Isaiah 44:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →From the leftover wood, the man creates an idol, bows to it, and pleads for deliverance.
The Context of Isaiah 44:17
Idolatry's final stage: desperate spiritual seeking directed toward a dead object.
What Does Isaiah 44:17 Mean?
'The residue thereof'—what remains after practical use—becomes divine. The progression is explicit: making, falling down, worshipping, praying. Each action represents deepening commitment to the idol despite its origin in wood already used and discarded for utility.
'Deliver me; for thou art my god' is the prayer of desperation. The man now places ultimate hope in the very material that could not even warm him properly—seeking from the carved god what only the real God can provide: deliverance and divine protection. The absurdity is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 44:17
What does Isaiah 44:17 mean?
From the leftover wood, the man creates an idol, bows to it, and pleads for deliverance.
What is the context of Isaiah 44:17?
Idolatry's final stage: desperate spiritual seeking directed toward a dead object.