Isaiah 20:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The inhabitants of Judah will realize their trust in foreign allies was misplaced when Assyria proves unstoppable.
The Context of Isaiah 20:6
Final plea: when Egypt falls, Judah will realize foreign alliances offer no protection.
What Does Isaiah 20:6 Mean?
'This isle' refers to the coastlands and islands of the Mediterranean region, particularly Judah and the Phoenician cities. In their desperation to escape Assyrian domination, they had fled for help to Egypt. Now, with Egypt itself conquered and helpless, they would be forced to ask: where can we turn? To whom can we appeal for rescue? The rhetorical question 'how shall we escape?' expresses the hopelessness and terror of a people who have exhausted their alliances.
This final verse completes Isaiah's prophetic call to repentance and faith. The disaster was not inevitable because of Assyrian inevitability, but because Judah chose false confidence over covenant trust. The Lord offered another way: to return to Him, to seek His strength and protection. The prophecy warned that without this return, shame and captivity would follow.
Isaiah 20:6 in the Original Language
mānôs (מָנוֹס), 'escape'—refuge or flight, here emphasizing the absence of any secure refuge in human allies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 20:6
What does Isaiah 20:6 mean?
The inhabitants of Judah will realize their trust in foreign allies was misplaced when Assyria proves unstoppable.
What is the context of Isaiah 20:6?
Final plea: when Egypt falls, Judah will realize foreign alliances offer no protection.