Isaiah 44:20

KJV

He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?

KJV (with Strong's)

He feedeth {H7462} on ashes {H665}: a deceived {H2048} heart {H3820} hath turned him aside {H5186}, that he cannot deliver {H5337} his soul {H5315}, nor say {H559}, Is there not a lie {H8267} in my right hand {H3225}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He is relying on ashes! A deceived heart has led him astray; so that now he won't save himself, just won't say, "This thing in my hand is a fraud!"

Berean Standard Bible

He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

American Standard Version

He feedeth on ashes; a deceived heart hath turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 44:20 delivers a scathing indictment of idolatry, vividly portraying the profound spiritual delusion and self-inflicted impotence of those who worship false gods. The verse illustrates how a heart captivated by deception consumes spiritual "ashes"—worthless pursuits that offer no true nourishment or salvation—leading to an inability to discern truth or liberate oneself from the grip of falsehood. It underscores the tragic irony of clinging to a "lie in the right hand," a self-made object of trust that offers nothing but emptiness and spiritual bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 44:20 is embedded within a powerful polemic against idolatry found in [Isaiah chapters 40-48](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40-48 - God's Sovereignty and Israel's Deliverance"), a section often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah." Following declarations of God's unmatched sovereignty and His unique ability to declare the future ([Isaiah 41:21-29](/isaiah/41-21 "Isaiah 41:21-29 - God Challenges Idols to Predict the Future")), Isaiah 44 specifically contrasts the living God with the lifelessness of idols. Verses 9-20 meticulously detail the absurd process of idol making, showing how a craftsman uses the same piece of wood for both fuel and an object of worship. This detailed exposure of the idol's origins and inherent lack of power provides the immediate backdrop for verse 20, which then focuses on the spiritual blindness and self-deception of the idolater. The prophet's aim is to underscore the utter foolishness of trusting anything other than the one true God, who alone is the Creator and Redeemer of Israel ([Isaiah 44:6-8](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6-8 - The Lord, the First and the Last")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, idol worship was pervasive. Nations surrounding Israel, such as Babylon and Assyria, had elaborate pantheons and cultic practices centered around carved images of gods. These idols were believed to embody or represent divine power and were often thought to house the spirit of a deity after specific rituals. People sought protection, prosperity, and guidance from these gods, offering sacrifices and prayers. Isaiah's critique in chapter 44 directly challenges this prevailing worldview, exposing the human effort involved in creating these "gods" and highlighting their inherent inability to see, hear, or save. The imagery of using part of a tree for fire and part for an idol would have been a common, observable reality, making the prophet's mockery particularly poignant and culturally relevant to his audience, who were constantly tempted to adopt the religious practices of their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it amplifies the theme of **the futility and absurdity of idolatry**, demonstrating that worshipping anything other than the true God leads to spiritual emptiness and a wasted life, symbolized by "feeding on ashes." Secondly, it highlights the profound **spiritual blindness and deception** that afflicts the human heart when it turns away from divine truth. The "deceived heart" is not merely mistaken but actively misled, preventing the idolater from recognizing the obvious "lie" they embrace. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing humanity's propensity for self-deception apart from God's revelation ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **inability of idols (and anything other than God) to deliver or save**. The idolater "cannot deliver his soul," emphasizing that true salvation and liberation come only from the sovereign Lord, a foundational truth proclaimed repeatedly by Isaiah ([Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God Alone is Savior")). Finally, it speaks to the **stubborn adherence to delusion**, where the idolater is so committed to their false belief that they cannot even question the "lie in my right hand," symbolizing their firm grasp on a destructive falsehood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashes (Hebrew, _ʼêpher'_):** This term (H665) refers to the residue of burnt material, symbolizing utter worthlessness, desolation, or that which offers no sustenance. In the context of idolatry, it powerfully conveys the emptiness and futility of worshipping false gods, as they provide no spiritual nourishment or lasting benefit. Just as physical ashes cannot sustain life, spiritual "ashes" leave the soul starved and unfulfilled.
* **Deceived (Hebrew, _hâthal'_):** Derived from H2048, this root means "to deride," "to cheat," or "to deal deceitfully." Here, it describes a heart that has been thoroughly misled, not merely mistaken, but actively deluded by falsehood. This deception is so profound that it distorts perception and judgment, rendering the idolater incapable of seeing the truth about their chosen object of worship.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** This word (H8267) denotes an untruth, falsehood, or sham. In this verse, it refers to the idol itself, which is a deceptive fabrication, a false promise of power or protection. The idolater's inability to acknowledge this "lie in my right hand" highlights their deep-seated spiritual blindness and commitment to a delusion, even when confronted with its inherent emptiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He feedeth on ashes":** This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to describe the spiritual diet of the idolater. Just as physical ashes provide no nourishment and represent decay and waste, the worship of idols yields no true spiritual sustenance, life, or satisfaction for the human soul. It signifies a life consumed by worthless pursuits, offering no lasting fulfillment or genuine benefit.
* **"a deceived heart hath turned him aside":** This identifies the root cause of the idolater's predicament: an internal spiritual condition where the heart has been profoundly misled and has veered off the path of truth. The deception is not merely external but deeply ingrained, a willful or unwitting embrace of falsehood that distorts their perception of reality, of God, and of themselves. The heart, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, is fundamentally compromised.
* **"that he cannot deliver his soul":** This clause reveals the tragic consequence of the deceived heart. The idolater, relying on powerless objects or concepts, is utterly incapable of saving themselves from the consequences of their spiritual choices, from the bondage of sin, or from ultimate judgment. Idols, being inanimate or illusory, possess no power to provide salvation, protection, or genuine liberation for the inner self.
* **"nor say, [Is there] not a lie in my right hand?":** This final, poignant question underscores the extreme depth of the idolater's delusion and spiritual blindness. They are so entrenched in their error, so committed to their false belief, that they cannot even bring themselves to question the validity of what they hold dear and trust. The "right hand" symbolizes strength, possession, and commitment, indicating a firm, unyielding grasp on a profound falsehood, to the point of being unable to acknowledge its deceptive nature.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 44:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "He feedeth on ashes," which vividly depicts the spiritual emptiness and lack of nourishment derived from idolatry. Ashes, the residue of destruction, symbolize futility and worthlessness, contrasting sharply with the life-giving sustenance offered by the true God. **Symbolism** is also evident in "right hand," which traditionally signifies strength, possession, and commitment. The "lie in my right hand" thus symbolizes the idolater's firm, unwavering grip on a fundamental falsehood. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in the idolater's situation: despite expending effort to create and worship an idol for security or blessing, they are ultimately rendered powerless and unable to save themselves or even recognize their own delusion. The very object of their trust becomes the source of their spiritual bondage and blindness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 44:20 serves as a timeless theological warning against the human propensity to worship created things rather than the Creator. It reveals that idolatry, whether overt or subtle, is fundamentally a spiritual deception that leads to a profound inability to discern truth, find genuine sustenance, or achieve true liberation. The "deceived heart" is a critical theological concept, highlighting humanity's fallen condition and its inherent tendency to suppress truth and embrace falsehood. This verse underscores God's unique sovereignty and His sole claim as the source of life, truth, and salvation, contrasting His infinite power with the utter impotence of anything created or imagined by human hands. The inability to "deliver his soul" points to the universal human need for a divine deliverer, a theme that culminates in the New Testament.

* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - Humanity's Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")
* [1 John 5:21](/1_john/5-21 "1 John 5:21 - Keep Yourselves from Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While ancient Israel faced literal idol worship, the message of Isaiah 44:20 remains profoundly relevant for every generation. Modern idolatry often takes more subtle forms, manifesting as the worship of money, power, fame, self, technology, political ideologies, or even relationships, where these things become the primary source of one's hope, security, identity, or ultimate satisfaction. This verse serves as a powerful warning against any pursuit that promises fulfillment but ultimately provides spiritual "ashes"—leaving the soul starved and empty. It calls believers to engage in honest self-examination, asking what truly occupies the throne of their hearts and what they "feed" their souls with. Are we so deceived by cultural narratives, personal ambitions, or misplaced trusts that we cannot discern the "lie in our right hand"—the false promises or deceptive comforts that prevent us from fully relying on the true God? The commentary reminds us of the critical need for spiritual discernment, the constant vigilance against subtle forms of idolatry, and the liberating truth that only God can truly satisfy, deliver, and bring genuine life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ashes" might I be "feeding on" in my own life, seeking nourishment or satisfaction from sources other than God?**
* **In what areas might my heart be "deceived," preventing me from seeing truth or acknowledging a "lie in my right hand"?**
* **What are the modern-day "idols" that compete for my ultimate allegiance, trust, and worship?**
* **How does the inability of the idolater to "deliver his soul" highlight my own need for God's salvation and intervention?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and ensure my trust is solely in the living God?**

### FAQ
**What does "He feedeth on ashes" mean metaphorically for us today?**

Answer: Metaphorically, "feeding on ashes" means seeking spiritual nourishment, satisfaction, or security from things that are ultimately worthless, empty, and incapable of providing true life. In a contemporary context, this could refer to pursuing wealth, power, fame, self-gratification, or even relationships as ultimate sources of meaning, rather than finding them in God. Just as ashes offer no sustenance, these pursuits, when elevated to an idolatrous status, leave the soul spiritually starved and unfulfilled. It's a warning against investing our lives in that which cannot truly sustain us, leading to a profound sense of emptiness, as described in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity").

**How does a "deceived heart" manifest in modern life, and how can one guard against it?**

Answer: A "deceived heart" manifests today when individuals or communities embrace ideologies, values, or practices that contradict God's truth, believing them to be good or beneficial when they are, in fact, destructive. This can include self-deception about one's own motives, the embrace of cultural narratives that deny objective truth, or a refusal to acknowledge personal sin. Guarding against a deceived heart requires a commitment to God's Word as the ultimate standard of truth ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")), consistent prayer for discernment, humble self-examination, and accountability within a believing community. It involves actively seeking the Spirit's guidance to expose falsehood and lead into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides Into All Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 44:20, with its stark depiction of spiritual blindness and the futility of idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The idolater's tragic inability to "deliver his soul" points directly to the universal human condition of being lost in sin, utterly incapable of self-salvation. It is precisely into this desperate reality that Christ enters, becoming the only true Deliverer and Redeemer. Unlike the lifeless idols that offer only "ashes," Jesus is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering true spiritual nourishment and eternal satisfaction. The "deceived heart" that turns aside from truth is transformed by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, who gives a new heart and a new spirit, enabling true discernment and a turning from falsehood to the living God ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Furthermore, the "lie in my right hand" represents humanity's firm grasp on false saviors and deceptive promises; in Christ, we are called to release these empty idols and instead "take up our cross" ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me")), holding fast to the truth that Jesus alone is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, the spiritual blindness is healed, the deception is broken, and true liberation for the soul is found, as He alone is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Hosea 12:1

¶ Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

Psalms 102:9

For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Job 15:31

Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

Romans 1:25

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Hosea 4:12

¶ My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused [them] to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.