Isaiah 29:20

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָפֵ֥ס is brought to nought H656
אָפֵ֥ס is brought to nought
Strong's: H656
Word #: 2 of 9
to disappear, i.e., cease
עָרִ֖יץ For the terrible one H6184
עָרִ֖יץ For the terrible one
Strong's: H6184
Word #: 3 of 9
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
וְכָ֣לָה is consumed H3615
וְכָ֣לָה is consumed
Strong's: H3615
Word #: 4 of 9
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לֵ֑ץ and the scorner H3887
לֵ֑ץ and the scorner
Strong's: H3887
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
וְנִכְרְת֖וּ are cut off H3772
וְנִכְרְת֖וּ are cut off
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 6 of 9
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁ֥קְדֵי and all that watch H8245
שֹׁ֥קְדֵי and all that watch
Strong's: H8245
Word #: 8 of 9
to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)
אָֽוֶן׃ for iniquity H205
אָֽוֶן׃ for iniquity
Strong's: H205
Word #: 9 of 9
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis & Commentary

For the terrible one is brought to nought (כִּי־אָפֵס עָרִיץ, ki-afes arits)—the עָרִיץ (arits, ruthless one, tyrant) is אָפֵס (afes, brought to nought, ceases, ends). And the scorner is consumed (וְכָלָה לֵץ, vekhalah lets)—the לֵץ (lets, scoffer, mocker) is כָּלָה (kalah, finished, consumed). And all that watch for iniquity are cut off (וְנִכְרְתוּ כָּל־שֹׁקְדֵי אָוֶן, venikhrethu khol-shoqdey aven)—all who שָׁקַד (shaqad, watch eagerly, are alert) for אָוֶן (aven, iniquity, wickedness) are כָּרַת (karat, cut off, destroyed).

The Messianic age brings not only blessing for the humble (v. 19) but judgment on oppressors. The 'terrible one' who terrorized God's people—whether Assyrian invaders, corrupt leaders, or Satan himself—will be finished. Mockers who ridiculed faith will be silenced. Those watching for opportunities to commit evil, alert for advantageous wickedness, will be cut off. This is comprehensive justice, vindicating the oppressed and punishing oppressors. Revelation 20-21 depicts this final division: new heavens and earth for the redeemed, lake of fire for the wicked.

Historical Context

Throughout redemptive history, tyrants arose: Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Antiochus Epiphanes, Herod, Nero—each 'terrible one' ultimately brought to nought. Scorners mocked prophets, apostles, martyrs—yet all such mockers now face judgment. The pattern anticipates final judgment when all evil is consumed (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, Revelation 20:11-15).

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People