Bible Dictionary
DELECTABLE
Delectable means desirable or delightful. In Isaiah 44:9 it refers ironically to the attractive things people valued—idols that could not profit them.
Definition
Delectable means desirable, pleasant, or delightful. In Isaiah 44:9 the expression refers to things people valued and delighted in, yet which were unable to benefit them.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah uses the term of idols or images, declaring that their delectable or desirable things would not profit those who made them.
Historical Background
The word translates a Hebrew term meaning “to desire.” The Revised Version expresses the sense as “the things that they delight in,” while the margin gives “desirable.”
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de-lek'-ta-bl (chamadh, "to desire"): Found only in Isa 44:9, King James Version: "Their delectable things shall not profit," the King James Version margin"desirable." the American Standard Revised Version translates: "the things that they delight in." The reference is to idols or images. Delitzsch renders the phrase: "Their darlings are good for nothing." The word may be traced back to the Latin delectabilis, "pleasant," or "delightful."</p>