Isaiah 40:17 kjv — All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

King James Version

"All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity."

— Isaiah 40:17, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Isaiah 40:17 in Other Translations

5 versions All translations

Isaiah 40 — Context

14

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

15

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

16

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

17

All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

18

To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

19

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

20

He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree that will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.

Isaiah 40:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 40:17 say?
Isaiah 40:17 in the King James Version reads: “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.”
Where is Isaiah 40:17 in the Bible?
Isaiah 40:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 17.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 40:17.
What translation should I read Isaiah 40:17 in?
Isaiah 40:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 40:17?
Isaiah 40:17 reads (KJV): “All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2