And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.

ISAIAH 19:20KJV
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Isaiah 19:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 19:20 mean?

Isaiah 19:20 says that something in Egypt will serve as a clear sign and testimony to the LORD, showing that when the people cry out to God because of their oppressors, God will respond by sending them a powerful savior to rescue them. This verse promises that God will notice Egypt’s suffering and act to deliver them when they call for help.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to and about Egypt, describing a future time when Egyptians will experience oppression and turn to the LORD (the God of Israel) for help. The verse emphasizes that God’s intervention will be unmistakable—a visible sign and witness in Egypt itself—demonstrating God’s power and willingness to save even those outside Israel when they seek Him.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 19:20

  • sign (אוֹת, 'ot'): This word means a visible marker or signal. Here, it highlights that God’s action will be something people can see and recognize as coming from Him.
  • witness (עֵד, 'ed'): This word means testimony or evidence. The deliverance will not just be a sign, but also proof that the LORD is active and attentive in Egypt.
  • cry (צָעַק, tsa‘aq): This word means to call out for help, often in distress. The Egyptians’ cry shows their desperation and their turning to the LORD in a time of need.
  • saviour (מוֹשִׁיעַ, moshia‘): This word means one who saves or delivers. The verse promises not just any helper, but a great and effective deliverer sent by God.

Why Isaiah 19:20 matters

  • Isaiah 19:20 clarifies that God’s concern and power are not limited to Israel; He responds to the suffering of other nations when they seek Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s actions in history can serve as visible signs and testimonies, not just for those directly involved but for all who witness them.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of Isaiah 19, where Egypt’s troubles ultimately lead to a recognition of the LORD, showing a movement from judgment to hope and restoration.

Where else these words appear

“oppressors” Hebrew H3905 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
  • Judges 2:18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
  • 2 Kings 13:4 And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

“cry” Hebrew H6817 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Deuteronomy 26:7 And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
  • 2 Kings 8:3 And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,