Old Testament
Isaiah 5:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who make bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter!
Compare translations
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
What Isaiah 5:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns against the dangerous practice of reversing moral values. It highlights how some people confuse right and wrong, calling what is evil 'good' and what is good 'evil.' This distortion leads to a society where darkness is seen as light and bitterness as sweetness. Such a mindset can corrupt individuals and communities, leading them away from truth and righteousness. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder that moral clarity is essential for a healthy society. When people fail to recognize true goodness and evil, they risk falling into chaos and destruction. The use of contrasting images—darkness and light, bitter and sweet—emphasizes the seriousness of this moral confusion. It calls for self-examination and a commitment to uphold true values, encouraging believers to discern and promote what is genuinely good and right in their lives and communities.
How to apply Isaiah 5:20 to your life
To apply this verse, we should strive to recognize and uphold true moral values in our lives. This means being vigilant about our own beliefs and actions, ensuring we do not fall into the trap of justifying wrong behavior. We can also encourage others to seek truth and clarity in their moral decisions, fostering a community grounded in righteousness.
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 5:20
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 5:20
Related Bible verses
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 5:20 mean by calling evil good?
Isaiah 5:20 warns against the moral confusion where individuals or society label immoral actions as acceptable or good. This reversal of values can lead to a distorted understanding of right and wrong, resulting in harmful behaviors being normalized. The verse serves as a reminder to maintain clarity in moral judgment and to recognize true goodness.
How can we avoid moral confusion in our lives?
To avoid moral confusion, it's essential to engage in self-reflection and seek guidance from trusted sources, such as scripture, wise mentors, or community discussions. Regularly examining our beliefs and actions against established moral standards can help us discern right from wrong. Additionally, fostering open conversations about ethics and values with others can strengthen our understanding and commitment to true goodness.
What are the consequences of calling good evil and evil good?
The consequences of reversing moral values can be severe, leading to societal decay and chaos. When good is labeled as evil, individuals may feel justified in engaging in harmful behaviors, eroding trust and integrity within communities. This moral confusion can result in a loss of direction, where people stray from truth and righteousness, ultimately harming both individuals and society as a whole.
How does Isaiah 5:20 relate to today's society?
Isaiah 5:20 is highly relevant today as many people grapple with moral ambiguity and conflicting values. Issues such as social justice, ethics in business, and personal conduct often see individuals and groups labeling actions in ways that contradict traditional moral teachings. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to critically evaluate our values and the messages we promote in society, encouraging a return to clear moral standards.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.