Old Testament
Isaiah 40:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
A craftsman pours a metal idol, then a goldsmith coats it with gold and attaches silver chains to it.
Compare translations
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
What Isaiah 40:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 40:19, the prophet describes the process of creating an idol, highlighting the craftsmanship involved. A worker melts metal to form a statue, which is then covered in gold by a goldsmith. Silver chains are added to enhance its appearance. This imagery serves to illustrate the futility of worshipping man-made objects, emphasizing that these idols are lifeless and powerless compared to the living God. The passage critiques the practice of idolatry, showing how people invest time and resources into creating something that cannot offer true help or salvation. It contrasts the skill of human artisans with the greatness of God, who is the true creator of all things. The verse invites readers to reflect on what they value and worship, urging them to recognize the limitations of idols and the superiority of the divine.
How to apply Isaiah 40:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we prioritize in our lives. Are we investing our time and resources into things that ultimately do not satisfy or bring true fulfillment? Instead of creating idols, we should focus on nurturing our relationship with God, who offers genuine hope and purpose.
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 40:19
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 40:19
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 40:19 mean?
Isaiah 40:19 describes the process of making an idol, emphasizing the skill involved in crafting it. The verse critiques idolatry by showing that these man-made objects are lifeless and powerless compared to God.
What is the significance of idols in Isaiah 40:19?
In Isaiah 40:19, idols represent the futility of worshipping created objects instead of the Creator. The verse highlights how people invest in making idols that cannot provide true help or salvation.
How does Isaiah 40:19 relate to modern life?
Isaiah 40:19 encourages us to reflect on what we value and invest in today. It prompts us to consider whether we are prioritizing things that ultimately do not satisfy, similar to the idols described in the verse.
What is the main message of Isaiah 40:19?
The main message of Isaiah 40:19 is to illustrate the futility of idolatry. It contrasts the craftsmanship of human artisans with the greatness of God, urging readers to recognize the limitations of idols.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.