Isaiah 40:17
What does Isaiah 40:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:17 means
This verse summarizes the previous comparisons, unequivocally stating that "All the nations are as nothing before him; they are accounted by him as less than nothing, and vanity." This powerful declaration concludes the argument for God's incomparable sovereignty over earthly powers. It affirms that from God's eternal perspective, all human strength, glory, and existence are utterly insubstantial and without lasting value, emphasizing His absolute supremacy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000All the nations are as nothing before him; they are accounted by him as less than nothing, and vanity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901All the nations are as nothing before him; they are accounted by him as less than nothing, and vanity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949All the nations are as nothing before him; even less than nothing, a thing of no value.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All the nations <FI>are<Fi> as nothing before Him, Less than nothing and emptiness, They have been reckoned to Him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All nations are before him as if they had no being at all, and are counted to him as nothing, and vanity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All the nations are as nothing before him; they are esteemed by him less than a cipher, and vanity.
Context
This verse serves as a definitive summary and conclusion to the preceding verses that diminish the stature of nations and human offerings before God. It concisely states the ultimate implication of God's limitless power and wisdom. Having established the utter insignificance of nations, the text then transitions to a direct challenge against idolatry, asking who could possibly be compared to such a God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: In the balances they will go up; They are together lighter than vanity.
- Daniel 4:34
And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation;
- Isaiah 29:7
And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her stronghold, and that distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 40
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 40.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.