Old Testament
Isaiah 42:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 42:17, the prophet warns against the futility of trusting in idols made by human hands.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
But those who trust in carved idols, who say to their metal images, 'You are our gods' — they will be driven back in utter shame."
They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 42:17, the prophet warns against the futility of trusting in idols made by human hands. Those who rely on these carved and molten images, believing they possess divine power, will ultimately face disappointment and shame. The verse emphasizes that such false gods cannot save or protect their followers. Instead, they lead to disgrace when the true God acts in judgment. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of placing faith in the one true God rather than in man-made objects that lack real power or authority. The shame mentioned here reflects the consequences of misplaced trust, highlighting the need for genuine faith and reliance on God alone for guidance and salvation. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 42:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine what we place our trust in. Are there modern 'idols' in our lives, such as material possessions or status, that distract us from true faith in God? We should strive to focus our trust on God alone, who is reliable and powerful.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 42:17 mean?
Isaiah 42:17 warns against trusting in idols made by humans, stating that those who do will face shame and disappointment. It emphasizes that these false gods lack the power to save or protect, highlighting the importance of faith in the true God.
What is the significance of idols in Isaiah 42:17?
In Isaiah 42:17, idols represent false sources of security and power that people mistakenly rely on. The verse illustrates the futility of such trust, as these idols cannot provide real help or salvation.
What does the phrase 'driven back in utter shame' mean in Isaiah 42:17?
The phrase 'driven back in utter shame' in Isaiah 42:17 indicates that those who trust in idols will ultimately be humiliated and disappointed when their false gods fail them.
How does Isaiah 42:17 relate to modern life?
Isaiah 42:17 encourages us to reflect on what we trust in today, such as material possessions or status. It serves as a reminder to focus our faith on God, who is reliable and powerful, rather than on things that cannot truly help us.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.