Isaiah 29:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For the terrible one {H6184} is brought to nought {H656}, and the scorner {H3887} is consumed {H3615}, and all that watch {H8245} for iniquity {H205} are cut off {H3772}:

Complete Jewish Bible

for the tyrant is now nothing, the scoffer is finished, and all alert to do evil are cut off

Berean Standard Bible

For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—

American Standard Version

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scoffer ceaseth, and all they that watch for iniquity are cut off;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:20 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration of God's decisive and comprehensive judgment against all forms of wickedness and opposition to His righteous rule. It unequivocally states the complete nullification of the oppressor, the total consumption of the mocker, and the definitive cutting off of those who diligently plot evil. This verse signals a radical and necessary shift from a state of injustice and spiritual rebellion to a future era of divine justice and restoration, serving as a foundational promise that no human power or malicious intent can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan for redemption and the establishment of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that primarily addresses Jerusalem, symbolically called "Ariel" in [Isaiah 29:1-2](/isaiah/29-1-2 "Isaiah 29:1-2 - Woe to Ariel"). The preceding verses ([Isaiah 29:9-16](/isaiah/29-9-16 "Isaiah 29:9-16 - Spiritual Blindness and Hypocrisy")) detail a severe indictment against Jerusalem for its spiritual stupor, blindness, hypocrisy, and its misplaced reliance on human wisdom and political alliances rather than on the Lord. Their worship is described as mere lip-service, with hearts far removed from God. However, [Isaiah 29:17-24](/isaiah/29-17-24 "Isaiah 29:17-24 - Restoration and Transformation") marks a dramatic transition from pronouncements of judgment to glorious promises of restoration and transformation. Verse 20 acts as a critical pivot point within this transition, describing the necessary removal of the wicked as a prerequisite for the coming era of righteousness and peace, where the deaf will hear, the blind will see, and the humble will rejoice in the Lord, as promised in [Isaiah 29:18-19](/isaiah/29-18-19 "Isaiah 29:18-19 - The Redeemed Will See and Hear"). This divine cleansing paves the way for the redemption of Jacob's house and their recognition of the Holy One of Israel, as depicted in [Isaiah 29:22-24](/isaiah/29-22-24 "Isaiah 29:22-24 - Jacob's Redemption and Understanding").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during a tumultuous 8th century BC, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah. This period was dominated by the formidable and expanding threat of the Assyrian Empire, which systematically conquered surrounding nations and posed an existential danger to Judah's sovereignty. Culturally, Judah wrestled with pervasive syncretism, adopting foreign religious practices, and widespread social injustice, where the powerful routinely oppressed the vulnerable. The "terrible one," "scorner," and "those who watch for iniquity" likely refer to a dual threat: both external oppressors like the Assyrians or other hostile nations, and internal corrupt leaders, false prophets, and wealthy elites within Judah who exploited the poor and mocked genuine piety. The people's persistent reliance on human strategies and alliances (e.g., with Egypt, as condemned in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Alliance with Egypt")) instead of trusting in God was a recurring theme in Isaiah's condemnations, highlighting a deep-seated spiritual malaise.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 29:20 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating God's active sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to bringing an end to evil. This aligns seamlessly with Isaiah's consistent portrayal of God as a righteous judge who will not tolerate injustice indefinitely, a truth powerfully echoed in passages like [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Holiness and Justice"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Overthrow of the Wicked and Oppressors**. The specific categories of "terrible one," "scorner," and "those who watch for iniquity" represent the multifaceted manifestations of unrighteousness—tyranny, spiritual arrogance, and malicious intent—all of which are destined for complete annihilation. This theme resonates deeply with the broader biblical principle that the way of the wicked will perish, as stated in [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Thirdly, implicitly, the verse offers **Hope and Vindication for the Oppressed**. While directly focused on the destruction of the wicked, the promise of their removal brings immense relief and assurance to those who have suffered under their tyranny and mockery. God's justice is ultimately for the sake of His people, promising a future where righteousness will prevail and the humble will rejoice, as promised in [Isaiah 29:19](/isaiah/29-19 "Isaiah 29:19 - Joy of the Humble").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **terrible one (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** This word (H6184) denotes someone who is fearful, powerful, tyrannical, mighty, or an oppressor. It describes a ruthless individual or force that inspires dread and exercises oppressive power. In the context of Isaiah, it often refers to foreign invaders like the Assyrians, but can also encompass any powerful entity that acts unjustly and violently against God's people or His righteous order, causing terror and subjugation.
* **scorner (Hebrew, _lûwts'_):** Rendered "scorner" (H3887), this term signifies someone who mocks, ridicules, or scoffs. It implies a person who is arrogant, dismissive of wisdom, and often contemptuous of divine truth, moral authority, or the warnings of God's prophets. The scorner is not merely ignorant but actively disdains correction and revels in their own perceived superiority, often leading others astray through their cynicism and defiance.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** Translated "iniquity" (H205), this word carries a rich semantic range, including nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, and specifically an idol. It refers to evil that is empty, futile, and ultimately leads to ruin. When combined with "watch" (H8245, _shâqad_), "watch for iniquity" describes those who are diligent, vigilant, or actively planning and seeking opportunities for wickedness, deceit, or injustice, rather than merely falling into sin. Their very purpose is aligned with malevolence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the terrible one is brought to nought":** This opening clause declares the complete nullification and disappearance of the oppressive, tyrannical power. The Hebrew verb for "brought to nought" (H656, _ʼâphêç_) implies a cessation, an end, or being clean gone, emphasizing that the oppressor's might and influence will utterly vanish. This is a definitive promise of divine intervention against those who wield power unjustly, ensuring their eventual and absolute demise.
* **"and the scorner is consumed":** Here, the one who mocks and ridicules divine truth and righteousness faces a definitive end. The term "consumed" (H3615, _kâlâh_) indicates a total destruction or termination, suggesting that the scorner's arrogant defiance and contempt will lead to their complete undoing. Their influence, their words, and their very existence will be brought to an absolute close by God's righteous judgment, leaving no trace of their mockery.
* **"and all that watch for iniquity are cut off":** This final clause targets those who actively plot, plan, and diligently seek out opportunities for evil and injustice. To be "cut off" (H3772, _kârath_) implies a severing, a destruction, or a complete removal. It signifies that those who are vigilant in their pursuit of wickedness—those who scheme and lie in wait for opportunities to do wrong—will be decisively separated from the land of the living and from any sphere of influence, ensuring that their malicious schemes will cease and their presence will be eradicated.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment with striking clarity and force. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where each of the three clauses expresses a similar idea of divine judgment and the comprehensive destruction of the wicked, but with distinct subjects and verbs: "terrible one... brought to nought," "scorner... consumed," and "all that watch for iniquity... cut off." This tripartite structure and repetition powerfully reinforce the certainty, comprehensiveness, and finality of God's action. The use of distinct categories of wicked individuals—the oppressor, the mocker, and the schemer of evil—creates a sense of **Merism**, implying that all forms of unrighteousness, from overt tyranny and physical oppression to subtle malice and spiritual contempt, will be dealt with by God. The strong, active verbs "brought to nought," "consumed," and "cut off" convey the **Forcefulness and Irreversibility** of God's judgment, leaving no room for doubt about the ultimate, absolute fate of the wicked. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the absolute nature of the destruction, emphasizing that the wicked will be utterly removed, their power and influence completely eradicated from the earth, highlighting the totality of divine victory over evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:20 profoundly speaks to the nature of God as a righteous, active, and sovereign judge who intervenes decisively in human history to uphold justice. It reveals that evil, in all its manifestations—whether oppressive power, arrogant scoffing, or malicious plotting—has a finite lifespan and will ultimately be eradicated by divine decree. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to the oppressed, reminding them that their suffering is seen and will be vindicated, and it serves as a stark warning to the ungodly that their temporary power is no match for the eternal purposes of God. The verse underscores the biblical principle that God's kingdom is one of righteousness and peace, and its full establishment necessitates the removal of all that opposes it, paving the way for a new era of divine order.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "The Way of the Ungodly Perishes")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "God is a Righteous Judge")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:20 offers both a profound source of comfort and a sober call to rigorous self-examination for believers today. In a world often characterized by pervasive injustice, systemic oppression, and widespread cynicism, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither passive nor indifferent. He intimately sees the "terrible one," clearly hears the "scorner," and fully knows those who "watch for iniquity." His unwavering promise to bring them to nought, consume them, and cut them off provides a powerful assurance that evil, despite its apparent strength, does not and will not have the final word. This truth should cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's ultimate justice and encourage us to persevere steadfastly in righteousness, even when the wicked seem to prosper or when the path of integrity feels difficult. Simultaneously, the verse functions as a stark and necessary warning: we must diligently examine our own hearts and actions to ensure that we are not, even subtly, embodying the very characteristics it condemns. Are there ways in which we might be oppressive in our words or actions, perhaps in positions of authority or influence? Do we ever mock truth, spiritual things, or those who genuinely seek God? Do we harbor malicious intent or plot harm against others, even in our thoughts? This passage calls us to a radical alignment of our lives with God's holy character, compelling us to live justly, speak truth with grace, and actively seek the good of others, knowing that the path of wickedness leads to certain and devastating destruction, while the path of righteousness leads to eternal life and flourishing in God's glorious presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's judgment against the "terrible one" bring comfort or hope to you personally in the face of injustice and oppression prevalent in the world today?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might we, as individuals or communities, inadvertently exhibit characteristics of the "scorner" or "one who watches for iniquity" in our own lives, attitudes, or interactions?**
* **What specific, practical steps can we take this week to live in a way that more fully reflects God's justice and righteousness, actively countering the patterns of the world condemned in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all wicked people will literally be annihilated?**

Answer: While the language of "brought to nought," "consumed," and "cut off" is indeed strong and implies complete destruction, it is important to interpret this within the broader biblical context of divine judgment. This can refer to the complete removal of their power, influence, and ability to oppress, as well as their ultimate spiritual and physical demise. In the Old Testament, "cut off" often meant exclusion from the covenant community or premature death, signifying a loss of blessing and a severing of connection with God's people and His purposes. Ultimately, it points to the definitive end of all unrighteousness and those who persist in it, ensuring that God's righteous kingdom will prevail. The New Testament further clarifies this ultimate judgment, speaking of eternal separation from God's presence for the unrighteous, as seen in [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14-15 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Second Death and Lake of Fire"), which describes the "second death" for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 29:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of God's judgment against specific forms of wickedness, Christ's first coming inaugurated the decisive defeat of the ultimate "terrible one"—Satan, the oppressor of humanity, and the "scorner" of God's truth. Through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who came specifically to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Works")), effectively bringing to nought the dominion of sin and death. Furthermore, Christ's promised second coming will bring the final, complete consumption and cutting off of all who oppose God, including those who watch for iniquity and persist in their rebellion against His righteous rule. He will return as the righteous judge, executing perfect justice and establishing His eternal kingdom where "the former things have passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). Thus, Isaiah 29:20 is a powerful prophetic glimpse into the comprehensive victory of God over all evil, a victory fully realized and guaranteed through the redemptive work and future glorious return of Jesus Christ, the King of righteousness and Lord of all.

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

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Isaiah 28:14

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:22

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

Isaiah 29:5

Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones [shall be] as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.

Luke 16:14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Isaiah 13:3

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.