Isaiah 29 20

Isaiah 29:20 kjv

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

Isaiah 29:20 nkjv

For the terrible one is brought to nothing, The scornful one is consumed, And all who watch for iniquity are cut off?

Isaiah 29:20 niv

The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down?

Isaiah 29:20 esv

For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,

Isaiah 29:20 nlt

The scoffer will be gone,
the arrogant will disappear,
and those who plot evil will be killed.

Isaiah 29 verses

Isaiah 29 20 Meaning

The verse signifies the cessation of all human contrivances and ambitions in the eyes of God, as He brings an end to pride and haughtiness. It describes a future time when God's judgment will humble the arrogant, and true discernment will be restored.

Isaiah 29 20 Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah's prophecy concerning judgment upon Jerusalem, particularly the inhabitants' reliance on human wisdom and alliances rather than God. Chapter 29 begins with God's declaration of judgment upon Ariel (Jerusalem). The chapter highlights how the people of Judah, despite God's powerful deliverance and guidance, turned to foreign nations and their own cleverness. Verse 20 speaks of a future day when God's judgment will finally put an end to human pride and all schemes devised apart from Him. It sets the stage for the restoration and cleansing that will follow. Historically, this speaks to the Assyrian and Babylonian deportations as direct judgments, but also points to a future eschatological fulfillment when all humanistic pride will be abolished in God's kingdom.

Isaiah 29 20 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - we): A conjunctive particle, linking this consequence to the previous statement.
• all (כָּל - kol): Emphasizes the totality of those affected by God's action.
• the iniquity (הַוֹּת - havvoth): Denotes mischief, ruin, wickedness. Refers to the wrongdoing and the disastrous results of sin.
• of (—): Possessive relationship.
• watchers (שָׁקְדִּים - shoqedim): From the root שָׁקַד (shaqad), meaning to be vigilant, watchful, or to be busy about. It signifies those who are actively looking for or waiting to do harm or perpetrate evil deeds. It can also imply being attentive to matters that lead to ruin.
• for (לְ - le): Indicates purpose or aim.
• iniquity (אַוְלָה - avlah): Unrighteousness, perversity, iniquity. The specific act or tendency of sinning.
• in (בְּ — be): Indicates the location or state within which an action occurs.
• vain (קָצִין — qatsin, sometimes read as קָצִין - qatsin, meaning chieftain or ruler, but in this context often interpreted as related to cutting off or cessation, implying the termination of worthless schemes): The meaning here is debated; it can be interpreted as a prince, or related to a decision or cutting off. The RSV translates this as "the doer of good" which is unlikely given the context. Most modern translations view it in relation to the judgment of cessation or coming to an end. Scholars often link it to a severe, decisive action of God.
• are (הָיוּ — hayu): Plural past tense of the verb "to be".
• cut off (הֶחְרֵמוּ — hechre·mu): From the root חרם (charam), meaning to ban, dedicate to destruction, utterly destroy, exterminate. It signifies being completely annihilated or removed by divine decree, often through utter destruction. This implies total and irreversible removal from existence.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "all that watch for iniquity": This phrase describes individuals or groups who are actively engaged in wicked schemes and are intently focused on doing harm. It conveys a sense of malicious intent and diligent pursuit of wrongdoing. They are "vigilant for ruin."
• "the doer of iniquity are cut off" (interpreted with common translation): This is a consequence; those actively practicing and orchestrating iniquity are summarily and completely destroyed. The usage of "qatsin" in the context of "hechre·mu" implies a decisive end brought about by God.
• "vain...are cut off" (another interpretation of "qatsin"): If interpreted as "vain" or "empty" schemes, it highlights the futility of human efforts against God. The verse speaks of the end of all these futile attempts to circumvent divine justice.

Isaiah 29 20 Bonus Section

The term "Ariel" in the preceding verse (Isaiah 29:1) can be a symbolic name for Jerusalem, possibly meaning "Lion of God." However, the inhabitants' actions turned their city into something less divine, provoking judgment. The prophet highlights that the efforts of these "watchers for iniquity" are ultimately like an "empty" dream or a "cut off" provision – utterly failing. The root meaning of "shaqad" (watchers) also carries the sense of diligent labor, contrasting sharply with the intended benevolent actions associated with God. The utter removal by "hechre·mu" underscores God's absolute sovereignty in judgment.

Isaiah 29 20 Commentary

This verse powerfully declares God's sovereign power to bring an absolute end to all human wicked designs and efforts. The focus is on the "watchers for iniquity," those who meticulously plan and execute evil. Their diligence in sin is met with God's ultimate and total removal—they are "cut off." The word "cut off" (hechre·mu) suggests utter destruction, a complete eradication as if cursed or devoted to divine destruction. This isn't just defeat; it's obliteration. The "vain" (interpreted from qatsin or its nuances) points to the inherent worthlessness and ultimate failure of all endeavors that are not aligned with God's purposes. It’s a stern reminder that human arrogance and the meticulous planning of unrighteousness are utterly futile in the face of God’s judgment. This anticipates the final judgment where all opposition to God is eradicated.