What does Isaiah 2:22 mean?

"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" - Isaiah 2:22

Isaiah 2:22 (KJV) says, "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?"

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah, which is a part of the Old Testament and is attributed to the prophet Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is a long and complex prophetic book that addresses both the current state of the Israelite people and their future redemption. This particular verse comes at the end of a chapter in which Isaiah is describing the judgment and punishment that will come upon those who have turned away from God. In this particular verse, Isaiah is emphasizing the futility of putting trust in mere mortals, rather than in God.

The context of Isaiah 2:22 is rooted in the larger theme of the book of Isaiah – the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of restoration through him. Throughout the book, Isaiah warns the Israelites of the impending judgment for their unfaithfulness and disobedience. He also provides words of comfort and hope, promising that God will ultimately redeem and restore his people.

The verse "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of human life and the emptiness of placing our trust in other people. It urges the reader to turn away from reliance on mere mortals and instead to place their trust and hope in the everlasting power and faithfulness of God.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful. The phrase "whose breath is in his nostrils" speaks to the fragile and temporary nature of human existence. It emphasizes the fact that human life is fleeting and uncertain, and that ultimately, our fate is in the hands of a higher power. This imagery serves to underscore the message of the verse – that trusting in human beings is ultimately fruitless, as they are mortal and fallible.

The verse also emphasizes the importance of putting our trust in God, who is everlasting and unwavering. By contrast, human beings are unreliable and cannot be counted on to provide ultimate salvation or deliverance. This idea is a recurring theme throughout the book of Isaiah, as the prophet consistently calls on the Israelites to turn back to God and to trust in his faithfulness.

Overall, Isaiah 2:22 is a powerful reminder to the reader to place their trust in God rather than in mere mortals. It speaks to the fleeting nature of human life and the ultimate futility of relying on other people for salvation and deliverance. The verse is deeply rooted in the larger themes of the book of Isaiah, which addresses the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of ultimate restoration through him. It serves as a poignant and timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today.

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Isaiah 2:22 - "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?"

"Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" - Isaiah 2:22

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it." - Isaiah 2:2

2 Chronicles 26:22 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write."

Isaiah 22:2 - "Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle."

Isaiah 2:2 - "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it."

Isaiah 40: 22

Isaiah 48:22 - "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."

Isaiah 3:22 - "The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,"

"¶ Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write." - 2 Chronicles 26:22

Isaiah 1:22 - "Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:"

Isaiah 22:6 - "And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield."

Isaiah 22:17 - "Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee."

Isaiah 22:22 - "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."

Isaiah 22:12 - "And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:"

Isaiah 22:20 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:"

Isaiah 5:22 - "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:"

Isaiah 22:8 - "¶ And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest."

Isaiah 38:22 - "Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?"

Isaiah 33:22 - "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us."

Isaiah 22:10 - "And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall."

Isaiah 8:22 - "And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness."

"Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle." - Isaiah 22:2

"There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked." - Isaiah 48:22

Isaiah 22:23 - "And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house."

Isaiah 45:22 - "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

Isaiah 22:1 - "The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?"

Isaiah 43:22 - "¶ But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel."

Isaiah 22:9 - "Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool."