Old Testament
Isaiah 5:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse warns against the dangerous practice of reversing moral values.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
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!
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!
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related depression.
Related topics
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.