Isaiah 46 — Dead Sea Scrolls
13 verses • 2 variants • Column XXXVIII of 1QIsaiah-a
Scroll Overview
Summary
Isaiah 46 contrasts the Babylonian gods Bel and Nebo — who must be carried — with the God of Israel who carries His people. A short chapter of 13 verses, contained within column XXXVIII. Variants are minimal.
Notable Variants
Verse 1: 'Bel bows down, Nebo stoops' is identical in both texts. Verse 10: a minor orthographic variant in 'my counsel.' Overall this chapter shows remarkable agreement between the scroll and the MT.
Scroll Condition
Well preserved. Column XXXVIII is fully legible.
Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low. Their images are loaded on beasts and cattle. The things you carry are burdens, a load for weary animals.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 23
They stoop, they bow down together; they cannot rescue the burden, and they themselves go into captivity.
Masoretic (WLC)
סְבָלֹתֵיכֶם
your burdens
Dead Sea Scroll
סבלותיכם
your burdens
Plene spelling in the scroll. Same word.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 24
Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been carried from the womb, borne from birth:
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 25
Even to your old age I am He, and to grey hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry, and I will deliver.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 26
To whom will you liken me or make me equal? To whom will you compare me, as though we were alike?
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 27
Those who lavish gold from their purses and weigh out silver on the scales hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god. They bow down — yes, they worship.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 28
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it; they set it in its place, and there it stands. From its spot it does not move. If someone cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save anyone from distress.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXVIII, line 29
Remember this and stand firm; take it to heart, you rebels.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 1
Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 2
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is not yet done, saying, 'My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all my desire.'
Masoretic (WLC)
עֲצָתִי
my counsel
Dead Sea Scroll
עצתי
my counsel
Identical consonantal text. 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose' reads the same.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 3
calling a bird of prey from the east, from a distant land the man of my purpose. I have spoken, and I will bring it about; I have planned, and I will do it.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 4
Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness:
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 5
I am bringing near my righteousness — it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay. I will place salvation in Zion, my splendor upon Israel.
No significant variant. The scroll reads identically to the MT here.
1QIsaᵃ col. XXXIX, line 6