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.

Behold, all his fellows {H2270} shall be ashamed {H954}: and the workmen {H2796}, they are of men {H120}: let them all be gathered together {H6908}, let them stand up {H5975}; yet they shall fear {H6342}, and they shall be ashamed {H954} together {H3162}.

All involved will be ashamed, but more than anyone else, the people who made them. Let them all be assembled, let them stand up; let them fear and be shamed together.

Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame.

Behold, all his fellows shall be put to shame; and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; they shall fear, they shall be put to shame together.

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 44:11 is part of a larger prophetic section (Isaiah 44:9-20) where God, through the prophet Isaiah, confronts and satirizes the futility of idolatry. This passage directly follows God's declaration of Himself as the unique and only God who declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 44:6-8). The immediate context describes the laborious process of idol-making by craftsmen, highlighting that these "gods" are merely products of human hands, not divine beings. This verse specifically focuses on the shame and fear that will come upon both the idol-makers and their worshipers.

Key Themes

  • The Futility of Idolatry: The verse powerfully exposes the vanity of worshiping man-made gods. The "workmen" who create these idols are themselves "of men," emphasizing that the created cannot be greater than the creator. Idols are lifeless and powerless, unable to help themselves or their devotees.
  • Shame and Disgrace: A central theme is the inevitable shame and fear that will overcome those who trust in false gods. When confronted with the true power and sovereignty of the Almighty God, the idolaters and their worthless creations will be exposed and put to disgrace. This shame is not just a feeling but a public revelation of their error.
  • God's Supremacy: By ridiculing idols, Isaiah implicitly exalts the one true God. The passage underscores the vast difference between the living, all-powerful Creator of the universe and the lifeless, helpless objects of human worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "ashamed" is bosh (בוש), which carries a strong connotation of being confounded, disgraced, or put to shame. It implies a sense of humiliation and disappointment, often stemming from the failure or exposure of something one has relied upon. The term "workmen" (charashim - חרשים) refers to craftsmen or artisans, specifically those who fashion objects, reinforcing the human origin of these so-called gods.

Related Scriptures

  • This passage's condemnation of idols echoes similar sentiments found throughout scripture. For instance, Psalm 115:4-8 describes idols as having mouths but not speaking, eyes but not seeing, and hands but not handling.
  • Jeremiah also offers a strong critique of idol-making and worship, emphasizing their inability to help (Jeremiah 10:3-5).
  • Isaiah himself reiterates the shame awaiting those who trust in graven images in Isaiah 42:17.
  • The full extent of the delusion of idol worship is further detailed in Isaiah 44:20, where the idolater is described as feeding on ashes.

Practical Application

While literal idol worship of statues may not be prevalent in many modern societies, the principle of this verse remains profoundly relevant. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives—whether it be money, power, possessions, career, relationships, self, or even technology—can become a form of idolatry. This verse serves as a powerful warning: placing our trust, hope, and worship in anything other than the one true God will ultimately lead to disappointment, shame, and fear. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our ultimate allegiance and reliance are placed solely on the Creator, who alone is worthy of worship and capable of delivering on His promises.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 42:17 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 45:16 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 1:29 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 97:7 (3 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 51:17 (2 votes)

    Every man is brutish by [his] knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.

  • 1 Kings 18:40 (2 votes)

    And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

  • Jeremiah 10:14 (2 votes)

    Every man is brutish in [his] knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image [is] falsehood, and [there is] no breath in them.