Isaiah 40:23
What does Isaiah 40:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:23 means
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over human authority, declaring that He "bringeth princes to nothing" and "maketh the judges of the earth as vanity." It emphasizes that no matter how powerful or esteemed earthly rulers may be, they are ultimately subject to God's will and can be easily rendered powerless by Him. This reinforces the earlier theme that all human power is fleeting and insignificant compared to God's eternal sway.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that bringeth princes to nothing; that maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that bringeth princes to nothing; that maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He makes rulers come to nothing; the judges of the earth are of no value.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is making princes become nothing, Judges of earth as emptiness hath made;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that bringeth the searchers of secrets to nothing, that hath made the judges of the earth as vanity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that bringeth the princes to nothing, that maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
Context
Following the grand depiction of God's cosmic sovereignty, this verse specifically applies His power to human rulers and judges. It demonstrates that His dominion extends not only over the physical creation but also over all earthly authority. This humbling of human power directly precedes further imagery that illustrates the transient nature of these powerful figures under God's control.
v.22It is he that sitteth above 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;
v.23This passage
v.24Yea, they have not been planted; yea, they have not been sown; yea, their stock hath not taken root in the earth: moreover he bloweth upon them, and they wither, and the whirlwind taketh them away as stubble.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 23:9
Jehovah of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
- Job 34:19
That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands.
- Revelation 19:18
that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great.
- Isaiah 34:12
They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there; and all its princes shall be nothing.
- Luke 1:51
He hath showed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
- Psalms 76:12
He will cut off the spirit of princes: He is terrible to the kings of the earth.
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.