Isaiah 7:20 Meaning and Explanation
“In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will use Assyria as a hired razor to strip Judah bare, removing everything—from head to feet.
The Context of Isaiah 7:20
God will use Assyria as His instrument to humiliate and strip Judah.
What Does Isaiah 7:20 Mean?
The image shifts again: God will use a 'razor that is hired'—the king of Assyria functioning as an instrument God has hired or employed. This razor will strip Judah completely, shaving the head and feet and consuming the beard. In ancient Near Eastern imagery, shaving was a sign of degradation and captivity. The comprehensiveness—from head to feet, removing all signs of dignity and strength—symbolizes total humiliation and loss.
The 'river' reference points to the Euphrates or another boundary between Judah and Assyria, marking where the hired instrument comes from. Assyria is not acting on its own but serves God's judgment. This paradox—that pagan empires unwittingly serve God's purposes—runs throughout biblical prophecy. The result is Judah's complete stripping and humiliation, leaving nothing of its former glory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 7:20
What does Isaiah 7:20 mean?
God will use Assyria as a hired razor to strip Judah bare, removing everything—from head to feet.
What is the context of Isaiah 7:20?
God will use Assyria as His instrument to humiliate and strip Judah.