Isaiah 42:17

17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.

Isaiah 42:17 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
17 They are turned back and utterly put to shame, who trust in carved idols, who say to metal images, "You are our gods."
New Living Translation (NLT)
17 But those who trust in idols, who say, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned away in shame.
The Message Bible (MSG)
17 But those who invested in the no-gods are bankrupt - dead broke. You've Seen a Lot, but Looked at Nothing
American Standard Version (ASV)
17 They shall be turned back, they shall be utterly put to shame, that trust in graven images, that say unto molten images, Ye are our gods.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
17 Then those who trust idols and those who say to statues, "You are our gods" will be turned away and put to shame.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
17 They will be turned back [and] utterly ashamed- those who trust in idols and say to metal-plated images: You are our gods!
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
17 Some people trust in statues of gods. They say to them, 'You are our gods.' But they will be dishonored. They will be put to shame.

Isaiah 42:17 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 42:17

They shall be turned back
Either from their former course, from their idolatry and their idols, and be converted, and turn to the living God; or it may be understood of such Gentiles as were not converted, when others were, who should be put to flight, and should fly to the rocks and mountains to hide and cover them from the wrath of God; for this phrase is used of the overthrow of enemies, of their being obliged to turn their backs and flee: they shall be greatly ashamed that trust in graven images;
as converted persons when they come to be convinced of the folly of their idolatrous practices are; and if not converted, yet are confounded when they find their idols cannot help and assist them, nor deliver them out of their trouble: that say to the molten images, ye are our gods;
as the Israelites did to the molten calf made by Aaron; and the stupidity of the one and the other is much alike; this of the Gentiles, and that of the Israelites.

Isaiah 42:17 In-Context

15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools.
16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
18 “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!
19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD?

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Exodus 32:4
  • 2. S Psalms 97:7; S Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 44:11; Isaiah 45:16
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