See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.
Parallel translations
- WEB Behold, all of them, their deeds are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.
- KJV Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.
- NKJV Indeed they are all worthless; Their works are nothing; Their molded images are wind and confusion.
- NASB “Behold, all of them are false; Their works are nothing, Their cast metal images are wind and emptiness.
- NLT See, they are all foolish, worthless things. All your idols are as empty as the wind.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
All the idols are vanity, their works nothing, their images mere wind and confusion.
Overview
The trial of the idols closes with a final verdict: they are emptiness, their molten images amounting to wind and chaos. Nothing of substance can be found in them. This sweeping dismissal sets the stage for chapter 42's presentation of the true Servant in whom God delights.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Jer 5:13The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them.”
- Isa 41:24Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.
- Jer 10:2–16This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, though the nations themselves are terrified by them.
- Hab 2:18What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
- Ps 115:4–8Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
- Ps 135:15–18The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
- Isa 44:9–20All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.
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Christ at the center
Isaiah sees him most clearly: the virgin's son Immanuel, the child on David's throne, the shoot from Jesse, the light to the nations, and above all the Suffering Servant pierced for our transgressions (ch. 53).
How Isaiah 41:29 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.