Old Testament
Isaiah 30:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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:
What Isaiah 30:20 means
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.
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
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 30:20
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 30:20
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 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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.