Isaiah 46

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 46 of 66

1 Bel has bowed; Nebo stoops; their idols are for the beast, and for the cattle; your things borne about are loads; a burden for the weary.

2 They stoop; they bow together; they are not able to deliver the burden; and their soul has gone into captivity.

3 Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel; who are borne from the belly, who are lifted from the womb:

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Chapter Summary

The idols of Babylon could not save themselves. Jehovah saves his people to the end. Idols are not comparable to Jehovah for power.

Key Hebrew Words

יַעֲקֹ֔ב Jacob H3290 · TWOT 1676f
אֶסְבֹּ֑ל bear a heavy load H5445 · TWOT 1458
יִסְגְּד֖וּ prostrate oneself H5456 · TWOT 1459
אַחֲרִ֔ית after-part H319 · TWOT 68g
חֶפְצִ֖ delight H2656 · TWOT 712b

People & Context

The Idols of Babylon Bow Down

The Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo are depicted as heavy, burdensome idols strapped to beasts, unable to deliver themselves from captivity.

Jehovah Carries Israel

In contrast to dead idols that must be carried, God reminds Israel that He has carried them from the womb and will continue to carry and deliver them …

The Bird of Prey from the East

God asserts His ability to declare the end from the beginning, stating He is calling a man of His counsel (like a bird of prey) from the east to execu…

Timeline

The Idols of Babylon Bow Down

The Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo are depicted as heavy, burdensome idols strapped to beasts, unable to deliver themselves from captivity.

Isaiah 46:1-2
Jehovah Carries Israel

In contrast to dead idols that must be carried, God reminds Israel that He has carried them from the womb and will continue to carry and deliver them even into their old age.

Isaiah 46:3-7
The Bird of Prey from the East

God asserts His ability to declare the end from the beginning, stating He is calling a man of His counsel (like a bird of prey) from the east to execute His purpose.

Isaiah 46:8-13

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Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

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