Old Testament
Isaiah 40:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket and are considered as tiny as dust on a scale. He lifts the islands as if they are very small.
Compare translations
Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
What Isaiah 40:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 40:15, the prophet emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all nations. The imagery of nations being like a drop in a bucket illustrates their insignificance compared to God's greatness. Just as a drop of water is negligible in a bucket, so too are the nations in the grand scheme of God's creation. The comparison to dust on a scale further highlights how trivial human power and might are when weighed against God's infinite strength. The mention of islands being lifted as if they are very small reinforces the idea that God is in control of everything, including the vastness of the earth. This verse serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty and the futility of placing trust in worldly powers, as they are ultimately under His dominion.
How to apply Isaiah 40:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize God's ultimate authority over all things. In times of uncertainty or when facing powerful forces, we should remember that no nation or situation is beyond God's control. Trusting in His power can bring peace and assurance.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 40:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 40:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 40:15 mean?
Isaiah 40:15 illustrates God's supreme power by comparing nations to a drop in a bucket and dust on a scale, emphasizing their insignificance compared to His greatness.
What is the significance of nations being a drop in a bucket in Isaiah 40:15?
The comparison of nations to a drop in a bucket signifies that human powers and nations are trivial when measured against God's infinite strength and authority.
What does the phrase 'He lifts the islands as if they are very small' mean in Isaiah 40:15?
This phrase highlights God's control over the earth, suggesting that even the largest land masses are insignificant in His hands, reinforcing His sovereignty over creation.
How does Isaiah 40:15 relate to trusting in God?
Isaiah 40:15 encourages believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, reminding them that no earthly power or situation is beyond His control.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.