Old Testament
Isaiah 32:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
How blessed you will be — sowing your seeds beside every stream, letting your oxen and donkeys graze freely.
Compare translations
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.

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

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 PlansAsk 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
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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.