Isaiah 20:4

KJV

So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} lead away {H5090} the Egyptians {H4714} prisoners {H7628}, and the Ethiopians {H3568} captives {H1546}, young {H5288} and old {H2205}, naked {H6174} and barefoot {H3182}, even with their buttocks {H8357} uncovered {H2834}, to the shame {H6172} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so will the king of Ashur lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, unclothed and barefoot, with their buttocks exposed, to the shame of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.

American Standard Version

so shall the king of Assyria lead away the captives of Egypt, and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 20:4 concludes a powerful prophetic sign, vividly depicting the future humiliation and captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush) at the hands of the Assyrian empire. This verse serves as a stark warning to Judah, who was tempted to rely on these nations for protection against Assyria, illustrating the futility of trusting in human alliances rather than the sovereign power of God. The graphic imagery of captives led away naked and barefoot underscores the profound shame and loss of dignity awaiting those who place their confidence in earthly strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 20:4 is the culminating statement of a dramatic prophetic act performed by Isaiah himself. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 20:2-3](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2-3 - Isaiah's Symbolic Nakedness"), describe the prophet walking "naked and barefoot" for three years as a sign and a wonder. This highly unusual and personally humiliating public display was not merely a performance but a tangible, living parable designed to convey the certainty and severity of the impending judgment. Verse 4 explicitly interprets this symbolic act, revealing that Isaiah's nakedness foreshadowed the exact manner in which the Egyptians and Ethiopians would be led into captivity by the king of Assyria. This chapter is strategically placed within a section of Isaiah's prophecies concerning foreign nations (chapters 13-23), particularly those addressing the dangers of trusting in alliances with powerful but ultimately unreliable nations like Egypt, a recurring theme throughout the book, as seen in [Isaiah 30](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Isaiah 31](/isaiah/31 "Isaiah 31 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 20 is set against the backdrop of the Assyrian Empire's relentless expansion in the late 8th century BCE. Specifically, [Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - The Year of Tartan's Siege of Ashdod") mentions the year "that Tartan came unto Ashdod," referring to Sargon II's general leading a campaign against the Philistine city of Ashdod around 711 BCE. This campaign was part of Assyria's broader strategy to secure its western frontier and prevent anti-Assyrian coalitions, often instigated or supported by Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia). Judah, caught between these superpowers, frequently wavered in its loyalty, tempted to seek military aid from Egypt against Assyria. The practice of leading captives away naked and barefoot was a common, deliberate, and profoundly humiliating tactic employed by ancient Near Eastern conquerors, including the Assyrians. It was designed to utterly dehumanize the vanquished, stripping them of all dignity, status, and self-respect, thereby breaking their spirit and serving as a terrifying warning to others.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. First, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over nations and His willingness to bring even the proudest empires to their knees. The graphic depiction of shame serves as a severe warning against rebellion and misplaced trust. Second, it underscores the **Futility of Earthly Alliances**. Judah's repeated temptation to rely on Egypt and Cush, rather than the Lord, is a central concern for Isaiah. This prophecy unequivocally shows that if these powerful nations themselves are reduced to such abject disgrace, they are utterly incapable of providing true security or deliverance to others, reinforcing the message of [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help"). Third, the chapter exemplifies **Prophetic Fulfillment**. Isaiah's three-year symbolic act was not merely a dramatic performance but a concrete, observable prediction of future events. The specific and vivid details in verse 4 confirm the accuracy and certainty of God's prophetic word, even when it foretells harsh and humiliating realities, thereby validating Isaiah's authority as a true prophet of Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lead away (Hebrew, _nâhag'_):** This primitive root (H5090) means "to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), i.e. lead, carry away." It can also reflexively mean "to proceed" or "to sigh" (from effort). In this context, it emphasizes the forceful, involuntary nature of the movement, highlighting the complete lack of agency and control on the part of the Egyptians and Ethiopians. They are not willingly going but are being driven like livestock, a further indignity.
* **naked (Hebrew, _ʻârôwm'_):** This word (H6174) describes a state of being "nude, either partially or totally." While "naked" might imply complete unclothedness, in ancient contexts, it often referred to being stripped of outer garments, leaving only undergarments or nothing at all. The emphasis is on vulnerability, exposure, and the stripping away of social status and protection. It is a visual representation of utter destitution and public shame.
* **shame (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bare," this feminine noun (H6172) primarily signifies "nudity," especially the "pudenda." Figuratively, it refers to "disgrace" or "blemish." In Isaiah 20:4, it encapsulates the profound dishonor, humiliation, and public disgrace inflicted upon the captives. It's not just physical nakedness but the moral and social degradation that accompanies such exposure, signifying the complete loss of national pride and honor for Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives":** This clause directly states the agent and the victims of the impending judgment. The "king of Assyria" (likely Sargon II or Sennacherib, his successor) is God's instrument of judgment. "Egyptians" and "Ethiopians" (Cushites) are identified as the targets, specifically as "prisoners" (H7628, _shᵉbîy_) and "captives" (H1546, _gâlûwth_), terms that denote a state of being forcibly exiled and enslaved, stripped of their freedom and sovereignty. This immediately establishes the dire fate awaiting these powerful nations, undermining any hope Judah might place in them.
* **"young and old, naked and barefoot":** This part specifies the universality and severity of the captivity. "Young and old" indicates that no one will be spared, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the defeat. The phrase "naked and barefoot" is a vivid, humiliating description of the captives' state. It signifies complete destitution, vulnerability, and public exposure. In a culture where clothing denoted status and protection, being stripped and unshod was the ultimate symbol of degradation and loss of identity.
* **"even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt":** This final, graphic detail intensifies the imagery of humiliation. The uncovering of "buttocks" (H8357, _shêthâh_) refers to the most private parts of the body being exposed, a deliberate act of public shaming and dehumanization. This level of exposure was designed to inflict maximum psychological and emotional trauma, reducing once-proud individuals and nations to objects of ridicule and contempt. The phrase "to the shame of Egypt" (H6172, _ʻervâh_) explicitly states the intended outcome: not just defeat, but profound, lasting disgrace that would serve as a warning to all who witnessed or heard of it.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 20:4 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey its message, painting a vivid and disturbing picture of the captives' plight. The description of "naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered" is a grotesque and unforgettable visual designed to evoke revulsion and pity, highlighting the extreme degradation inflicted by the Assyrians. This imagery is deeply rooted in **Symbolism**, as Isaiah's own three-year act of walking naked and barefoot ([Isaiah 20:2](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2 - Isaiah's Symbolic Act")) serves as a living prophecy, a tangible representation of the future fate of Egypt and Ethiopia. The public exposure symbolizes not just physical nakedness but the stripping away of national pride, power, and dignity. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and the rise and fall of nations. The precise and humiliating details lend credibility to the prophetic word, underscoring its certainty and the futility of resisting God's plan or relying on human strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 20:4 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human affairs. It reveals that even the most formidable earthly powers are mere instruments in His hand, subject to His judgment and used to accomplish His purposes. The humiliation of Egypt and Ethiopia serves as a stark warning against misplaced trust, emphasizing that true security and deliverance are found only in reliance upon the Lord, not in the strength of human alliances or military might. This passage underscores the serious consequences of national pride and rebellion against divine wisdom, demonstrating that God will bring low those who exalt themselves or lead His people astray by false hopes. Ultimately, it calls for a radical reorientation of faith, from dependence on the visible and temporary to the invisible and eternal God.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns from the LORD.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 20:4, though depicting a harsh historical reality, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. In a world that constantly tempts us to rely on financial stability, political power, personal achievements, or human relationships, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that all earthly strengths are ultimately fleeting and fallible. Just as Egypt and Ethiopia's might proved useless against Assyria, so too can our misplaced reliance on temporary or worldly solutions lead to disappointment, spiritual vulnerability, and a profound sense of "nakedness" when those foundations crumble. The passage urges us to cultivate a deep and unwavering dependence on God's providence and His sovereign control over all circumstances. It calls us to humility, acknowledging that true strength and dignity come from being clothed in Christ's righteousness and trusting in His unfailing power. When we confront our own spiritual "nakedness" and the futility of self-reliance, we are driven to seek our covering and security in the Lord alone, finding true peace and resilience in His unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security in life (e.g., career, finances, relationships, personal abilities) rather than in God?**
* **How might I be spiritually "naked" or vulnerable due to misplaced trust or self-reliance?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be re-aligned to place God's sovereignty and provision at the center?**
* **How does the graphic imagery of humiliation in this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and the consequences of rebellion?**

### FAQ

**Why did Isaiah perform such a humiliating act for three years?**

Answer: Isaiah's act of walking "naked and barefoot" ([Isaiah 20:2](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2 - Isaiah's Symbolic Act")) was a prophetic sign, a living parable designed by God to vividly illustrate the future fate of Egypt and Ethiopia. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such public exposure was the ultimate form of humiliation and degradation for captives. By embodying this disgrace himself, Isaiah made the prophecy undeniably clear and impactful, demonstrating the certainty and severity of the impending judgment. It was a powerful, tangible warning to Judah not to place their trust in these nations, as their own strength would prove useless against Assyria.

**What was the significance of "naked and barefoot" in ancient times, beyond mere lack of clothing?**

Answer: In the ancient world, clothing was a significant marker of status, honor, and protection. To be "naked" (stripped of outer garments, often leaving only undergarments or nothing at all) and "barefoot" was a deliberate act of dehumanization. It signified complete destitution, vulnerability, and public shame. Captives were often paraded in this manner to break their spirit, strip them of all dignity, and serve as a terrifying spectacle for others. It was a visual representation of utter defeat, loss of power, and the complete absence of self-respect, designed to crush the will of the conquered and deter resistance.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character and His dealings with nations?**

Answer: This prophecy powerfully reveals God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human history. It demonstrates that He uses even pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His judgment to fulfill His purposes. While the scene is harsh, it underscores God's justice in holding nations accountable for their pride, idolatry, and reliance on human strength over divine wisdom. It also highlights His faithfulness to His covenant people by warning them against dangerous alliances, urging them to place their trust solely in Him. Ultimately, it shows that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to bring about His perfect will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 20:4 depicts the shame and judgment of nations, it ultimately points forward to the profound reversal of shame and the source of true security found in Jesus Christ. The "nakedness" and "shame" described here represent the utter vulnerability and disgrace that humanity experiences under the weight of sin and judgment. Yet, Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily embraced ultimate shame and exposure on the cross, becoming "naked" for us so that we might be clothed in His righteousness. He endured the public humiliation, the stripping away of dignity, and the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law")) to deliver us from our spiritual nakedness and the shame of sin. Where earthly alliances proved futile and led to disgrace, Christ offers an unbreakable covenant and an eternal refuge. He is the one in whom we can place our absolute trust, for He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of kings and Lord of lords"), whose kingdom will never be led away captive or put to shame. Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only covers our nakedness but also triumphs over every power and authority that seeks to enslave or humiliate us, leading us not into captivity, but into glorious freedom and eternal honor ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over them by the cross")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 19:4

And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 13:22

¶ And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, [and] thy heels made bare.

Jeremiah 13:26

Therefore will I discover thy skirts upon thy face, that thy shame may appear.

Isaiah 3:17

Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.

Isaiah 47:3

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet [thee as] a man.

Micah 1:11

Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.

Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.