Old Testament

Isaiah 32:20

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

How blessed you will be — sowing your seeds beside every stream, letting your oxen and donkeys graze freely.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.

What Isaiah 32:20 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 32:20, the verse highlights the blessings that come from diligent and thoughtful agricultural practices. Sowing seeds beside streams indicates a strategic approach to farming, ensuring that crops receive adequate water. The mention of oxen and donkeys grazing freely suggests a time of peace and abundance, where animals can thrive without restraint. This imagery reflects a prosperous life where resources are plentiful, and the community can enjoy the fruits of their labor. The verse serves as a reminder of the rewards of hard work and wise planning in both agricultural and spiritual endeavors. It emphasizes the importance of being in harmony with nature and utilizing the resources available to us effectively. Overall, this passage encourages a lifestyle that embraces both physical and spiritual blessings, suggesting that those who invest in their work and community will reap the benefits of their efforts.

How to apply Isaiah 32:20 to your life

This verse encourages us to invest time and effort into our work and relationships. By being diligent and strategic in our actions, we can create a life filled with blessings and abundance. Embrace opportunities to nurture both your physical and spiritual growth.

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.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 32:20

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 32:20

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 32:20 mean?

Isaiah 32:20 speaks about the blessings that come from careful and strategic farming practices. It highlights the importance of sowing seeds near water sources for better crop growth and suggests a time of peace and abundance where animals can graze freely.

What is the significance of sowing beside streams in Isaiah 32:20?

Sowing beside streams in Isaiah 32:20 signifies a wise approach to agriculture, ensuring that crops have sufficient water. This practice symbolizes planning and diligence, which lead to prosperity and blessings.

What does the mention of oxen and donkeys in Isaiah 32:20 represent?

The mention of oxen and donkeys grazing freely in Isaiah 32:20 represents a time of peace and abundance. It illustrates a prosperous environment where resources are plentiful, allowing both animals and people to thrive.

How can Isaiah 32:20 be applied to modern life?

Isaiah 32:20 encourages us to be diligent and strategic in our work and relationships. By investing time and effort wisely, we can create a life filled with blessings and opportunities for growth.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.