Isaiah 20:2

Isaiah 20:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.

King James Version KJV

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

American Standard Version ASV

at that time Jehovah spake by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go, and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put thy shoe from off thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Bible in Basic English BBE

At that time the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saying, Go, and take off your robe, and your shoes from your feet; and he did so, walking unclothed and without shoes on his feet.

Free Bible Version FBV

at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah, son of Amoz. He told him, “Take off the sackcloth clothes from your body and remove your sandals.” Isaiah did so and went around naked and barefoot.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

At the same time spake the Lord by ye hand of Isaiah the sonne of Amoz, saying, Goe, and loose the sackecloth from thy loynes, and put off thy shooe from thy foote. And he did so, walking naked and barefoote.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

at that time spake Jehovah by the hand of Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, 'Go, and thou hast loosed the sackcloth from off thy loins, and thy sandal thou dost draw from off thy foot,' and he doth so, going naked and barefoot.

World English Bible WEB

at that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loosen the sackcloth from off your waist, and take your sandals from off your feet.” He did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

At the same time spoke the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go, and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

At that same time the Lord spoke by the hand of Isaias the son of Amos, saying: Go, and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and take off thy shoes from thy feet. And he did so, and went naked, and barefoot.

Translation for Translators T4T

At that time, Yahweh told me, “Take off the rough sackcloth that you have been wearing and take off your sandals.” So I did what he told me to do, and then I walked around naked and barefoot for three years.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 20:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בָּ/עֵ֣ת הַ/הִ֗יא דִּבֶּ֣ר יְהוָה֮ בְּ/יַ֣ד יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ בֶן אָמוֹץ֮ לֵ/אמֹר֒ לֵ֗ךְ וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֤ הַ/שַּׂק֙ מֵ/עַ֣ל מָתְנֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/נַעַלְ/ךָ֥ תַחֲלֹ֖ץ מֵ/עַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֑י/ךָ וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ כֵּ֔ן הָלֹ֖ךְ עָר֥וֹם וְ/יָחֵֽף

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Prep | N-cs

הַ/הִ֗יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ Yᵉshaʻyâh H3470 Jeshaiah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָמוֹץ֮ ʼÂmôwts H531 Amoz N-proper

לֵ/אמֹר֒ ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לֵ֗ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms

וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֤ pâthach H6605 to open Conj | V-Piel-2ms

הַ/שַּׂק֙ saq H8242 sackcloth Art | N-ms

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep

מָתְנֶ֔י/ךָ môthen H4975 loin N-md | Suff

וְ/נַעַלְ/ךָ֥ naʻal H5275 sandal Conj | N-fs | Suff

תַחֲלֹ֖ץ châlats H2502 to rescue V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep

רַגְלֶ֑י/ךָ regel H7272 foot N-fd | Suff

וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כֵּ֔ן kên H3651 right Part

הָלֹ֖ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Ptc

עָר֥וֹם ʻârôwm H6174 naked Adj

וְ/יָחֵֽף yâchêph H3182 barefoot Conj | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 20:2

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Prep | N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

הַ/הִ֗יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

דִּבֶּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

בְּ/יַ֣ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ Yᵉshaʻyâh H3470 "Jeshaiah" N-proper

Jeshaiah means 'Jehovah has saved' and is the name of several Israelites, including a son of Hananiah and a chief of the house of Elam, as mentioned in Nehemiah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.25.3; son of: Jeduthun (H3038); brother of: Obed-edom (H5654), Mattithiah (H4993H), Gedaliah (H1436I), Zeri (H6874), Hashabiah (H2811I) § Isaiah or Jesaiah or Jeshaiah = "Jehovah has saved" 1) son of Hananiah, brother of Pelatiah, and grandson of Zerubbabel 2) a Benjamite 3) son of Athaliah and chief of the house of Elam who returned with Ezra 4) a chief of the descendants of Merari who returned with Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Isaiah, Jesaiah, Jeshaiah. See also: 2 Kings 19:2; 2 Chronicles 32:32; Isaiah 1:1.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אָמוֹץ֮ ʼÂmôwts H531 "Amoz" N-proper

Amoz was a man in the Bible who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and he was the father of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah wrote about God's love and judgment in his book.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.19.2; father of: Isaiah (H3470A) § Amoz = "strong" father of Isaiah

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Amoz. See also: 2 Kings 19:2; Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1.

לֵ/אמֹר֒ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לֵ֗ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וּ/פִתַּחְתָּ֤ pâthach H6605 "to open" Conj | V-Piel-2ms

This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.

Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.

הַ/שַּׂק֙ saq H8242 "sackcloth" Art | N-ms

This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.

Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מָתְנֶ֔י/ךָ môthen H4975 "loin" N-md | Suff

Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.

Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.

וְ/נַעַלְ/ךָ֥ naʻal H5275 "sandal" Conj | N-fs | Suff

A sandal or shoe in biblical times, as mentioned in Exodus 12:11 and Deuteronomy 25:9. It was a symbol of ownership or marriage, and removing a sandal could signify refusal or separation, as seen in Ruth 4:7-8.

Definition: sandal, shoe

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s). See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 2:5; Psalms 60:10.

תַחֲלֹ֖ץ châlats H2502 "to rescue" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.

Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

רַגְלֶ֑י/ךָ regel H7272 "foot" N-fd | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

כֵּ֔ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

הָלֹ֖ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Ptc

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

עָר֥וֹם ʻârôwm H6174 "naked" Adj

The Hebrew word for being naked, either partly or fully without clothes. It appears in Genesis 2:25 and Exodus 32:25, often symbolizing innocence or shame. This concept is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 10:4.

Definition: naked, bare

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: naked. See also: Genesis 2:25; Ecclesiastes 5:14; Isaiah 20:2.

וְ/יָחֵֽף yâchêph H3182 "barefoot" Conj | Adj

Being barefoot or unsandaled is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in Exodus and Isaiah, often symbolizing humility or mourning. In biblical times, removing shoes was a sign of respect or grief, and this word conveys that sense of vulnerability.

Definition: 1) barefoot 1a) bareness, being unshod (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: barefoot, being unshod. See also: 2 Samuel 15:30; Isaiah 20:3; Isaiah 20:2.

Study Notes — Isaiah 20:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 20:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 20:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 20:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 20:2
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 20:2
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2
Sermons on Isaiah 20:2

Context — A Sign against Egypt and Cush

1Before the year that the chief commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it,

2the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot.

3Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, 4so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Micah 1:8	Because of this I will lament and wail; I will walk barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and mourn like an ostrich.
2	Matthew 3:4	John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
3	1 Samuel 19:24	Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
4	Zechariah 13:4	And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive.
5	Ezekiel 24:23	Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves.
6	Ezekiel 24:17	Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.”
7	Isaiah 13:1	This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received:
8	Micah 1:11	Depart in shameful nakedness, O dwellers of Shaphir. The dwellers of Zaanan will not come out. Beth-ezel is in mourning; its support is taken from you.
9	Matthew 16:24	Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
10	2 Samuel 6:20	As soon as David returned home to bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today!” she said. “He has uncovered himself today in the sight of the maidservants of his subjects, like a vulgar person would do.”

Isaiah 20:2 Summary

In this verse, God instructs Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals and walk around naked and barefoot as a sign of the shame and humiliation that Egypt and Cush would experience. This act was a powerful symbol of God's judgment on these nations, and demonstrates Isaiah's obedience to God's instructions. Just like Isaiah, we are called to trust and obey God, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By following God's instructions and being willing to be used by Him, we can be a powerful witness to others and fulfill God's purposes in our lives, just like the apostle Paul did in Acts 20:22-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals?

God instructed Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and sandals as a symbolic act of humility and obedience, similar to when God instructed the prophet Ezekiel to lie on his side for 390 days as a sign to Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 4:4-5. This act was a powerful visual representation of the message God wanted to convey to His people.

What is the significance of Isaiah walking around naked and barefoot?

Isaiah walking around naked and barefoot was a sign of the shame and humiliation that Egypt and Cush would experience at the hands of the king of Assyria, as mentioned in Isaiah 20:4. This act was a prophetic declaration of God's judgment on these nations, similar to when God used the prophet Hosea's marriage as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness, as seen in Hosea 1:2-3.

How long did Isaiah walk around naked and barefoot?

According to Isaiah 20:3, Isaiah walked around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, demonstrating his obedience to God's instructions and willingness to be used as a vessel for God's message, just like the prophet Jeremiah was instructed to buy a field as a sign of Israel's future restoration, as seen in Jeremiah 32:6-15.

What can we learn from Isaiah's obedience in this verse?

We can learn from Isaiah's obedience the importance of trusting and following God's instructions, even when they seem strange or difficult, just like Abraham's obedience in Genesis 22:1-14 when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. This demonstrates our faith and commitment to God, and can be a powerful witness to others, as seen in the life of the apostle Paul in Acts 20:22-24.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can demonstrate my obedience to God, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
How can I use my life as a 'sign and omen' to point others to God, just like Isaiah did?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more and have faith in His instructions, like Isaiah did in this verse?
How can I balance the need to be obedient to God with the need to be sensitive to the cultural and social norms around me, as Isaiah had to do in his ministry?
What can I learn from Isaiah's willingness to be humble and vulnerable in order to fulfill God's purposes, as seen in his actions in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the Lord by Isaiah the son of Amoz,.... Or, "by the hand of Isaiah", by his means; and it was to him likewise, as the following words show; and so the Septuagint version

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 20:2

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2

Loose the sackcloth; ungird it and put it off; the antecedent put for the consequent, which is very usual, as hath been often noted. God would sometimes have his prophets to add to their word a visible sign, to awaken people’ s minds to a more serious consideration of the matters proposed to them. The sackcloth; either, 1. His coarse and hairy garment, which the prophets used to wear, , as many understand it. But that is expressed by another word in the places quoted, and never, to my knowledge, by this word. Or, 2. His mournful habit, which was commonly made of sackcloth, and which he wore in token of his hearty grief for the great calamities which were already come upon Israel, and were either come or coming upon Judah. From off thy loins; upon which the upper garments were commonly girt, 2 Kings 9. 1. Walking naked; not wholly naked, which had been indecent and scandalous, and withal very dangerous, at least to do so for three years, as he did, ; but without his upper garment, as slaves and prisoners used to do, whose posture he was to represent, . And so the word naked is used . Thus also men are said to be naked when they are ill clothed, as . Barefoot; after the manner of mourners, , and captives, .

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2

Isaiah 20:2 At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.Ver. 2. At the same time spake the Lord.] Against Egypt and Ethiopia, whom he had comforted, Isaiah 19:18-19, and yet now again threateneth; showing by an ocular demonstration what miseries should befall them. This was done in Jewry; but the report thereof might easily come to these confederate countries, and the Jews, howsoever, were given hereby to see how vain a thing it was to trust to such confederates. By Isaiah the son of Amoz.] Heb., By the hand of Isaiah, whom God used as a dispenser of this precious treasure. Go, loose the sackcloth from off thy loins,] i.e., Thy thick rough garment, such as prophets usually wore. Or else thy sackcloth put on as a mourning weed, either for ten tribes lately carried captive, or else for the miseries ready to fall shortly upon thine own people. And put off thy shoe from thy foot.] The Nudipedales in Moravia might as well avouch Isaiah for their founder as the Carmelites do Elias. And he did so.] God is to be obeyed without hesitation: his commands, how unreasonable soever they may seem, are not to be disputed, but despatched. Walking naked.] Not stark naked, but stripped as a prisoner, his mantle or upper garment cast off. See 1 Samuel 19:24 Acts 19:16 Micah 1:8. οφθαλμοειδως, i.e., Per Isaiam tanquam organum et dispensatorem suorum myster. - Oecolamp. Vestimentum vilosum.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2

(2) Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins.—Against these schemes Isaiah was prompted to prophesy in act as well as words. Month by month, for three whole years, he was seen in the streets of Jerusalem as one who was already as a prisoner of war, ready to be led into an ignominious exile. The “sackcloth” was the “rough garment” which, like Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and John the Baptist, the prophets habitually wore (Zechariah 13:4), and the “nakedness” was confined to the laying aside this outer robe, and appearing in the short tunic worn near the body (1 Samuel 19:24; 2 Samuel 6:14-20; John 21:7). Like instances of prophetic symbolism are the horns of Zedekiah in 1 Kings 22:11, the yokes worn by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 27:2), Ezekiel’s lying on his side (Ezekiel 4:4), and the girdle with which Agabus bound himself (Acts 21:11).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2

Verse 2. Walking naked and barefoot.] It is not probable that the prophet walked uncovered and barefoot for three years; his appearing in that manner was a sign that within three years the Egyptians and Cushites should be in the same condition, being conquered and made captives by the king of Assyria. The time was denoted as well as the event; but his appearing in that manner for three whole years could give no premonition of the time at all. It is probable, therefore, that the prophet was ordered to walk so for three days to denote the accomplishment of the event in three years; a day for a year, according to the prophetical rule, Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The words שלש ימים shalosh yamim, three days, may possibly have been lost out of the text, at the end of the second verse, after יחף yacheph, barefoot; or after the same word in the third verse, where, in the Alexandrine and Vatican copies of the Septuagint, and in MSS. Pachom. and I. D. II. the words τριαετη, three years, are twice expressed. Perhaps, instead of שלש ימים shalosh yamim, three days, the Greek translator might read שלש שנים shalosh shanim, three years, by his own mistake, or by that of his copy, after יחף yacheph in the third verse, for which stands the first τριαετη, three years, in the Alexandrine and Vatican Septuagint, and in the two MSS. above mentioned. It is most likely that Isaiah's walking naked and barefoot was done in a vision; as was probably that of the Prophet Hosea taking a wife of whoredoms. None of these things can well be taken literally. From thy foot] רגליך ragleycha, thy feet, is the reading of thirty-four of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., four ancient editions, with the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and Arabic.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 20:2

2. This verse is an explanatory parenthesis. The command here mentioned must have been given three years before the oracle of Isa 20:3 ff.; hence the expression “at that time” must be understood in a loose sense and for spake we must render “had spoken.” sackcloth] the rough garment of hair or coarse linen worn by mourners in lieu of the customary upper garment; also by prophets (2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4). It is rather surprising to find that Isaiah wore this distinctive badge of his profession. He is directed to “ungird” (and lay aside) this and walk “naked,” i.e. in his under-garment (the kuttôneth), cf. 1 Samuel 19:24; John 21:7. The action was expressive of the deepest degradation, and involved no small sacrifice for a man of Isaiah’s position. But that he actually performed it cannot reasonably be questioned. Cf. Micah 1:8. 3, resuming Isaiah 20:1, gives the interpretation of the symbol. my servant Isaiah] Isaiah is Jehovah’s “servant” as a prophet. Cf. Amos 3:7; Numbers 12:7. sign and wonder] see ch. Isaiah 8:18. By the accents the words “three years” are attached to this clause in order to convey the sense “a three-years’ sign,” meaning “a sign of an event which is to happen after three years.” But this is very unnatural, and was evidently suggested by a desire to avoid the notion that the action was kept up for so long a time. upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia] Ethiopia was at this time the paramount influence in the Nile-valley, Upper Egypt being completely under its sway, while Lower Egypt was divided amongst a number of petty princes. The Sab’é, or Sib‘i (? Sevé), whom Sargon defeated in 720 is usually identified with the Ethiopian Sabako. Winckler, however, doubts this, and takes Sab’é to have been one of the small kings of the Delta. (See also Cheyne’s Note in 2nd Ed. of Robertson Smith’s Prophets of Israel, p. 428.) “Upon” may be either against or concerning.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 20:2

By Isaiah - Margin, ‘By the hand of Isaiah.’ So the Hebrew. That is, by the instrumentality of Isaiah. He sent him to make known the fate of the Egyptians, and the folly of trusting in them on this occasion.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 20:2

2. Loose the sackcloth — An outward garment, and not unfrequently worn as a badge of humiliation, and symbol of unwelcome tidings.

Sermons on Isaiah 20:2

	Sermon	Description
	Threefold Vision (Alternative 2) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being conscious of eternity rather than being focused on worldly possessions and self-image. He explains that there are fou
	The Ostrich by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook delivers a sermon on the unique characteristics of the ostrich, highlighting its large size, inability to fly despite having large wings, and its swift running abil
	Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 4 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Joel in the Bible and its relevance to our lives. The first section of the book describes a locust plague, emphasizing that every
	The Cry of the Spirit by Smith Wigglesworth	Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the profound impact of John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting how his humble beginnings and the 'cry of the Spirit' resonated deeply with the peopl
	Hearing From God by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of solitude and silence in hearing from God, using John the Baptist as an example of someone who embraced quietness to prepare for his propheti
	The Three Prayers (Part 4) by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Isaiah and his encounter with God's judgment upon Babylon. Isaiah is overwhelmed with fear as he witnesses the destruction that
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 13:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the concept of the day of the Lord and its significance in biblical prophecy. He explains that the day of the Lord refers to a future p