Isaiah 44:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 44:20 mean?

Isaiah 44:20 describes a person who is so deceived by false beliefs that he ends up relying on something worthless, like feeding on ashes, and cannot recognize the lie he holds onto. The verse shows how a misled heart can blind someone to the truth, leaving them unable to save themselves or even question their own error.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to people who worship idols, pointing out the foolishness of trusting in things they themselves have made. Isaiah uses vivid language to show how idolatry leads people away from reality, making them unable to see that what they depend on is empty and false.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 44:20

• "feedeth" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word often means to graze or feed, usually used for animals. Here, it paints a picture of someone trying to find nourishment or satisfaction in something as useless as ashes.
• "ashes" (אֵפֶר, epher): Ashes are what remains after something is burned, symbolizing worthlessness and emptiness. The verse uses this image to show how empty idol worship is.
• "deceived" (הָתַל, hāthal): This word means to be tricked or led astray. The verse says the heart itself is deceived, showing that the problem is deep and internal.
• "lie" (שָׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means a falsehood or deception. The person is holding a lie in his right hand, the hand of action and strength, yet cannot see it for what it is.

Why Isaiah 44:20 matters

• Isaiah 44:20 clears up the idea that idol worship is just an external mistake; it shows the problem is rooted in a deceived heart, making self-delusion possible.
• The verse emphasizes how spiritual blindness can keep someone from even questioning their beliefs, highlighting the power of self-deception.
• In the wider passage, Isaiah is exposing the emptiness of idols compared to the living God, urging the people to see the futility of trusting in what they have made themselves.