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Isaiah 46:7

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 46:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They bear it upon the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it standeth, from its place shall it not remove: yea, one may cry unto it, yet can it not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They bear it upon the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it standeth, from its place shall it not remove: yea, one may cry unto it, yet can it not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Isaiah 46:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 46

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4and even to old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry [you]; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver.
5To whom will ye like me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
6Such as lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, they hire a goldsmith, and he maketh it a god; they fall down, yea, they worship.
7They bear it upon the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it standeth, from its place shall it not remove: yea, one may cry unto it, yet can it not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
8Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.
9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; [I am] God, and there is none like me;
10declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
← Isaiah 46:6Isaiah 46:8 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, &c.] That is, the idol; men carry him upon their shoulders in procession, and expose him to the view and veneration of the people, just as the host is carried in procession by the Papists; or the idol being made, the workman or his men lift it up, for it cannot lift up itself, and take it upon their shoulders, and carry it home to the proprietor: and set him in his place; in his house, if an household god: or in the temple, church, or place of public worship, if designed for that: or cause him to rest under himf913, or “in his place”; under the roof of his house or temple; a jeer upon him, as if he was weary of his long journey, though…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“cry . . . can . . . not . . . save-- (Isa 45:20, with which contrast Isa 45:19).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They bear him upon the shoulder - They carry the idol which they have made on their shoulder to the temple, or place where it is to be fixed. This circumstance, with the others, is doubtless introduced to show how ridiculous and absurd it was to offer divine homage to a god whom they could thus carry about on the shoulder. And set him in his place - Fix the idol on its basis or pedestal, in its proper niche, or place in the temple. The whole design of this verse is to contrast the idol with Yahweh. Yahweh is uncreated and eternal; the idol, on the contrary, is made by human beings, is borne about, is fixed in its place, has no power to move, remains there until it is taken down, and has no…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Remove - He can stir neither hand nor foot to help his people. Isaiah 46:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they carry him: Sa1 5:3; Jer 10:5; Dan 3:1 one shall cry: Isa 37:38, Isa 45:20; Jdg 10:12-14; Kg1 18:26, Kg1 18:40; Jer 2:28; Jon 1:5, Jon 1:14-16 Isaiah 46:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification