Old Testament
Isaiah 26:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 26:20, God is instructing His people to seek refuge during a time of impending judgment or trouble.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Come, my people, go into your rooms and shut the doors behind you. Hide yourselves for just a little while until the fury has passed.
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 26:20, God is instructing His people to seek refuge during a time of impending judgment or trouble. The imagery of going into rooms and shutting doors symbolizes a call to safety and protection from the chaos outside. This verse emphasizes the importance of finding a place of security and peace amidst turmoil. The phrase 'for just a little while' suggests that this period of hiding is temporary, indicating that the distress will eventually pass. The 'fury' or 'indignation' refers to God's righteous anger against sin and injustice. This passage reassures believers that even in difficult times, there is a promise of deliverance and hope. It encourages them to trust in God’s timing and to remain steadfast in their faith while waiting for His intervention.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 26:20 to your life
In times of trouble, it is essential to find a safe space, both physically and spiritually. This could mean taking time for prayer, reflection, or seeking community support. Trusting in God's protection can provide peace during challenging moments, reminding us that difficulties are often temporary.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 26:20 mean?
Isaiah 26:20 conveys God's instruction to His people to seek safety during a time of judgment. It emphasizes the need for protection and reassures that the period of distress will be temporary.
What is the significance of 'shut the doors' in Isaiah 26:20?
The phrase 'shut the doors' symbolizes a call to find safety and refuge from external chaos. It represents the importance of seeking a secure place during times of trouble.
What does 'for just a little while' imply in Isaiah 26:20?
The phrase 'for just a little while' suggests that the time of hiding and distress is temporary, indicating that God's judgment or anger will eventually pass.
What themes are present in Isaiah 26:20?
Key themes in Isaiah 26:20 include divine protection, judgment, faith, safety, hope, and the idea of temporary trials that believers may face.

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.
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