Isaiah 1:20
But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
וּמְרִיתֶ֑ם
and rebel
H4784
וּמְרִיתֶ֑ם
and rebel
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
3 of 9
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
חֶ֣רֶב
with the sword
H2719
חֶ֣רֶב
with the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 9
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פִּ֥י
for the mouth
H6310
פִּ֥י
for the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Isaiah 58:14Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Isaiah 65:12Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?Isaiah 3:25Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.Leviticus 26:33And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.Micah 4:4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Historical Context
Within decades, Assyria would devastate Judah (701 BC), and Babylon would later complete the judgment (586 BC). Isaiah's prophecy proved tragically accurate, vindicating God's faithfulness to both promise and warning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of God's word shape our response to both His promises and warnings?
- What modern forms of rebellion might invite divine discipline in our lives or churches?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The stark alternative—'devoured with the sword'—underscores covenant curses for rebellion (Leviticus 26:25; Deuteronomy 28:49-52). The phrase 'the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it' authenticates the prophecy with divine authority, guaranteeing its fulfillment. God's word is performative; His decrees accomplish their purpose (Isaiah 55:11). This warns that persistent covenant unfaithfulness invites divine judgment, a theme fulfilled in the Babylonian exile.