Old Testament
Isaiah 20:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the LORD said, "My servant Isaiah has been walking naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia."
Compare translations
And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;
What Isaiah 20:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 20:3, God instructs the prophet Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a symbolic act. This unusual behavior serves as a powerful sign to the nations of Egypt and Ethiopia, illustrating the impending judgment and humiliation they would face. The act of walking without clothing signifies vulnerability and defeat, emphasizing that these nations would be led away captive. Isaiah's actions were not just for shock value; they were meant to convey a serious message about God's sovereignty and the consequences of turning away from Him. By using such a dramatic sign, God aimed to capture the attention of His people and the surrounding nations, urging them to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the need for repentance. This passage highlights the lengths to which God will go to communicate His messages and the importance of obedience to His commands, even when they seem strange or difficult to understand.
How to apply Isaiah 20:3 to your life
This verse reminds us that God may call us to act in ways that seem unusual or uncomfortable to convey His message. We should be open to His leading and willing to step out in faith, trusting that our actions can have a significant impact on others and serve as a witness to God's truth.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: A Sign About Egypt and Ethiopia (Isaiah 20:1–6)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Isaiah
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 20:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 20:3
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 20:3 mean?
Isaiah 20:3 describes God instructing the prophet Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia. This act symbolizes the vulnerability and impending judgment these nations would face, illustrating God's sovereignty and the consequences of their actions.
What message does Isaiah 20:3 convey about obedience?
Isaiah 20:3 highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem strange or difficult. It shows that God may call us to act in ways that serve a greater purpose in communicating His messages.
How does Isaiah 20:3 relate to themes of judgment?
Isaiah 20:3 illustrates the theme of judgment by showing how God uses Isaiah's actions to symbolize the impending downfall of Egypt and Ethiopia. It serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's message.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.