Translations
Modern
It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.
Traditional
Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
Literal
…and it is for man to burn. And he takes from it and warms himself; also he kindles a fire and bakes bread; also he makes a god and bows down to it; he makes it a carved image and falls down before it!
Latin
…et facta est hominibus in focum; sumpsit ex eis, et calefactus est; et succendit et coxit panes; de reliquo autem operatus est deum et adoravit; fecit sculptile, et curvatus est ante illud.
Original
Hebrew
English
It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire and bakes his bread. He also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.
Notes
He takes some of it to warm himself … He also fashions it into a god and worships it: This description of making an idol is full of sarcasm and mocks the foolishness of idol worshipers (see also Isaiah 44:19).
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 Ransom
Topics
Carving: Idols Manufactured By Graven Images Idol: Made of Wood and Stone Idolatry: Folly of Idolatry: Making Idols for the Purpose of, Described and Ridiculed Trees were Cut Down for Fuel