Isaiah 29:20
Isaiah 29:20 in Multiple Translations
For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—
For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scoffer ceaseth, and all they that watch for iniquity are cut off;
For the cruel one has come to nothing; and those who make sport of the Lord are gone; and those who are watching to do evil are cut off:
Cruel people will no longer exist, the scornful will vanish, and those looking to do evil will be destroyed—
For the cruel man shall cease, and the scornefull shalbe consumed: and all that hasted to iniquitie, shalbe cut off:
For ceased hath the terrible one, And consumed hath been the scorner, And cut off have been all watching for iniquity,
For the ruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off—
For the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scoffer is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
For he that did prevail hath failed, the scorner is consumed, and they are all cut off that watched for iniquity:
There will be no more people who ridicule others and no more arrogant people. And those who plan to do evil things will be executed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 29:20
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 29:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אָפֵ֥ס
עָרִ֖יץ
וְ/כָ֣לָה
לֵ֑ץ
וְ/נִכְרְת֖וּ
כָּל
שֹׁ֥קְדֵי
אָֽוֶן
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָפֵ֥ס
ʼâphêç
H656
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָרִ֖יץ
ʻârîyts
H6184
ruthless
Adj
וְ/כָ֣לָה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לֵ֑ץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Adj
וְ/נִכְרְת֖וּ
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
שֹׁ֥קְדֵי
shâqad
H8245
to watch
V-Qal
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 29:20
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָפֵ֥ס
ʼâphêç
H656
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To end or disappear means to cease or come to a stop, like something failing or being completely gone. This verb is used to describe something breaking off or finishing. It can also mean to be clean gone or brought to nothing.
Definition: (Qal) to cease, break, come to an end
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be clean gone (at an end, brought to nought), fail. See also: Genesis 47:15; Psalms 77:9; Isaiah 16:4.
עָרִ֖יץ
ʻârîyts
H6184
"ruthless"
Adj
This word describes someone or something that inspires fear or awe, often due to great power or strength. It can be translated as mighty, oppressor, or ruthless in different contexts.
Definition: awe-inspiring, terror-striking, awesome, terrifying, ruthless, mighty
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent. See also: Job 6:23; Isaiah 25:5; Psalms 37:35.
וְ/כָ֣לָה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
לֵ֑ץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Adj
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/נִכְרְת֖וּ
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שֹׁ֥קְדֵי
shâqad
H8245
"to watch"
V-Qal
Being watchful or alert is what this word means, often used to describe staying awake or vigilant. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God watching over his people. It implies a sense of careful attention or surveillance.
Definition: 1) to wake, watch, awake, be alert 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep watch of, be wakeful over 1a2) to be wakeful, wake (as mourner or sufferer)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hasten, remain, wake, watch (for). See also: Ezra 8:29; Isaiah 29:20; Psalms 102:8.
אָֽוֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 29:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 29:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 29:20
Context — Sanctification for the Godly
18On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
19The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
20For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—
21those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice. 22Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed and no more will his face grow pale.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 2:1 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:14–22 | Therefore hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers who rule this people in Jerusalem. For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you. For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land. |
| 3 | Luke 16:14 | The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:4 | No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. |
| 5 | Isaiah 29:5 | But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant, |
| 6 | Isaiah 13:3 | I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have even summoned My warriors to execute My wrath and exult in My triumph. |
| 7 | Isaiah 25:4–5 | For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall, like heat in a dry land. You subdue the uproar of foreigners. As the shade of a cloud cools the heat, so the song of the ruthless is silenced. |
| 8 | Isaiah 49:25 | Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children. |
| 9 | Mark 2:6–7 | But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” |
| 10 | Revelation 12:10 | And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God. |
Isaiah 29:20 Summary
[This verse means that God will one day remove from the world those who are cruel and mean, and those who make fun of Him and His people, as stated in Isaiah 29:20. This is a promise that God will bring justice and righteousness to the world, and that He will protect and care for those who love and follow Him, as seen in Psalm 37:9-11 and Proverbs 2:21-22. We can trust in God's love and care for us, and seek to live lives that are pleasing to Him, by following His commands and seeking to do good to those around us, as encouraged in Galatians 6:10 and Ephesians 2:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the ruthless to vanish?
This means that those who are cruel and show no regard for others will be removed from the scene, as seen in Isaiah 29:20, and this is in line with God's promise to punish the wicked, as stated in Proverbs 10:28-30 and Psalm 37:38.
Who are the mockers that will disappear?
The mockers refer to those who scorn and ridicule God, His people, and His ways, as seen in 2 Peter 3:3-4, and their disappearance is a result of God's judgment, as stated in Isaiah 29:20.
What does it mean to look for evil?
Looking for evil means to seek out opportunities to do harm or to wish evil upon others, as opposed to seeking good, as encouraged in Psalm 34:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows that God is a just and righteous God who hates evil and will ultimately punish it, as seen in Psalm 5:4-6 and Romans 1:18-20, and this is a demonstration of His love for His people and His desire for justice and righteousness to prevail.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can avoid being ruthless or seeking evil in my own life, and instead seek to do good and promote justice and righteousness?
- How can I trust in God's promise to punish the wicked and protect the righteous, as stated in Isaiah 29:20 and other verses?
- What are some ways that I can show love and kindness to those around me, rather than seeking to do them harm or wishing them evil?
- How can I balance the desire for justice and righteousness with the command to love and forgive my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-36?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 29:20
For the terrible one is brought to nought,.... Who before was so to the people of God; meaning not Sennacherib king of Assyria, but some formidable enemy or enemies under the Gospel dispensation; as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 29:20
For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: The terrible one - namely, the persecutors among the Jewish nobles.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
The terrible one; the proud and potent enemies of those meek and poor believers now mentioned, such as the unbelieving Jews and the heathen potentates were in the first age of Christianity. The scorner; the scornful opposers of God’ s word and people. That watch for iniquity; that early and diligently apply themselves to the practice of wickedness, or to do mischief to others.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
Isaiah 29:20 For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:Ver. 20. For the terrible one is brought to nought.] This is part matter of the just man’ s joy; where observe the contrary characters given to the godly and the wicked; those are said to be lowly, meek, poor in spirit; these to be tyrants, scorners, sedulous in sin, publicans, incorrigible, such as turn aside the just, &c. And all that watch for iniquity.] Surgunt de nocte latrones; they also break their sleep to devise mischief; but they should watch for a better purpose, as Seneca also could say, and Pliny, Qui vitam mortalium vigelium esse pronunciat; who calleth man’ s life a watch. Proaem. Nat. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
(20) The terrible one.—The word stands, as in Isaiah 29:5, for the Assyrian invader; the “scorner,” for the prophet’s enemies who derided his message, and sought, “watching for iniquity,” to find an accusation against him.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 29:20
20. the terrible one] or “tyrant” probably denotes an external oppressor (the Assyrian); cf. Isaiah 25:3-4; the scorner is the despiser of religion (ch. Isaiah 28:14; Isaiah 28:22; Psalms 1:1, &c.). all that watch for iniquity] Perhaps “those who are wakefully intent upon plans of mischief” (Micah 2:1; Amos 8:5). Some think the phrase is ironical, implying that those spoken of were appointed to watch over right, but betrayed their trust in the manner described in Isaiah 29:21.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 29:20
For the terrible one - The violent one (עריץ ‛ârı̂yts), the oppressor, who had exercised cruelty over them.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 29:20
20, 21. For the terrible one — The haughty and overbearing among the worldly Jewish leaders. Watch for iniquity — For opportunities to commit it.
Sermons on Isaiah 29:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |
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False Refuge by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the state of the people and how they have turned to lies and falsehood as their refuge. He refers to the scripture that says God has laid a |
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The Consequences of Failing to Know God by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the tragic assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, emphasizing the dire consequences of a nation that fails to know and trust God. He reflects on |
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A Cry From Torment by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who were lovers of money and were scoffing at Him. He tells a story, possibly a parable, about a rich man and a beggar named Lazar |
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A Prayer From Hell by Gary Kopfstein | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus, as told by Jesus in the Bible. The rich man lived a life of luxury while Lazarus was poo |
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What's Worse Than Having an Evil Spirit? by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the dangers of being spiritually empty and clean, likening it to a house swept but left empty, making it vulnerable to worse spiritual influences. It emphas |
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The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s |