Isaiah 44:19

KJV

And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

KJV (with Strong's)

And none considereth {H7725} in his heart {H3820}, neither is there knowledge {H1847} nor understanding {H8394} to say {H559}, I have burned {H8313} part {H2677} of it in {H1119} the fire {H784}; yea, also I have baked {H644} bread {H3899} upon the coals {H1513} thereof; I have roasted {H6740} flesh {H1320}, and eaten {H398} it: and shall I make {H6213} the residue {H3499} thereof an abomination {H8441}? shall I fall down {H5456} to the stock {H944} of a tree {H6086}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Not one thinks to himself or has the knowledge or the discernment to say, "I burned half of it in the fire, baked bread on its coals, roasted meat and ate it. Should I now make the rest an abomination? Should I prostrate myself to a tree trunk?"

Berean Standard Bible

And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”

American Standard Version

And none calleth to mind, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 44:19 serves as a profound prophetic indictment against the spiritual blindness and irrationality inherent in idolatry. The prophet vividly exposes the absurdity of an individual who utilizes part of a tree for practical, life-sustaining purposes such as cooking and baking, only to fashion the remaining portion into an object of worship. This verse highlights a critical failure of introspection and discernment, lamenting that no one genuinely considers the logical contradiction of bowing down to a lifeless piece of wood that originated from the same source as their fuel and food, thereby revealing the utterly detestable nature of such a practice in the eyes of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 44:19 is strategically placed within a larger, powerful polemic against idolatry spanning [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"). This section immediately follows a majestic declaration of Yahweh's incomparable sovereignty, uniqueness, and role as the sole Creator and Redeemer (e.g., [Isaiah 44:6-8](/isaiah/44-6-8 "Isaiah 44:6-8 - God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty")). The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-11](/isaiah/44-9-11 "Isaiah 44:9-11 - The Futility of Idol Makers")) mock the idol makers, emphasizing the futility and ultimate shame associated with their lifeless creations. Verse 19 itself sets up the climactic summary in [Isaiah 44:20](/isaiah/44-20 "Isaiah 44:20 - The Deceived Heart"), which concludes the pericope by reiterating the theme of spiritual delusion. The entire passage is a masterclass in prophetic satire, designed to expose the logical inconsistencies and spiritual emptiness of worshipping anything other than the living God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic message of Isaiah 44:19 was delivered during a period when ancient Israel was constantly enticed by the pervasive pagan religious practices of surrounding nations. Idolatry was a persistent challenge, with various cultures venerating deities represented by carved images made from readily available materials like wood, stone, or metal. The specific practice described—using the same tree for both mundane, practical needs and religious veneration—was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern polytheism. Artisans would craft elaborate idols from trees, often accompanied by specific rituals. Isaiah's scathing critique speaks directly to a society where syncretism posed a constant spiritual danger, and the people frequently struggled to distinguish between the living God who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and the lifeless gods of their neighbors. The prophet's message served as an urgent call to remember the covenant and to render exclusive worship to Yahweh, who had unequivocally revealed Himself as the sole Creator and Redeemer.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [Isaiah 44](/isaiah/44 "Isaiah 44 - God's Sovereignty and the Folly of Idolatry"), and particularly in verse 19, is the **Absurdity and Folly of Idolatry**. Isaiah systematically dismantles the rationale behind idol worship by exposing its inherent contradictions, especially the notion of worshipping an object fashioned by human hands from common materials. This theme stands in stark contrast to the **Incomparable Sovereignty and Uniqueness of Yahweh**, a foundational truth woven throughout Isaiah's prophecy, which asserts that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer, utterly unlike any man-made object (e.g., [Isaiah 40:18-26](/isaiah/40-18-26 "Isaiah 40:18-26 - God's Incomparable Majesty")). Another critical theme highlighted is **Spiritual Blindness and Lack of Discernment**. The verse explicitly states, "none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding," pointing to a profound spiritual and intellectual inability to perceive divine truth. This spiritual dullness prevents the idolater from recognizing God's true nature and the emptiness of their false gods, a condition frequently lamented by the prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - The People's Lack of Understanding")). Implicitly, the passage also emphasizes the **Call to Exclusive Worship**, urging Israel to turn from all false gods and dedicate themselves solely to the Lord, who is the ultimate source of all life, blessing, and genuine understanding (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Considereth (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, this verb primarily means "to turn back" or "to return." In this context, its use signifies a failure to "turn back" to reason, to reflect deeply, or to engage in introspection. The prophet laments that the idolater fails to turn their mind back to the obvious logical contradictions inherent in their actions, indicating a profound lack of self-awareness and critical thought regarding their spiritual choices. It implies a deliberate refusal or an inability to engage in rational self-examination concerning the object of their worship.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, this term refers to intellectual apprehension, insight, and understanding. Its absence in the idolater highlights a severe spiritual and cognitive deficit, where they lack the fundamental insight to perceive the absurdity of worshipping something they themselves created and used for mundane, utilitarian purposes. This is not merely a lack of information, but a deeper failure to grasp foundational spiritual and theological truths about the nature of God versus created things.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this is a potent term signifying something utterly disgusting, abhorrent, or morally repulsive, particularly in the eyes of God. It is frequently employed in the Old Testament to describe practices that are anathema to divine law and covenant, such as pagan rituals, sexual perversions, and most notably, idolatry. By labeling the idol an "abomination," Isaiah powerfully conveys its utter offense to divine holiness, its spiritual defilement, and God's absolute and vehement rejection of such worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And none considereth in his heart, neither [is there] knowledge nor understanding to say,"**: This opening clause lays bare the central problem: a profound spiritual and intellectual blindness. The idolater lacks the capacity for genuine self-reflection ("considereth in his heart") and the basic insight ("knowledge nor understanding") required to recognize the glaring contradiction in their actions. This is not mere ignorance, but a deep-seated spiritual dullness that actively prevents rational thought and honest self-assessment concerning divine matters.
* **"I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten [it]:"**: This section meticulously details the practical, utilitarian use of the very same piece of wood from which the idol is subsequently fashioned. It highlights the mundane yet essential functions the wood serves: providing heat for warmth, baking bread for sustenance, and roasting meat for food. This vivid description deliberately sets up the stark contrast that follows, emphasizing the material's common, earthly origin and its role in meeting fundamental physical needs, making the subsequent act of worship all the more illogical.
* **"and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination?"**: This is the first of two powerful rhetorical questions, strategically designed to expose the idolater's illogical and self-defeating behavior. After using a significant portion of the wood for life-sustaining purposes, the question sharply challenges the rationality of taking the "residue"—the leftover, seemingly less valuable part—and transforming it into something detestable to God and simultaneously worthy of worship. The term "abomination" (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah_) underscores the offensive and spiritually defiling nature of idolatry to the holy God.
* **"shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?"**: The second rhetorical question further amplifies the absurdity and folly. To "fall down" implies an act of profound worship, prostration, and humble reverence. The object of this misplaced worship is explicitly and derisively identified as "the stock of a tree," highlighting its inanimate, natural, and utterly undivine origin. This question forces the listener to confront the ludicrousness of rendering ultimate devotion to a mere piece of wood, the very material that also served as common fuel for their daily needs.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this verse to underscore his message with devastating effect. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the prophet masterfully highlights the profound contradiction in the idolater's actions: utilizing the same raw material for both sacred and profane purposes, for both physical sustenance and spiritual worship. This creates a sharp, almost humorous, contrast that relentlessly exposes the inherent absurdity of their belief system. The strategic use of **Rhetorical Questions** ("and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?") is exceptionally effective. These questions are not posed to elicit an answer but to provoke deep self-reflection and expose the inherent illogic of idolatry, compelling the audience to confront the senselessness of their actions. There is also a strong element of **Satire** and **Mockery**, as Isaiah vividly describes the idolaters' mundane use of the wood before their misguided reverence, thereby ridiculing their spiritual delusion. Finally, the stark **Contrast** between the living, active, and incomparable God (implicitly understood from the broader context of Isaiah's prophecy) and the lifeless, passive "stock of a tree" serves to magnify the utter folly and spiritual danger of idol worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 44:19 stands as a timeless and profound theological statement against humanity's persistent tendency to replace the Creator with the created. It powerfully asserts God's absolute uniqueness, incomparability, and sovereignty, challenging any attempt to reduce divine power or presence to a tangible, man-made object. The passage underscores that true and authentic worship must be directed solely towards the living God, who transcends all material forms and is the ultimate source of all life, understanding, and truth. The spiritual blindness described is not merely an intellectual deficiency but a profound moral and spiritual failure to acknowledge God's self-revelation, leading to a distorted view of reality and a tragic misplacement of ultimate devotion. This failure to "consider in his heart" is a fundamental theological problem, as it implies a willful rejection of the truth about God and humanity's inherent dependence upon Him for all things.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4-8 "The Futility of Idols")
* [Jeremiah 10:3-5](/jeremiah/10-3-5 "Jeremiah's Critique of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "Humanity's Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal worship of wooden statues may seem distant to many in contemporary society, the core principle of Isaiah 44:19 remains profoundly relevant to the human condition. The prophet's scathing critique of spiritual blindness and misplaced devotion serves as a powerful and enduring call to examine what truly occupies the throne of our hearts. Modern "idols" are often far more subtle and insidious, manifesting as anything—be it career success, financial security, personal image, relationships, technological advancements, or even self-reliance and personal autonomy—that we prioritize above God, dedicating our time, energy, and ultimate trust to it. The challenge for believers today is to cultivate genuine spiritual discernment, to "consider in our heart" with "knowledge and understanding" the crucial difference between the finite and the infinite, the created and the Creator. This verse compels us to honestly ask ourselves if we are, in essence, bowing down to the "stock of a tree"—something earthly, temporary, and ultimately powerless to save or satisfy—rather than the living God who alone is worthy of our complete worship, devotion, and unwavering trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "residue" or common materials (metaphorically speaking) in my life might I be elevating to a place of ultimate trust or worship, rather than recognizing their true, created nature and God's sovereignty over them?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I exhibit a lack of "knowledge or understanding" regarding God's supreme sovereignty versus my own efforts, worldly pursuits, or self-sufficiency?**
* **How do my daily schedule, spending habits, thought life, and emotional investments reveal what I truly prioritize and worship, perhaps unconsciously?**
* **What concrete steps can I take to cultivate deeper spiritual discernment and ensure that my heart's deepest affections and ultimate devotion are rightly ordered towards the Creator alone?**

### FAQ
**What does "none considereth in his heart" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase, "none considereth in his heart" (KJV), or more accurately translated as "no one lays it to heart" (ESV/NIV), signifies a profound and lamentable lack of introspection, self-awareness, or rational thought. It means that the idolater fails to reflect deeply and critically on the glaring contradiction of their actions. They do not pause to logically connect the fact that they use part of the same tree for cooking, warmth, and sustenance, and then proceed to worship the remaining portion. This highlights a deep spiritual dullness or even a willful ignorance that prevents them from recognizing the blatant absurdity and spiritual offense of their idolatry, a condition also lamented by the prophet Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 5:21](/jeremiah/5-21 "Jeremiah 5:21 - The People's Lack of Understanding").

**Why is an idol called an "abomination" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_ from H8441) is a strong biblical word used to describe something utterly detestable, abhorrent, or morally disgusting, particularly in the eyes of God. In this context, calling the idol an "abomination" emphasizes its profoundly offensive nature to God's holiness and its inherent spiritual defilement. Idolatry is not merely a mistake or a minor transgression; it is a direct affront to the unique sovereignty, glory, and exclusive claims of the one true God, as it attributes divine power, worship, and ultimate trust to a created, lifeless object. This concept is central to God's covenant with Israel, where He repeatedly warns against such practices, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:25-26](/deuteronomy/7-25-26 "Deuteronomy 7:25-26 - Abhorrence of Idols"), emphasizing the severe spiritual consequences of engaging with anything detestable to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 44:19 directly critiques the folly of worshipping physical idols made of wood, its profound message about spiritual blindness and the misplacement of worship finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive solution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless condemnation of idolatry consistently points to humanity's deep-seated tendency to seek ultimate satisfaction, security, and meaning in created things rather than in the Creator. Jesus, as the perfect image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), fully and perfectly reveals the true nature of God, making it impossible to confuse Him with any "stock of a tree" or any man-made construct. Through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ directly addresses the very spiritual blindness that Isaiah so poignantly laments. He opens the eyes of the spiritually blind ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man and Condemns Spiritual Blindness")), granting "knowledge and understanding" of the Father that was previously obscured by sin, deception, and false worship. In Christ, we are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), moving beyond physical representations to a genuine, intimate relationship with the living God. Our pervasive temptation to create modern idols—whether wealth, power, comfort, or self-glory—is overcome by recognizing Christ as the supreme treasure, the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")), and the only one truly worthy of our complete devotion and worship. He is the ultimate answer to humanity's idolatrous heart, inviting us to turn from all false gods and find true life, eternal satisfaction, and perfect freedom in Him alone.

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

Deuteronomy 27:15

Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

1 Kings 11:7

Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

1 Kings 11:5

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Exodus 7:23

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

Isaiah 45:20

¶ Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye [that are] escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god [that] cannot save.

Isaiah 5:13

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

Ezekiel 40:4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.