. The prophet's use of both "graven images" and "molten images" constitutes a **Merism**, encompassing the full spectrum of idolatrous practices, implying that no form of man-made deity, regardless of its construction, can escape this judgment. Ultimately, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophetic Warning**, a declarative statement of future judgment intended to call the audience to repentance and exclusive reliance on the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:17 profoundly articulates the theological principle that placing ultimate trust, devotion, or reliance in anything other than the living God leads to inevitable disappointment, disgrace, and a reversal of one's perceived security. It underscores God's exclusive claim to worship and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, sharply contrasting His active power, knowledge, and faithfulness with the inertness, blindness, and futility of idols. The prophet's message is a timeless indictment against any form of idolatry—whether the ancient worship of physical images or the modern devotion to wealth, power, self, human ideologies, or even technology—affirming that only God can truly deliver, sustain, and fulfill. To trust in anything else is to set oneself up for a spiritual, emotional, and existential "turning back" and "great shame," as the objects of misplaced trust are revealed to be empty and powerless.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 10:1-16](/jeremiah/10-1-16 "Jeremiah 10:1-16 - The Folly of Idols vs. The True God")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "Romans 1:21-25 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the explicit worship of "graven images" and "molten images" may seem archaic or distant to many in contemporary society, the underlying spiritual principle of Isaiah 42:17 remains profoundly relevant and convicting. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle, yet equally destructive, forms. It manifests as an excessive reliance on career success, financial security, social status, personal achievements, technological advancements, political ideologies, or even self-sufficiency and human wisdom. When these pursuits or entities become the ultimate source of our hope, identity, security, or meaning, they effectively become "gods" in our lives, demanding our devotion and promising a fulfillment they are inherently incapable of delivering. This verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and allegiance truly lie. Do we lean on the fleeting promises and fragile foundations of the world, or do we place our unwavering confidence in the unchanging character, unfailing power, and eternal promises of the Lord? When our "gods" fail, as all false gods inevitably will, the resulting "shame" is not merely embarrassment, but a deep spiritual emptiness, profound disappointment, and a crisis of meaning. True security, lasting fulfillment, and genuine peace are found only in turning back to the one true God, who never disappoints those who trust in Him and whose faithfulness endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "graven images" or "molten images" in my life today—the things I might be trusting in more than God for security, identity, or fulfillment?**
* **How does the concept of being "greatly ashamed" manifest in my experience when my misplaced trust in worldly things is exposed or fails?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to say, "You are my god," to something or someone other than the Lord?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally reorient my trust and allegiance more fully toward God, moving away from subtle forms of idolatry?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Isaiah 42:17?**

Answer: The primary message of Isaiah 42:17 is a potent prophetic warning that those who place their trust in idols, whether carved or cast, will inevitably face profound humiliation and a complete reversal of their expectations. It underscores the utter futility of idolatry and powerfully asserts the supreme sovereignty of the Lord, who alone is worthy of worship and trust.

**How does this verse relate to the broader context of Isaiah 42?**

Answer: Isaiah 42:17 serves as a climactic warning within a section that introduces the Lord's Servant and declares God's mighty acts. It sharply contrasts the active, powerful, and effective God with the inertness and impotence of idols, highlighting that God's judgment will fall upon those who reject Him in favor of man-made deities. This warning immediately precedes a lament over Israel's spiritual blindness, emphasizing the dire consequences of their misplaced trust, as seen in [Isaiah 42:18-20](/isaiah/42-18-20 "Isaiah 42:18-20 - Israel's Spiritual Blindness").

**Does this verse only apply to ancient idol worship?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly addresses the ancient practice of worshipping physical "graven images" and "molten images," its underlying spiritual principle extends to all forms of idolatry. In modern contexts, anything that takes the place of God in one's life—such as wealth, power, status, self-reliance, human wisdom, or even personal relationships—can become a "modern idol." The verse's message of inevitable shame and disappointment applies whenever ultimate trust and devotion are placed in anything other than the living God, echoing warnings found in the New Testament about covetousness being idolatry ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness as Idolatry")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:17, with its declaration of shame and reversal for those who trust in idols, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's futile attempts at self-salvation and the perfect, divine provision of Jesus Christ. Humanity's inherent inclination to create "gods" in its own image, or to place its trust in its own works, wisdom, or worldly systems, inevitably leads to "great shame" when these false saviors fail to deliver. However, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the true and living God, the very image of the invisible God, in whom all the fullness of deity dwells bodily ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"); [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Unlike lifeless idols that cannot see, hear, or save, Jesus, the Servant introduced in Isaiah 42, perfectly fulfilled God's mission, offering Himself as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin, once for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Those who "trust" (as in Isaiah 42:17) in Him are not "turned back" or "ashamed," but rather receive eternal life, justification, and an unshakeable hope that will never disappoint ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No Shame for Those Who Believe"); [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone, Brings No Shame")). Thus, Isaiah 42:17 serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the desperate human need for a true deliverer and underscoring the glorious reality that in Christ, all who believe find not shame and judgment, but salvation, eternal glory, and an everlasting relationship with the living God.

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 97:7

Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Isaiah 1:29

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen.

Isaiah 44:11

Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they [are] of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; [yet] they shall fear, [and] they shall be ashamed together.

Isaiah 45:16

They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together [that are] makers of idols.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Isaiah 44:17

And the residue thereof he maketh a god, [even] his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth [it], and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou [art] my god.

Exodus 32:8

They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.