Devine Scripture

Isaiah 40:25

What does Isaiah 40:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 40:25 means

This verse brings the argument full circle, echoing the earlier challenge against idolatry. Speaking directly, the "Holy One" asks, "To whom then will ye liken me, that I should be equal to him?" This rhetorical question powerfully asserts God's unique and transcendent identity, emphasizing that there is no one and nothing in all creation that can be compared to Him. It underscores His singular, holy nature and His unchallengeable supremacy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

To whom then will ye liken me, that I should be equal to him? saith the Holy One.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

To whom then will ye liken me, that I should be equal to him? saith the Holy One.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Who then seems to you to be my equal? says the Holy One.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And unto whom do ye liken Me, And <FI>am<Fi> I equal? saith the Holy One.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to whom have ye likened me, or made me equal, saith the Holy One?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

Context

This verse serves as a climactic restatement of the central theme, reinforcing God's incomparable nature after detailing His cosmic and earthly dominion. It directly challenges the audience once more to consider His uniqueness, bringing the argument against idolatry to a powerful conclusion. This ultimate declaration of God's distinctness then leads into a call to observe His creative power in the heavens.

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.

v.25This passage

v.26Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and for that he is strong in power, not one is lacking.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 5:8

    Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

  • Isaiah 40:18

    To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

  • Deuteronomy 4:33

    Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?

  • Deuteronomy 4:15

    Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of form on the day that Jehovah spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire;

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