Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

ISAIAH 48:20KJV
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Isaiah 48:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 48:20 mean?

Isaiah 48:20 calls the people to leave Babylon and escape from the Chaldeans, announcing with joyful singing that the LORD has rescued his servant Jacob. The verse urges a public declaration, spreading the news of God's redemption as far as possible.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon. The situation is one of deliverance: God is telling his people to come out of captivity and proclaim their freedom. The verse emphasizes both the physical act of leaving Babylon and the importance of loudly sharing the good news of God's saving action.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 48:20

  • "forth" (יָצָא, yatsa'): This word means to go out or depart. Here, it stresses a decisive act of leaving captivity behind.
  • "redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga'al): This word means to buy back or rescue, often used for a family member being restored. It highlights that God's action is personal and committed, not just a general rescue.
  • "singing" (רִנָּה, rinah): This word means joyful shouting or singing. The emphasis is on celebration, not just a quiet announcement.
  • "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): This term refers to Israel as God's chosen people, underlining their special relationship with the LORD.

Why Isaiah 48:20 matters

  • Isaiah 48:20 clarifies that the return from Babylon is not just a physical journey but a reason for public, joyful celebration of God's faithfulness.
  • The verse connects the act of leaving exile with the responsibility to tell others about God's redemption, showing that deliverance is meant to be shared widely.
  • This verse ties into the larger message of Isaiah 40–48, where God’s power to redeem and restore Israel is a central theme, encouraging hope and trust in God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“singing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

“flee” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“Chaldeans” Hebrew H3778 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 11:28 And Haran died before his father Terah in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldees.
  • Jeremiah 32:5 And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.
  • Jeremiah 50:1 The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

“redeemed” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 35:9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: