Old Testament
Isaiah 2:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 2:20, the prophet describes a future time when people will reject their idols made of silver and gold.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
On that day, people will throw away the silver idols and gold idols they made for themselves to worship — they'll toss them to the moles and the bats.
In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 2:20, the prophet describes a future time when people will reject their idols made of silver and gold. These idols, which they created for their own worship, will be discarded as worthless. The imagery of throwing them to moles and bats suggests that these objects, once valued, will be treated with disdain and seen as fit only for creatures that dwell in darkness. This passage highlights the futility of idol worship and the ultimate recognition of God's sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that material possessions and man-made gods cannot compare to the true God, who deserves our worship and devotion. The act of discarding these idols symbolizes a turning away from falsehood and a return to genuine faith. This verse calls for self-examination regarding what we prioritize in our lives and encourages us to seek what is truly valuable and eternal. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 2:20 to your life
This verse challenges us to evaluate our own lives for any modern-day idols, such as wealth, status, or possessions. We should consider what we prioritize and whether it distracts us from our relationship with God. Let us strive to focus on what truly matters and discard anything that leads us away from Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 2:20 say about idols?
Isaiah 2:20 describes a future time when people will discard their silver and gold idols, which they created for worship. This act symbolizes a rejection of false gods and highlights the futility of idol worship. The imagery of throwing these idols to moles and bats emphasizes their worthlessness and the realization that only the true God deserves worship.
How can Isaiah 2:20 apply to modern life?
Isaiah 2:20 encourages us to examine our lives for modern idols, such as material possessions, wealth, or status. It prompts us to consider whether these distractions hinder our relationship with God. By identifying and discarding anything that leads us away from genuine faith, we can focus on what truly matters and prioritize our spiritual growth.
What is the main message of Isaiah 2:20?
The main message of Isaiah 2:20 is the futility of idol worship and the ultimate recognition of God's sovereignty. It illustrates a future time when people will turn away from their man-made gods and acknowledge the true God. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize faith over materialism and to seek genuine worship.
Why does Isaiah 2:20 mention moles and bats?
The mention of moles and bats in Isaiah 2:20 symbolizes the darkness and worthlessness associated with the idols. By tossing their idols to these creatures, the verse conveys that these once-valued objects are now seen as fit only for those that dwell in darkness, reinforcing the idea that idol worship is ultimately futile and misguided.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.