Isaiah 20:2 Meaning and Explanation
“At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD commands Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and shoes, and to walk naked and barefoot as a sign.
The Context of Isaiah 20:2
The LORD commands Isaiah to perform a sign act: removing sackcloth and walking barefoot and partially clothed.
What Does Isaiah 20:2 Mean?
God directly speaks to Isaiah and gives him a symbolic action to perform. Sackcloth was worn as a sign of mourning or distress; removing it and walking naked was radical and deeply shameful in ancient Near Eastern culture. This was not a literal stripping but a dramatic performance that would draw immediate attention and demand explanation from those who saw it.
By obeying immediately, Isaiah becomes a living sign—a walking prophecy that confronted Jerusalem's leaders and people. The prophet subjected himself to shame and vulnerability to deliver God's message. This extreme obedience demonstrated the seriousness of the coming judgment and the need for Judah to trust in the LORD rather than military allies.
Isaiah 20:2 in the Original Language
ʿārôm (עָרוֹם), 'naked'—a state of vulnerability and shame used symbolically to prefigure the coming captivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 20:2
What does Isaiah 20:2 mean?
The LORD commands Isaiah to remove his sackcloth and shoes, and to walk naked and barefoot as a sign.
What is the context of Isaiah 20:2?
The LORD commands Isaiah to perform a sign act: removing sackcloth and walking barefoot and partially clothed.