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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 40 - Verse 19

40:19
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.

Meaning

This verse can be found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. It serves as a reminder of the futility of placing trust in man-made idols and material possessions. In this verse, the workman is depicted as creating a graven image, only to melt it down and cover it with gold. The goldsmith then adds silver chains to further embellish the idol. This process highlights the absurdity of worshipping something that has been crafted by human hands. The act of idol-making is shown to be a meaningless and superficial endeavor, as the created object holds no true power or divinity. Rather than putting faith in earthly treasures and false gods, the verse encourages believers to turn to the one true God who reigns above all else. It serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of idolatry and materialism, reminding readers to put their trust in things of eternal value rather than temporary constructs.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the act of making a graven image is vividly described. The workman melts the image down, demonstrating the transitory nature of idols made by man. The goldsmith then spreads gold over the melted image, giving it a flashy and enticing appearance. The casting of silver chains further emphasizes the lure of wealth and material possessions. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the danger of worshipping objects created by human hands, rather than focusing on the one true God. This verse serves as a warning against idolatry and materialism, reminding believers to place their trust in the Lord rather than in earthly treasures. Word studies on terms like "graven image" and "goldsmith" can shed light on the historical context and significance of the actions described in this verse, providing deeper insights into the message being conveyed.

American Standard Version

The image, a workman hath cast [it], and the goldsmith overlayeth it with gold, and casteth [for it] silver chains.
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