Old Testament
Isaiah 29:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The ruthless will be gone, the mockers will disappear, and everyone who stays up scheming to do evil will be cut off —
Compare translations
For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:
What Isaiah 29:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 29:20, the prophet speaks of a time when those who are cruel and mock others will be removed from power. The 'ruthless' refers to individuals who act without compassion, while 'mockers' are those who ridicule and scorn others, especially the righteous. The verse emphasizes that those who plot evil and seek to harm others will ultimately face judgment and be cut off from the community. This passage reassures the faithful that justice will prevail, and the wicked will not succeed in their schemes. It serves as a reminder that God sees the actions of all people and will act against those who oppress and harm others. The promise of the removal of these negative influences brings hope to the oppressed and encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will bring about justice in His time.
How to apply Isaiah 29:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's justice, especially when facing oppression or mockery. It reminds us to avoid engaging in ruthless behavior and to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God will ultimately deal with those who do evil. We should focus on kindness and righteousness in our own lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 29:20
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 29:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 29:20 mean?
Isaiah 29:20 speaks about the removal of cruel and mocking individuals from power. It assures that those who plot evil will face judgment and be cut off, emphasizing that justice will ultimately prevail.
What is the meaning of 'ruthless' in Isaiah 29:20?
In Isaiah 29:20, 'ruthless' refers to individuals who act without compassion or mercy, often causing harm to others. The verse indicates that such people will be removed from their positions of influence.
How does Isaiah 29:20 relate to justice?
Isaiah 29:20 highlights the theme of divine justice by declaring that the wicked will not succeed in their schemes. It reassures the faithful that God will act against those who oppress and harm others.
What themes are present in Isaiah 29:20?
Key themes in Isaiah 29:20 include justice, divine judgment, the removal of evil, hope for the oppressed, and the importance of faithfulness and righteousness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.