Put no more trust in manThis phrase serves as a direct admonition against relying on human strength and wisdom. Throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme that emphasizes the fallibility and limitations of humanity. In the context of Isaiah, the Israelites were often tempted to trust in political alliances and human leaders rather than in God. This warning echoes similar sentiments found in Psalms 118:8-9, which advises that it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man or princes. The historical context of Isaiah includes the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, which led many to seek security in human alliances rather than divine protection.
who has only the breath in his nostrils
This phrase highlights the frailty and temporary nature of human life. The breath in one's nostrils is a metaphor for life itself, which is given and sustained by God.Genesis 2:7 describes God breathing life into Adam, underscoring that life is a divine gift. The imagery here serves to remind the reader of the transient and dependent nature of human existence. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, breath was often associated with life force, and its cessation marked death, reinforcing the idea that humans are not self-sufficient.
Of what account is he?
This rhetorical question underscores the insignificance of humans in comparison to the divine. It invites reflection on the futility of placing ultimate trust in human beings who are inherently limited and mortal. This sentiment is echoed inPsalm 144:3-4, where David questions the significance of man, whose days are like a fleeting shadow. Theologically, this points to the necessity of placing trust in God, who is eternal and omnipotent, rather than in fallible human beings. The prophetic context of Isaiah often contrasts the sovereignty of God with the impotence of idols and human leaders, urging a return to faith in God alone.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings in Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time. The people of Judah were often admonished by prophets for their reliance on human strength and alliances rather than on God.
3.
The People of JudahThe audience of Isaiah's prophecy, who were often tempted to trust in human leaders and foreign alliances instead of God.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Human RelianceHuman beings are limited and transient, as emphasized by the phrase "breath in his nostrils." Trusting in human strength or wisdom is ultimately futile.
The Sovereignty of GodIn contrast to human frailty, God is eternal and sovereign. Our trust should be placed in Him, who is unchanging and all-powerful.
The Call to HumilityRecognizing our own limitations should lead us to humility. We are reminded that our worth and strength come from God, not from ourselves or others.
The Importance of FaithFaith in God should be the foundation of our lives. This faith leads to peace and security, unlike the instability that comes from relying on human means.
Practical Trust in GodIn daily life, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom in decisions, rather than solely relying on human advice or understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 2:22?
2.How does Isaiah 2:22 encourage reliance on God over man?
3.What does "stop regarding man" reveal about human limitations?
4.How does Isaiah 2:22 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trust?
5.In what ways can we apply Isaiah 2:22 in daily decision-making?
6.How does Isaiah 2:22 challenge our view of human authority and influence?
7.What does Isaiah 2:22 mean by "Stop regarding man" in a modern context?
8.How does Isaiah 2:22 challenge our reliance on human leaders?
9.Why does Isaiah 2:22 emphasize the futility of trusting in man?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 2?
11.Why is trusting in man considered a curse?
12.What does breathing signify in relation to Yahweh's name?
13.Why is trusting in man considered a curse?
14.When did the creation of Adam and Eve occur?What Does Isaiah 2:22 Mean
Put no more trust in manIsaiah begins with a blunt command: “Put no more trust in man.” The Lord had just warned Judah that human pride would be leveled (Isaiah 2:11–17). In light of that coming humbling:
•Psalm 118:8–9 reminds us, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man…princes.”
•Jeremiah 17:5 echoes the danger: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength.”
•Proverbs 3:5 shifts the focus: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.”
The verse therefore calls believers to exchange self-reliance and hero-worship for wholehearted confidence in the Lord alone. Human leaders, however gifted, cannot provide the security, wisdom, or salvation God offers.
Who has only the breath in his nostrilsThe reason not to rely on people is their frailty. Humanity’s life-support system boils down to borrowed breath:
•Genesis 2:7 shows God as the source: He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
•Job 34:14–15 points out how fragile that gift is: if God withdrew His breath, “all flesh would perish together.”
•Psalm 146:3–4 warns, “Do not put your trust in princes…when his breath departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.”
People may appear strong, but every inhalation proves their absolute dependence on God’s moment-by-moment sustenance.
Of what account is he?Since mankind is so transient, Scripture asks, “Of what account is he?” The implied answer: next to nothing, apart from God.
•Isaiah 40:15, 17 says nations are “a drop in a bucket…less than nothing and empty.”
•Psalm 8:4 wonders, “What is man that You are mindful of him?” God values people, yet we must remember our smallness.
•James 4:14 underscores life’s brevity: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
The verse humbles arrogance, dismantles celebrity culture, and re-centers worth on the Creator rather than the creature.
summaryIsaiah 2:22 urges God’s people to stop leaning on fallible humans and start leaning fully on the Lord. Because every person’s life depends on a single, fragile breath, human strength offers no lasting security. By exposing humanity’s fleeting nature, the verse redirects confidence toward the eternal, all-sufficient God—the only One worthy of absolute trust.
(22)
Cease ye from man. . .--The verse is wanting in some MSS. of the LXX. version, and is rejected by some critics, as of the nature of a marginal comment, and as not in harmony with the context. The first fact is the most weighty argument against it, but is not decisive. The other objection does not count for much. To "cease from man" as well as from "idols" is surely the natural close of the great discourse which had begun with proclaiming that men of all classes and conditions should be brought low. The words "whose breath is in his nostrils" emphasise the frailty of human life (
Genesis 2:7;
Genesis 7:22;
Psalm 146:3-4). Looking to that frailty, the prophet asks, as the psalmist had asked, "What is man? (
Psalm 8:1). What is he to be valued at?" If it could be proved that the verse was not Isaiah's, it is at least the reflection of a devout mind in harmony with his.
Verse 22. -
Cease ye from man. This verse is regarded by many as a late marginal note, which has accidentally crept into the text (Diestel, Studer, Cheyne). It is omitted in the Septuagint, and interrupts the sequence of
Isaiah 3. on
Isaiah 2. somewhat awkwardly. If retained, it must be regarded as an appeal to Israel on the part of the prophet to give up their trust in man, whence had flowed all their other errors.
Whose breath is in his nostrils;
i.e. "whose life is a mere breath; who, if he ceases to breathe, ceases to live."
For wherein is he to be accounted of? or,
for of what account is he? Surely, of no account at all.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Put no more trustחִדְל֤וּ(ḥiḏ·lū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2308:To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idleinמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofman,הָ֣אָדָ֔ם(hā·’ā·ḏām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingwhoאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathas only the breathנְשָׁמָ֖ה(nə·šā·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5397:A puff, wind, angry, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect, an animalin his nostrils.בְּאַפּ֑וֹ(bə·’ap·pōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ireOf whatבַמֶּ֥ה(ḇam·meh)Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whataccountנֶחְשָׁ֖ב(neḥ·šāḇ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2803:To think, accountis he?הֽוּא׃(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 2:22 Stop trusting in man whose breath (Isa Isi Is) 
