Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

ISAIAH 51:20KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 51:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:20 mean?

Isaiah 51:20 describes the people of Jerusalem as helpless and overwhelmed, comparing their sons to a wild bull trapped in a net, exhausted and lying at the street corners, filled with the anger and correction of God. The verse paints a vivid picture of suffering caused by God’s judgment, showing the people as powerless and defeated.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to Jerusalem, describing the consequences of God’s anger because of the people’s actions. The image of sons fainting and lying at the head of every street shows a city brought low, with its young men—symbols of strength—now helpless. The comparison to a wild bull caught in a net emphasizes how trapped and desperate the people are under God’s rebuke.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:20

  • "Bull" (תּוֹא, toʾ): This word is often understood as a strong, wild animal, here symbolizing youthful strength and energy. The image of such an animal trapped in a net highlights how even the strongest are rendered powerless.
  • "Net" (מְצוּדָה, mĕtsûdāh): This word means a trap or snare. The use of this word shows that the people’s suffering is not just from exhaustion but from being caught with no escape.
  • "Fury" (חֵמָה, ḥēmāh): This word means intense anger or wrath. The verse emphasizes that the suffering is not random but is a direct result of God’s anger.
  • "Rebuke" (גָּעֲרָה, gāʿărāh): This word means a strong reprimand or scolding. It clarifies that the hardship is a form of correction from God, not just misfortune.

Why Isaiah 51:20 matters

  • Isaiah 51:20 makes clear that the suffering described is not just physical exhaustion but a result of God’s active judgment and correction, which adds a spiritual dimension to the hardship.
  • The verse uses strong imagery to show that even the most vigorous and promising members of society are not immune to the consequences of turning away from God.
  • Understanding this verse helps connect the immediate suffering of Jerusalem to the larger message of Isaiah 51, where God’s judgment is paired with eventual hope and restoration for the people.

Where else these words appear

“bull” Hebrew H8377 · used in 2 verses

  • Deuteronomy 14:5 The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois.

“net” Hebrew H4364 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 141:10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

“fainted” Hebrew H5968 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 38:14 And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
  • Amos 8:13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

“rebuke” Hebrew H1606 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
  • Psalms 80:16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
  • Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.