Isaiah 1:20 web — but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

World English Bible

"but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.""

— Isaiah 1:20, World English Bible

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Isaiah 1:20 in Other Translations

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Isaiah 1 — Context

17

Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow."

18

"Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

20

but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

21

How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers.

22

Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water.

23

Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don't judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them.

Isaiah 1:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Isaiah 1:20 say?
Isaiah 1:20 in the World English Bible reads: “but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."”
Where is Isaiah 1:20 in the Bible?
Isaiah 1:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 1, verse 20.
Who wrote Isaiah?
Isaiah is traditionally attributed to Isaiah son of Amoz. Many critical scholars propose multiple authors ("Deutero-" and "Trito-Isaiah") for chapters 40–66; conservative scholarship holds to single Isaianic authorship. It was written c. 740–680 BC.
What is the book of Isaiah about?
Isaiah is the most quoted prophet in the New Testament — a sweeping vision of God's holiness, Judah's sin, coming judgment, and a promised Servant who would bear the iniquity of many. From "Holy, holy, holy" to "by his stripes we are healed," Isaiah speaks the gospel before the gospel.
What are the major themes of Isaiah?
Isaiah explores themes including Holiness, Judgment, Servant of the LORD, Hope, Salvation, Restoration. These themes shape the meaning and context of Isaiah 1:20.
What translation should I read Isaiah 1:20 in?
Isaiah 1:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Isaiah 1:20?
Isaiah 1:20 reads (WEB): “but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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