Isaiah 40:26
What does Isaiah 40:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:26 means
The prophet commands the audience to "Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these"—referring to the stars and celestial bodies. God is depicted as bringing out their vast host "by number," calling each one "by name." This highlights His meticulous control and intimate knowledge of every star. His immense might and strength ensure that "not one is lacking," demonstrating His unfailing power and sovereign order over the entire universe.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Lift 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Lift 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let your eyes be lifted up on high, and see: who has made these? He who sends out their numbered army: who has knowledge of all their names: by whose great strength, because he is strong in power, all of them are in their places.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lift up on high your eyes, And see--who hath prepared these? He who is bringing out by number their host, To all of them by name He calleth, By abundance of strength (And <FI>he is<Fi> strong in power) not one is lacking.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Lift up your eyes on high, and see who hath created these things: who bringeth out their host by number, and calleth them all by their names: by the greatness of his might, and strength, and power, not one of them was missing.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Lift up your eyes on high, and see! Who hath created these things, bringing out their host by number? He calleth them all by name; through the greatness of his might and strength of power, not one faileth.
Context
Following the declaration of God's unique incomparability, this verse provides a tangible example from creation to underscore His vast power. It shifts from abstract assertions to observable evidence in the night sky. This reminder of God's precision and might in creating and sustaining the stars directly addresses any potential doubts about His knowledge or power, setting up the subsequent assurance to Jacob and Israel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork.
- Psalms 147:4
He counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.
- Colossians 1:16
for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him;
- Isaiah 51:6
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
- Jeremiah 32:17
Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,
- Isaiah 48:13
Yea, my hand hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spread out the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
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