Isaiah 10:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 10:20 mean?

Isaiah 10:20 says that a surviving group from Israel, those who have escaped disaster, will no longer depend on the power that once harmed them, but will instead trust in the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, sincerely and truly. The verse promises a shift in loyalty and trust from human oppressors to God Himself.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel during a time when they have suffered under foreign powers, especially the Assyrians. The verse looks ahead to a day when, after judgment and hardship, a faithful remnant will turn away from relying on those who once struck them and will instead rely on God with genuine faith. This marks a turning point in their relationship with God and their sense of security.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 10:20

• "remnant" (שְׁאָר, she'ar): This word means a surviving portion or those left after a disaster. Here, it highlights that not all of Israel will be lost—there will be survivors who remain faithful.
• "stay" (שָׁעַן, sha'an): This verb means to lean on or depend upon. The verse uses it twice: first to say the remnant will no longer depend on their oppressor, and second to say they will depend on the LORD. The repetition emphasizes a complete change in whom they trust.
• "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means faithfulness, firmness, or reliability. The remnant’s new trust in God will be genuine and steadfast, not just outward or temporary.

Why Isaiah 10:20 matters

• Isaiah 10:20 clarifies that God’s judgment is not the end for Israel; there will be survivors who turn back to Him with real faith.
• The verse shifts the focus from political or military alliances to a spiritual dependence on God, showing that true security comes from Him alone.
• This verse connects to the wider theme in Isaiah of a "remnant"—a small group preserved by God through judgment, who become the foundation for future hope and restoration.