Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;(A)
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.(B)
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm(C)
    nor can they do any good.”(D)

Read full chapter

They lift it to their shoulders and carry(A) it;
    they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
    From that spot it cannot move.(B)
Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;(C)
    it cannot save(D) them from their troubles.

Read full chapter

You know that when you were pagans,(A) somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.(B)

Read full chapter

23     tell us what the future holds,
    so we may know(A) that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,(B)
    so that we will be dismayed(C) and filled with fear.
24 But you are less than nothing(D)
    and your works are utterly worthless;(E)
    whoever chooses you is detestable.(F)

Read full chapter

They have mouths, but cannot speak,(A)
    eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
    noses, but cannot smell.
They have hands, but cannot feel,
    feet, but cannot walk,
    nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Those who make them will be like them,
    and so will all who trust in them.

Read full chapter

14 Because of the signs(A) it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived(B) the inhabitants of the earth.(C) It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.(D) 15 The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship(E) the image to be killed.(F)

Read full chapter

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols:(A) We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world”(B) and that “There is no God but one.”(C)

Read full chapter

19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’
    Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’(A)
Can it give guidance?
    It is covered with gold and silver;(B)
    there is no breath in it.”(C)

Read full chapter

Gods of Babylon

46 Bel(A) bows down, Nebo stoops low;
    their idols(B) are borne by beasts of burden.[a]
The images that are carried(C) about are burdensome,
    a burden for the weary.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 46:1 Or are but beasts and cattle

20 “Gather together(A) and come;
    assemble, you fugitives from the nations.
Ignorant(B) are those who carry(C) about idols of wood,
    who pray to gods that cannot save.(D)

Read full chapter

All who make idols(A) are nothing,
    and the things they treasure are worthless.(B)
Those who would speak up for them are blind;(C)
    they are ignorant, to their own shame.(D)
10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol,(E)
    which can profit nothing?(F)

Read full chapter

16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,(A)
    eyes, but cannot see.
17 They have ears, but cannot hear,
    nor is there breath(B) in their mouths.
18 Those who make them will be like them,
    and so will all who trust in them.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends