Isaiah 1:20

20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 1:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 But if you're willful and stubborn, you'll die like dogs." That's right. God says so. Those Who Walk Out on God
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be destroyed by swords." The LORD has spoken.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 You must follow me. You must obey me. If you do not, you will be killed with swords." The LORD has spoken.

Isaiah 1:20 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:20

But if ye refuse and rebel
The Targum is, "and do not receive my Word"; the Messiah, when come, neither his person, nor his doctrines and ordinances: ye shall be devoured with the sword;
of the Roman armies, as they were under Titus Vespasian; see ( Matthew 22:7 ) ( Luke 19:44 ) for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken [it];
now, by Isaiah, as well as in former times, ( Leviticus 26:25 Leviticus 26:33 ) .

Isaiah 1:20 In-Context

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
21 See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers!
22 Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.

Cross References 3

  • 1. S 1 Samuel 12:15
  • 2. S Job 15:22; Isaiah 3:25; Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 65:12; Isaiah 66:16; Jeremiah 17:27
  • 3. Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 21:17; Isaiah 34:16; Isaiah 40:5; Isaiah 58:14; Jeremiah 49:13; Micah 4:4; Zechariah 1:6; Revelation 1:16
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.