Isaiah 40:18

18 To whom, then, can you compare God? To what statue can you compare him?

Isaiah 40:18 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 40:18

To whom then will ye liken God?
&c.] There is nothing in the whole creation that can bear any resemblance to him, or he to them; since all nations are as a drop of the bucket, as the small dust of the balance, as nothing, yea, less than nothing, and vanity: "or what likeness will ye compare unto him", F23 order, ordain, and appoint for him? in what rank can he be placed? to what class of beings can he be likened? what similitude can be given of him? what is there that is fit to be named with him, or compared to him? this, with what follows, is mentioned as an antidote to prevent the Jews falling into idolatry in Babylon, where they would be exposed unto it; or rather to prevent Christians in Gospel times from going into the idolatry of the Papists; see ( Acts 17:28 Acts 17:29 ) ( Revelation 19:20 Revelation 19:21 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F23 (wl wkret twmd hmw) "et quid similitudinis ponetis ei", Pagninus; "ordinabitis", Montanus; "disponetis", Vatablus.

Isaiah 40:18 In-Context

16 All the trees in Lebanon are not enough to burn an offering. Its wild animals are not enough for a single burnt offering.
17 All the nations amount to nothing in his presence. He considers them less than nothing and worthless.
18 To whom, then, can you compare God? To what statue can you compare him?
19 Craftsmen make idols. Goldsmiths cover them with gold. Silversmiths make silver chains for them.
20 The poorest people choose wood that will not rot and search out skillful craftsmen to set up idols that will not fall over.
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