Old Testament
Isaiah 30:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 30:20, the verse conveys a message of hope amidst hardship.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Even though the Lord may give you the bread of hardship and the water of suffering, your teachers won't be hidden from you anymore. You'll see them with your own eyes.
And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 30:20, the verse conveys a message of hope amidst hardship. The 'bread of hardship' and 'water of suffering' symbolize the challenges and difficulties that the people of Israel will face. However, the promise is that their teachers, or guides, will no longer be hidden from them. This indicates that God will provide clarity and understanding through His messengers, allowing the people to see and learn directly from them. The verse reassures that even in times of adversity, God is present and will ensure that His people have access to wisdom and guidance. This reflects God's commitment to His people, ensuring they are not left in darkness but are given the tools to navigate their struggles with the help of their teachers. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of divine guidance during tough times, reminding believers that they are not alone in their challenges.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 30:20 to your life
In times of difficulty, seek out guidance and wisdom from trusted mentors or spiritual leaders. Remember that even in hardship, God provides support and clarity through those He places in our lives. Stay open to learning and growing through challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 30:20 mean?
Isaiah 30:20 conveys that even during difficult times, represented by 'bread of hardship' and 'water of suffering', God will ensure that His people have access to their teachers and guides. This verse emphasizes that divine guidance will be present, helping them navigate their struggles.
What is the significance of 'teachers' in Isaiah 30:20?
In Isaiah 30:20, 'teachers' symbolize the guides and mentors that God provides to His people. Their presence signifies that even in adversity, individuals will have access to wisdom and understanding to help them through their challenges.
What does 'bread of hardship' mean in Isaiah 30:20?
The phrase 'bread of hardship' in Isaiah 30:20 represents the difficulties and struggles that the people of Israel will face. It highlights the challenges they must endure while also assuring them of God's guidance during these tough times.
How can Isaiah 30:20 provide hope during tough times?
Isaiah 30:20 offers hope by assuring that even in adversity, God will not leave His people without guidance. The promise of visible teachers means that they will receive support and clarity, helping them to overcome their difficulties.

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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