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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 20:3 Then the LORD said, "Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/20-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/23_Isa_20_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 20:3 - A Sign Against Egypt and Cush" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD said, Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/20-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/20-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm" title="Isaiah 20:2">◄</a> Isaiah 20:3 <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm" title="Isaiah 20:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, &#8220Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “My servant Isaiah has been walking around naked and barefoot for the last three years. This is a sign—a symbol of the terrible troubles I will bring upon Egypt and Ethiopia.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years <i>for</i> a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years <i>for</i> a sign and a wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and symbol against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And the LORD said, &#8220Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and token against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the LORD said, “Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and token against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Yahweh said, “Even as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and wonder against Egypt and Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said, “Even as My servant Isaiah has walked stripped and barefoot for three years as a sign and forewarning concerning Egypt and Cush (Ethiopia),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the LORD said, &#8220As My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />for three years. Then the LORD said: What Isaiah has done is a warning to Egypt and Ethiopia. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, "My servant Isaiah has gone barefoot and naked for three years as a sign and as an omen to Egypt and Sudan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Ashdod was captured, the LORD said, "My servant Isaiah has been going around naked and barefoot for three years. This is a sign of what will happen to Egypt and Ethiopia. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has walked around naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a warning for Egypt and Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, ?Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Later the LORD explained, "In the same way that my servant Isaiah has walked around in undergarments and barefoot for the past three years, as an object lesson and omen pertaining to Egypt and Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said, "As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said, As my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Cush;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH says, “As My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot three years, a sign and a wonder for Egypt and for Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah saith, 'As My servant Isaiah hath gone naked and barefoot three years, a sign and a wonder for Egypt and for Cush,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will say, As my servant Isaiah went naked and barefoot three years, a sign and miracle upon Egypt and upon Cush:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord said: As my servant Isaias hath walked, naked and barefoot, it shall be a sign and a wonder of three years upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord said: Just as my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot, as a sign and as a portent of three years over Egypt and over Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said: Just as my servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and portent against Egypt and Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Ethiopia,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord said, As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot, so shall there be signs and wonders for three years upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said: “Just as my Servant Eshaiya has walked naked and barefoot, thus there shall be signs and wonders three years upon Egypt and upon Cush <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD said: 'Like as My servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot to be for three years a sign and a wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord said, As my servant Esaias has walked naked and barefoot three years, there shall be three years for signs and wonders to the Egyptians and Ethiopians;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/20-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=4123" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/20.htm">A Sign Against Egypt and Cush</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>the LORD had already spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and the sandals from your feet.” And Isaiah did so, walking around naked and barefoot. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">“Just as</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·dî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">My servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3470.htm" title="3470: yə·ša‘·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yshayahuw; from yasha' and Yahh; Jah has saved; Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites.">Isaiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">has gone</a> <a href="/hebrew/6174.htm" title="6174: ‘ā·rō·wm (Adj-ms) -- Naked. Or marom; from aram; nude, either partially or totally.">naked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3182.htm" title="3182: wə·yā·ḥêp̄ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Barefoot. From an unused root meaning to take off the shoes; unsandalled.">and barefoot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šā·lōš (Number-fs) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">for three</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">years</a> <a href="/hebrew/226.htm" title="226: ’ō·wṯ (N-cs) -- A sign. Probably from 'uwth; a signal, as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.">as a sign</a> <a href="/hebrew/4159.htm" title="4159: ū·mō·w·p̄êṯ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A wonder, sign, portent. Or mopheth; from yaphah in the sense of conspicuousness; a miracle; by implication, a token or omen.">and omen</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3568.htm" title="3568: kūš (N-proper-fs) -- Probably of foreign origin; Cush, the name of a son of Ham, and of his territory; also of an Israelite.">and Cush,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>so the king of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, naked and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt’s shame.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-18.htm">Isaiah 8:18</a></span><br />Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Isaiah 7:11-14</a></span><br />“Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-30.htm">Isaiah 37:30</a></span><br />And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-4.htm">Isaiah 8:4</a></span><br />For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Isaiah 19:20</a></span><br />It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-3.htm">Isaiah 30:3</a></span><br />But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-18.htm">Isaiah 36:18-20</a></span><br />Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? / Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? / Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/4-1.htm">Ezekiel 4:1-5</a></span><br />“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. / Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. / Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-6.htm">Ezekiel 12:6</a></span><br />And as they watch, lift your bags to your shoulder and take them out at dusk; cover your face so that you cannot see the land. For I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/24-24.htm">Ezekiel 24:24</a></span><br />‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign for you; you will do everything that he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/1-2.htm">Hosea 1:2-9</a></span><br />When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He told him, “Go, take a prostitute as your wife and have children of adultery, because this land is flagrantly prostituting itself by departing from the LORD.” / So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. / Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">2 Kings 18:17-25</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. / The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-29.htm">2 Kings 19:29</a></span><br />And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/13-1.htm">Jeremiah 13:1-11</a></span><br />This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.” / So I bought a loincloth in accordance with the word of the LORD, and I put it around my waist. / Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/19-1.htm">Jeremiah 19:1-11</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests, / and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim there the words I speak to you, / saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder on Egypt and on Ethiopia;</p><p class="hdg">three</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-34.htm">Numbers 14:34</a></b></br> After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, <i>even</i> forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, <i>even</i> forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/4-5.htm">Ezekiel 4:5,6</a></b></br> For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/11-2.htm">Revelation 11:2,3</a></b></br> But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty <i>and</i> two months… </p><p class="hdg">a sign</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-18.htm">Isaiah 8:18</a></b></br> Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me <i>are</i> for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.</p><p class="hdg">Upon Egypt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/18-1.htm">Isaiah 18:1</a></b></br> Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which <i>is</i> beyond the rivers of Ethiopia:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Barefoot</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-1.htm">Cush</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-25.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-1.htm">Ethiopia</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/psalms/71-7.htm">Portent</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Shoes</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-6.htm">Three</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Token</a> <a href="/genesis/9-22.htm">Unclothed</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/songs/1-3.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Barefoot</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Cush</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Ethiopia</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-2.htm">Isaiah</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-8.htm">Portent</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-20.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Shoes</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-22.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-3.htm">Three</a> <a href="/mark/14-44.htm">Token</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Unclothed</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-9.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-9.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/20-1.htm">A type prefiguring the shameful captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the LORD said</b><br>This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the authority and direct involvement of God in the events described. Throughout the Bible, when the LORD speaks, it signifies the importance and certainty of the message. This is consistent with the prophetic tradition where God directly instructs His prophets.<p><b>“Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years</b><br>Isaiah is referred to as "My servant," highlighting his role as a faithful messenger of God. The act of going "naked and barefoot" is symbolic, representing humiliation and vulnerability. In the ancient Near East, such actions were often used as prophetic signs to convey a message. The duration of "three years" suggests a period of completeness and divine timing, often seen in biblical narratives (e.g., Jonah in the belly of the fish for three days).<p><b>as a sign and omen</b><br>The terms "sign" and "omen" indicate that Isaiah's actions were meant to serve as a prophetic warning. In biblical context, signs are often used by God to communicate His intentions or to confirm His word (e.g., the rainbow as a sign to Noah). An omen, in this context, suggests a forewarning of impending judgment or events.<p><b>against Egypt and Cush</b><br>Egypt and Cush (modern-day Sudan) were powerful nations during Isaiah's time, often seen as symbols of worldly strength and reliance. Historically, these nations were involved in political alliances and conflicts with Israel and Judah. The prophecy against them signifies God's sovereignty over all nations and serves as a warning against placing trust in human power rather than in God. This aligns with other biblical prophecies where reliance on foreign powers is condemned (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/31.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His will and purposes through His prophets.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah and surrounding nations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and reliance on human strength rather than God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/cush.htm">Cush</a></b><br>A region south of Egypt, often associated with Ethiopia, representing another nation that Israel might be tempted to rely on instead of trusting in God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/three_years.htm">Three Years</a></b><br>The period during which Isaiah acted out this prophetic sign, symbolizing the impending judgment and humiliation of Egypt and Cush.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_symbolism.htm">Prophetic Symbolism</a></b><br>Isaiah's actions serve as a vivid, living parable. God often uses tangible signs to communicate spiritual truths, reminding us to be attentive to His messages in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god.htm">Reliance on God</a></b><br>The warning against Egypt and Cush underscores the danger of relying on worldly powers instead of trusting in God's sovereignty. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_in_uncomfortable_situations.htm">Obedience in Uncomfortable Situations</a></b><br>Isaiah's willingness to obey God's command, even when it involved personal discomfort and potential humiliation, challenges us to consider our own obedience to God's calling, regardless of the cost.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_hope.htm">Judgment and Hope</a></b><br>While the message is one of impending judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance and trust in God, who is ultimately in control of all nations and events.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>The prophecy against Egypt and Cush highlights God's authority over all nations, reminding us that He is the ultimate ruler of history and the affairs of men.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_command_isaiah's_nakedness.htm">How does Isaiah’s prolonged nakedness (Isaiah 20:2–3) align with other biblical commands on decency, and why would God command a prophet to violate modesty for an extended period? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_isaiah's_nakedness_documented.htm">If Isaiah truly walked 'naked and barefoot' for three years (Isaiah 20:2-3), why doesn't any external source mention such a shocking act, and how could it have gone unnoticed by contemporaries?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_couldn't_ezekiel_mourn_his_wife.htm">Why would God forbid Ezekiel from mourning his wife's death (Ezekiel 24:15-18), and how does this command reconcile with the Bible's portrayal of divine compassion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_38_5-6_align_with_other_prophecies.htm">How does the prophecy of a coalition of nations in Ezekiel 38:5-6 align or conflict with other biblical prophecies of end-time alliances?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">For a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia.</span>--Apparently Isaiah prophesied in act, but in silence, and did not unfold the meaning of the symbol till the three years came to an end. There are no adequate grounds for limiting his dramatic action to a single day or three days. Egypt and Ethiopia are, as in Isaiah 18, 19, closely connected, both countries being under a king of Ethiopian origin, Sabaco.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My servant Isaiah</span>. Isaiah shares this honorable title, "my servant," with a select few among God's saints - with Abraham (<a href="/genesis/26-24.htm">Genesis 26:24</a>), Moses (<a href="/numbers/12-7.htm">Numbers 12:7</a>), Caleb (<a href="/numbers/14-24.htm">Numbers 14:24</a>), Job (<a href="/job/1-8.htm">Job 1:8</a>; <a href="/job/42-7.htm">Job 42:7, 8</a>), Eliakim (<a href="/isaiah/22-20.htm">Isaiah 22:20</a>), and Zerubbabel (<a href="/haggai/2-23.htm">Haggai 2:23</a>). It is a great acknowledgment for the Creator to make to the creature, that he really does him service. <span class="cmt_word">Three years.</span> Probably from <span class="date">B.C. 713</span> to <span class="date">B.C. 711</span>, or during the whole of the time that Philistia, Edom, Moab, and Judah were making representations to the Egyptians and Ethiopians, and endeavoring to obtain their aid (see G. Smith, 'Eponym Canon,' p. 130). It has been proposed, by an arbitrary emendation, to cut down the time to "three days;" but a three days' sign of the kind could not have been expected to have any important effect. The supposed "impropriety" of Isaiah's having "gone naked and barefoot" for three years arises from a misconception of the word "naked." which is not to be taken literally (see the comment on ver. 2). The costume adopted would be extraordinary, especially in one of Isaiah's rank and position; but would not be in any degree "improper." It would be simply that of working men during the greater part of the day (see <a href="/exodus/22-26.htm">Exodus 22:26, 27</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/20-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Just as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·dî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Isaiah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשַׁעְיָ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ša‘·yā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3470.htm">Strong's 3470: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaiah -- 'salvation of Yah', four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has gone</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלַ֛ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·laḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">naked</span><br /><span class="heb">עָר֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6174.htm">Strong's 6174: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nude, either partially, totally</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and barefoot</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָחֵ֑ף</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ḥêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3182.htm">Strong's 3182: </a> </span><span class="str2">Unsandalled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for three</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלֹ֤שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">years,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁנִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as a sign</span><br /><span class="heb">א֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_226.htm">Strong's 226: </a> </span><span class="str2">A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and omen</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמוֹפֵ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mō·w·p̄êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4159.htm">Strong's 4159: </a> </span><span class="str2">A miracle, a token, omen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Egypt</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Cush,</span><br /><span class="heb">כּֽוּשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kūš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3568.htm">Strong's 3568: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son of Ham, also his descendants, also a land in the southern Nile Valley</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/20-3.htm">Isaiah 20:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/20-3.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 20:3 Yahweh said As my servant Isaiah has (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 20:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>