Isaiah 28:20 Meaning and Explanation
“For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →No matter how hard people try, they cannot find adequate shelter or comfort in their current situation.
The Context of Isaiah 28:20
Isaiah uses a domestic image to convey how utterly inadequate are all human attempts at self-protection.
What Does Isaiah 28:20 Mean?
The image of a bed too short and a covering too narrow is one of profound inadequacy. No matter how a person positions themselves, they cannot find comfort. This represents the inadequate nature of every refuge and strategy the people have employed.
The metaphor suggests that they have tried to find peace and security—'stretching out' and 'wrapping themselves'—but nothing they have prepared is sufficient. Their own efforts to create safety and comfort fall short. The only adequate shelter is what God offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 28:20
What does Isaiah 28:20 mean?
No matter how hard people try, they cannot find adequate shelter or comfort in their current situation.
What is the context of Isaiah 28:20?
Isaiah uses a domestic image to convey how utterly inadequate are all human attempts at self-protection.