And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

ISAIAH 9:20KJV
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Isaiah 9:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 9:20 mean?

Isaiah 9:20 describes a time of extreme desperation and hunger, where people are so unsatisfied that they turn against each other and even themselves, symbolized by eating the flesh of their own arm. This verse uses vivid imagery to show the depth of suffering and the breakdown of community during a period of judgment.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of their persistent disobedience to God. The verse paints a picture of social collapse, where hunger is so severe that people act in unnatural and self-destructive ways. This is part of a larger passage describing the results of turning away from God’s ways, emphasizing how far things can fall apart when a nation ignores justice and righteousness.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 9:20

  • The word for "snatch" (גָּזַל, gazal) means to seize or grab violently, highlighting the desperate and aggressive actions people take out of hunger.
  • "Hand" appears twice: יָמִין (yamin, right hand) and שְׂמֹאול (semol, left hand), showing that the hunger and strife affect everyone, no matter which side they turn to.
  • "Eat" (אָכַל, akal) is used both for literal eating and for the shocking image of eating one’s own "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar) and "arm" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa‘), underlining the unnatural and tragic results of the crisis.

Why Isaiah 9:20 matters

  • Isaiah 9:20 clears up that the language is symbolic, not literal cannibalism, but is meant to show how dire and unnatural things become when society breaks down.
  • The verse emphasizes the consequences of ignoring warnings and continuing in injustice, as described in the surrounding chapters.
  • Understanding this verse helps the reader see the seriousness of the prophet’s message and the depth of the crisis facing Israel at that time.

Where else these words appear

“snatch” Hebrew H1504 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Kings 3:25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
  • Esther 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
  • Isaiah 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

“hungry” Hebrew H7457 · used in 22 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Psalms 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
  • Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

“hand” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 3:21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
  • 2 Chronicles 18:18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

“arm” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.