Isaiah 24:20

KJV

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

KJV (with Strong's)

The earth {H776} shall reel {H5128} to and fro {H5128} like a drunkard {H7910}, and shall be removed {H5110} like a cottage {H4412}; and the transgression {H6588} thereof shall be heavy {H3513} upon it; and it shall fall {H5307}, and not rise {H6965} again {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The earth staggers to and fro like a drunk, sways back and forth like a watchman's shelter; its transgression weighs heavy upon it; it will fall and not rise again.

Berean Standard Bible

The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a shack. Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again.

American Standard Version

The earth shall stagger like a drunken man, and shall sway to and fro like a hammock; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:20 vividly portrays the catastrophic impact of divine judgment upon the earth, depicting it as reeling uncontrollably and collapsing utterly under the crushing weight of human transgression. This verse is a stark prophetic declaration of the instability and ultimate demise of the present world order, which is intrinsically linked to humanity's pervasive rebellion against God, culminating in an irreversible downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:20 is situated within the "Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27), a distinct section of the book of Isaiah that shifts from specific judgments against nations (Isaiah 13-23) to a universal, cosmic judgment upon the entire earth and its inhabitants. Chapter 24 specifically details the global desolation and devastation that will precede the establishment of God's kingdom. The preceding verses (Isaiah 24:1-19) describe the earth being laid waste, emptied, and polluted by its inhabitants' sin, setting the stage for the dramatic imagery of the earth's collapse in verse 20 as a direct consequence of this widespread rebellion. The chapter concludes with the Lord reigning on Mount Zion, contrasting the earth's instability with God's eternal sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the "Little Apocalypse" has eschatological dimensions, its imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern concepts of cosmic instability and divine wrath. The idea of the earth "reeling" or "shaking" was often associated with theophany or divine judgment in ancient thought, where the very foundations of creation trembled before the presence or action of God. The "cottage" (or "lodge" / "hut") refers to a flimsy, temporary structure, often used by watchmen in vineyards or fields, emphasizing the earth's transient and vulnerable nature in the face of divine power, easily removed or collapsing. The concept of "transgression" (Hebrew: _peshaʻ_) carries the weight of rebellion, a deliberate breaking of covenant or moral law, which was understood to have profound consequences not only for humanity but for the very land itself, leading to its defilement and judgment, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants") and [Numbers 35:33](/numbers/35-33 "Numbers 35:33 - Defiling the Land with Bloodshed").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over creation and His righteous response to human sin. The imagery of the earth's instability highlights the **Fragility of the Created Order** when it is defiled by human rebellion, emphasizing that the physical world is not immune to the consequences of moral corruption. Furthermore, the explicit link between the earth's collapse and "transgression" reinforces the theme of the **Cosmic Consequences of Sin**, illustrating how human sin has far-reaching effects that impact the very fabric of existence. Finally, the declaration that the earth "shall fall, and not rise again" points to the **Finality of God's Consummate Judgment**, signifying an irreversible end to the current order and foreshadowing the need for a new creation, as later described in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reel (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to waver" or "to move to and fro" in a variety of applications, both literal and figurative. It conveys a sense of instability, staggering, or being shaken. In Isaiah 24:20, its use vividly portrays the earth's uncontrolled, drunken-like lurching, emphasizing a profound disequilibrium and loss of stability, indicative of a world utterly disoriented and destabilized by divine judgment.
* **transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to revolt," _peshaʻ_ denotes a deliberate breaking of a covenant, a rebellion, or a willful sin. It is not merely a mistake but an act of defiance against God's established order and law. The verse states this transgression "shall be heavy upon it," indicating that the earth's instability is a direct, burdensome consequence of humanity's accumulated and pervasive rebellion against its Creator.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** This versatile primitive root means "to fall" in numerous applications, including literal collapse, ruin, or defeat. Here, it signifies the complete and irreversible collapse of the earth. Coupled with "and not rise again" (H6965 _qûwm_ + H3254 _yâçaph_), it underscores the finality of this judgment, implying that the current order, once fallen under the weight of sin, will not recover or be restored to its former state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard,"**: This clause introduces the primary imagery of the earth's instability. The comparison to a "drunkard" powerfully conveys a lack of control, a staggering, disoriented movement, and an inability to maintain balance. It suggests that the very foundations of the world are shaken, losing their stability and order.
* **"and shall be removed like a cottage;"**: This second simile reinforces the fragility and temporary nature of the earth. A "cottage" (or "lodge" / "hut") was a flimsy, temporary structure, easily dismantled or blown away. This imagery implies that the earth, despite its apparent solidity, is not permanent and can be easily displaced or dissolved by divine power, highlighting its vulnerability under judgment.
* **"and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it;"**: This clause reveals the cause of the earth's catastrophic state. "Transgression" (sin, rebellion) is personified as a crushing, oppressive weight that burdens the earth. It emphasizes that the earth's suffering is not arbitrary but a direct and just consequence of humanity's pervasive sin, which has defiled and corrupted the created order.
* **"and it shall fall, and not rise again."**: This final declaration pronounces the ultimate and irreversible outcome. The earth's collapse is not temporary; it is a final, decisive fall from which there will be no recovery or restoration of the old order. This signifies a complete and permanent end to the present world system under the weight of its sin and God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:20 is rich in **Simile**, using vivid comparisons to convey its message. The earth is likened to a "drunkard" to depict its uncontrolled, staggering movement, and to a "cottage" (or "hut") to emphasize its fragility and impermanence. **Personification** is also prominent, as the earth is described as reeling, being removed, and having transgression "heavy upon it," giving the inanimate world human-like actions and experiences of suffering. The phrase "transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying sin not merely as an abstract concept but as a tangible, crushing burden that physically weighs down and ultimately destroys the world. The overall tone and imagery contribute to **Apocalyptic Imagery**, employing exaggerated and dramatic language to describe a cataclysmic, universal judgment, evoking a sense of cosmic upheaval and finality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:20 is a profound theological statement on the cosmic consequences of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It teaches that human rebellion against God has far-reaching implications, not merely for individuals or nations, but for the very fabric of creation. The earth itself groans under the weight of human depravity, reflecting the brokenness introduced by the fall. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His power to bring about a complete dissolution of the current order in response to unrepentant sin. It points to a necessary end to a world corrupted by rebellion, paving the way for a new creation where righteousness dwells.

* [Isaiah 13:13](/isaiah/13-13 "Isaiah 13:13 - Shaking of Heavens and Earth"): "Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger."
* [Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26 - Shaking of Earth and Heaven"): "Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans in Travail"): "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:20 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of the ultimate instability of any system built apart from God. The imagery of the earth reeling like a drunkard and collapsing under the weight of sin challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate hope and security. If the very earth, seemingly so solid and enduring, is destined for such a dramatic and irreversible fall due to human transgression, then how much more fragile are our own lives, institutions, and aspirations when they are not anchored in the eternal truth and righteousness of God? This verse calls us to a profound humility, recognizing the destructive power of sin and the absolute necessity of living in alignment with God's will. It compels us to repent of our own transgressions and to seek refuge not in the fleeting stability of this world, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the earth "reeling like a drunkard" challenge your perception of the world's stability and permanence?**
* **In what ways do you see human "transgression" (rebellion against God) weighing heavily on our society or the natural world today?**
* **Given that the earth "shall fall, and not rise again," where are you investing your ultimate hope and security?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in a way that acknowledges the temporary nature of this world and the eternal nature of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 24:20 predict the literal destruction of the planet Earth?**

Answer: While the language is highly symbolic and apocalyptic, it points to a profound and irreversible transformation or judgment upon the current order of the earth. The phrase "it shall fall, and not rise again" signifies the end of the world as we know it, particularly as it is corrupted by sin. This does not necessarily mean the annihilation of the physical globe, but rather the complete dissolution of the existing sinful system and its replacement with a new, righteous order. Other biblical texts, such as [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth"), speak of the heavens passing away and the elements melting with fervent heat, followed by the promise of "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." So, it's less about literal annihilation and more about a purifying, transformative judgment that leads to a renewed creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:20, with its stark depiction of a world collapsing under the weight of transgression, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "transgression" that makes the earth "heavy" and causes its fall is the very sin that Jesus came to bear. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), personally carrying the crushing burden of humanity's rebellion on the cross, thereby absorbing the divine judgment that would otherwise fall upon us and the created order. While the earth described in Isaiah 24:20 is destined to "fall, and not rise again" in its corrupted state, Christ's resurrection signifies the defeat of sin and death, offering the promise of a new creation. Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new reality, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). The ultimate hope for a world free from the burden of transgression lies not in the reformation of the old order, but in the radical newness brought by Christ, culminating in the promise of [new heavens and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth") where righteousness dwells and there will be no more curse, pain, or death, because the former things have passed away through His redemptive work.

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 19:14

The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken [man] staggereth in his vomit.

Hosea 4:1

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

Hosea 4:5

Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.

Amos 8:14

They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.

Daniel 11:19

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Isaiah 29:9

¶ Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

Revelation 18:21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.