Old Testament
Isaiah 48:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 48:20, God commands His people to leave Babylon, symbolizing a call to escape from oppression and sin.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
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!"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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