Isaiah 40:16

16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.

Images for Isaiah 40:16

Isaiah 40:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 There aren't enough trees in Lebanon nor enough animals in those vast forests to furnish adequate fuel and offerings for his worship.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt-offering.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 All the trees in Lebanon are not enough to burn an offering. Its wild animals are not enough for a single burnt offering.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 Lebanon is not enough for fuel, or its animals enough for a burnt offering.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 Lebanon doesn't have enough trees to keep his altar fires burning. It doesn't have enough animals to sacrifice as burnt offerings to him.

Isaiah 40:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 40:16

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn
The trees of it, as the Targum; these are not sufficient to burn a sacrifice with, suitable to the dignity and majesty of God, and as his justice can require for offences committed: nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering,
though it was a mountain and forest which abounded with trees, and especially cedars, and there was a great quantity of cattle in it, yet neither were sufficient to furnish out a proper burnt offering to the Lord; he only himself could provide a Lamb sufficient for a burnt offering, and he has done it, the only begotten Son of God; he has offered himself an offering and a sacrifice to God, of a sweet smelling savour, by which he has put away sin, and made full atonement for it, Jarchi thinks this is said to aggravate the sins of men, of the wicked, which were so great, that Lebanon with all its wood and cattle could not furnish out a sacrifice sufficient to expiate them.

Isaiah 40:16 In-Context

14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?
15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.
16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing.
18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?

Cross References 2

  • 1. Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 37:24
  • 2. Psalms 50:9-11; Micah 6:7; Hebrews 10:5-9
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