Isaiah 28 20

Isaiah 28:20 kjv

For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.

Isaiah 28:20 nkjv

For the bed is too short to stretch out on, And the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it.

Isaiah 28:20 niv

The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket too narrow to wrap around you.

Isaiah 28:20 esv

For the bed is too short to stretch oneself on, and the covering too narrow to wrap oneself in.

Isaiah 28:20 nlt

The bed you have made is too short to lie on.
The blankets are too narrow to cover you.

Isaiah 28 verses

Isaiah 28 20 Meaning

Isaiah 28:20 speaks of profound inadequacy and spiritual discomfort. It metaphorically describes a situation where Judah's chosen path, characterized by relying on false covenants and human wisdom rather than God, leads to utter lack of rest and security. The "bed too short" means one cannot stretch out comfortably, and the "blanket too narrow" means one cannot properly cover oneself. This imagery powerfully conveys the futility and painful vulnerability experienced by those whose "refuge of lies" fails to provide the promised solace or protection, leaving them exposed and distressed.

Isaiah 28 20 Context

Isaiah chapter 28 is part of a series of "Woes" primarily directed at Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom) and then shifting its focus to Jerusalem/Judah. The immediate context of verse 20 begins with a strong condemnation of the corrupt and self-serving leaders in Jerusalem (v. 14-15), who are characterized as scoffing at God's message and relying on a "covenant with death" and a "refuge of lies." This false sense of security, built on deceptive political alliances (likely with Egypt or Assyria, depending on the specific period within Isaiah's ministry) and humanistic schemes rather than trust in Yahweh, is what the "short bed" and "narrow blanket" vividly portray. The preceding verse (v. 19) speaks of constant dread and terror, which would inevitably accompany such an inadequate "shelter." The contrast is then immediately given in verse 16 with the "precious cornerstone" in Zion—Yahweh's promised messianic king and righteous reign—which offers true and stable rest. Historically, Jerusalem was caught between powerful empires (Assyria, then Babylon, with Egypt on the side), and their leaders' policy was to constantly seek human alliances, symbolizing a complete rejection of God's sufficiency.

Isaiah 28 20 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This conjunction introduces the explanation or reason for the previous statement. It links the scoffing and false reliance (v. 14-19) to their inevitable outcome. It implies cause and effect, where their actions directly lead to this uncomfortable state.
• the bed (מִצַּע - mittsaʿ):
  • Literal: A place for resting, a couch or bed.
  • Figurative: Represents a chosen position, a policy, or a plan meant to provide comfort, security, or relief. Here, it signifies the inadequate measures and alliances adopted by Judah. Its common usage denotes a place for intimate rest, thus highlighting the failure of their policies to provide any genuine repose.
• is too short (קָצַר - qatsar):
  • Meaning: Short, brief, inadequate, impatient (when referring to spirit).
  • Significance: Denotes utter insufficiency. No matter how one adjusts, the 'bed' cannot fully accommodate, leaving a part exposed and uncomfortable. It implies that their plans or "solutions" fall far short of what is needed for true rest and protection.
• to stretch oneself on it (מֵהִשְׂתָּרֵעַ - mei-hishtārêaʿ):
  • Meaning: To stretch out, spread oneself, recline at full length.
  • Significance: This action signifies attempting to find ease, comfort, and rest. The inability to do so on the short bed implies that genuine relaxation and security are impossible under their current chosen 'cover'. It indicates spiritual and physical distress due to misalignment.
• And (וְ - ve): Standard conjunction, linking the two parts of the simile, reinforcing the double inadequacy.
• the blanket (וְהַמַּסֵּכָה - v'ha-masseḵah):
  • Literal: A covering, veil, or cast/woven fabric. The word can refer to a molten image, a libation, or a woven covering. In this context, it refers to a thin, perhaps ill-suited, or meager covering, like a quilt or cloak.
  • Significance: Represents protection, warmth, or security from the elements or danger. Its inadequacy symbolizes the total failure of their external "coverings" or alliances (like treaties or idols) to provide true defense or comfort.
• too narrow (נִצְרָה - nitsrâh):
  • Meaning: Is narrow, restricted, distressed, cramped.
  • Significance: Reinforces the theme of limitation and confinement. Just as the blanket cannot cover completely, their chosen refuge leaves them exposed and vulnerable to judgment.
• to wrap oneself in it (וּמֵהִתְכַּנֵּס - ûmê-hitkannês):
  • Meaning: To gather oneself, collect, draw oneself in.
  • Significance: The action one takes to fully envelop oneself for warmth or concealment. The inability to do so speaks of total exposure and a lack of true refuge. There is no relief or security from the biting realities of God's judgment and the consequences of their choices.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the bed is too short...the blanket too narrow": This paired imagery powerfully creates a double metaphor for the complete and pervasive inadequacy of human systems and alliances apart from God. Both forms of comfort and protection are insufficient, leading to inescapable discomfort and vulnerability. This underscores a situation where Judah’s self-made solutions exacerbate, rather than alleviate, their problems. It speaks to a deep, pervasive state of unease.
• "to stretch oneself on it...to wrap oneself in it": These phrases highlight the futile efforts of those attempting to find peace or security in these insufficient provisions. Despite all attempts to get comfortable or gain protection, true rest remains elusive. It illustrates the exasperation and ultimate futility of human striving against God's decree, showing how people will twist and turn to escape the discomfort of their spiritual choices but fail because the very means they choose are fundamentally flawed.

Isaiah 28 20 Bonus section

The metaphor in Isaiah 28:20 is deeply experiential. It's not just a cognitive idea of inadequacy but a felt reality of constant discomfort and exposure. This image would have resonated with an ancient audience who understood the tangible difference between adequate and inadequate bedding, especially in variable weather. The verse captures the existential unease of those attempting to live outside God's will; they are never truly settled, never fully secure. Their spiritual existence becomes one of continuous, futile adjustment and painful exposure to the consequences of their "covenant with death." This "bed" and "blanket" represent more than political alliances; they encompass a comprehensive worldview and lifestyle chosen by those who depend on themselves rather than on God's truth.

Isaiah 28 20 Commentary

Isaiah 28:20 serves as a biting proverb, summarizing the pathetic state of those who reject God's "cornerstone" (v. 16) and instead seek security in humanly devised, unstable foundations, like deceptive alliances or their own perceived wisdom. The imagery of a "short bed" and "narrow blanket" brilliantly communicates the utter futility and consequent physical and spiritual distress resulting from such choices. There is no true rest, no comfort, and no genuine protection. Those who attempt to "stretch out" or "wrap themselves" in these false refuges will remain exposed, uncomfortable, and perpetually restless, finding only the terror they sought to avoid (v. 19). It underscores that human systems, when disconnected from God's righteousness and truth, are fundamentally inadequate to provide the deep, soul-level peace and security that humanity truly craves. Their "shelter" is not merely fragile but actively constricting and painful. This passage powerfully asserts that true rest, comfort, and security are found exclusively in God's provision, especially in the "precious cornerstone" (Jesus Christ).