Isaiah 40:20 Meaning
He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.
Context Explained
18To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
19The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
20He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.
21Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Jeremiah 10:3
Both verses critique the making of idols and their worthlessness.
Isaiah 44:9
Similar themes of the futility of idol-making are presented.
1 Corinthians 8:4
Paul discusses the nature of idols in relation to true worship.
Source: Isaiah 40:20