Isaiah 5:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fourth woe condemns those who invert moral categories, calling evil good and good evil.
The Context of Isaiah 5:20
Fourth woe: against those who invert moral and spiritual values.
What Does Isaiah 5:20 Mean?
This woe strikes at the root of all others: the corruption of moral judgment itself. If you call evil good and good evil, you can hoard land without shame, feast while oppressing others, or mock divine judgment without fear. All covenant violation begins here.
The three parallel reversals (evil/good, darkness/light, bitter/sweet) suggest comprehensive moral inversion. Those who do this are not confused; they are actively redefining reality to justify their appetites. They are moral rebels, not moral ignorants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 5:20
What does Isaiah 5:20 mean?
The fourth woe condemns those who invert moral categories, calling evil good and good evil.
What is the context of Isaiah 5:20?
Fourth woe: against those who invert moral and spiritual values.