Translations
Modern
The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.
Traditional
The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.
Literal
The craftsman of wood stretches out the measuring-line; he traces it with the stylus, he fashions it with the chisel, and he marks it out with the compass; he makes it like the figure of a man, like the splendor of mankind, that it may dwell in a house.
Latin
Artifex lignarius extendit normam, formavit illud in runcina, fecit illud in angularibus, et in circino tornavit illud, et fecit imaginem viri quasi speciosum hominem habitantem in domo;
Original
Hebrew
English
The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.
Notes
This passage uses the form of a trial speech to press God’s argument that disgrace comes to all who trust in idols and false gods.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC
Glossary
Book of Baruch Church Idols, Idolatry Isaiah, Book of Nations New Creation, New Creature Pencil Ransom
Topics
Carpentry: Making Idols Carving: Idols Manufactured By Compasses: Carpenter's Freemasons Idol: Made of Wood and Stone Idolatry: Folly of Idolatry: Making Idols for the Purpose of, Described and Ridiculed Plane: A Tool