Old Testament
Isaiah 48:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Leave Babylon! Escape from the Chaldeans! Shout it with joy, announce it, spread the word to the ends of the earth: "The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob!"
Compare translations
Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.
What Isaiah 48:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 48:20, God commands His people to leave Babylon, symbolizing a call to escape from oppression and sin. The Chaldeans represent those who have held them captive. The verse emphasizes the joy of liberation and the importance of proclaiming God's redemption. The phrase 'The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob' highlights God's faithfulness in saving His people. This redemption is not just for the individual but is a message meant to be shared widely, reaching the ends of the earth. The call to shout and declare this good news signifies the urgency and importance of spreading the message of hope and salvation. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, offering them freedom and restoration. This passage encourages believers to recognize their own redemption and to share their testimony of God's saving grace with others, celebrating the joy that comes from being freed from spiritual bondage.
How to apply Isaiah 48:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize our own need for spiritual freedom and to actively share the message of God's redemption with others. We can reflect on how God has redeemed us and find joy in proclaiming this truth in our communities and beyond.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 48:20
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 48:20
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 48:20 mean?
Isaiah 48:20 calls God's people to leave Babylon, symbolizing a departure from oppression and sin. It emphasizes the joy of liberation and the importance of proclaiming God's redemption to everyone.
What is the significance of Babylon in Isaiah 48:20?
In Isaiah 48:20, Babylon represents a place of captivity and sin. God's command to leave Babylon signifies a call for His people to escape from their oppressors and embrace freedom.
What does 'The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob' mean?
The phrase 'The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob' highlights God's faithfulness in saving His people. It signifies that God has delivered them from bondage and restored their relationship with Him.
How can I apply Isaiah 48:20 to my life?
You can apply Isaiah 48:20 by recognizing your own need for spiritual freedom and actively sharing the message of God's redemption with others, celebrating the joy of being freed from spiritual bondage.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.