King James Version

What Does Isaiah 10:20 Mean?

Isaiah 10:20 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.”

Isaiah 10:20 · KJV

Truth

Context

18

And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth. both: Heb. from the soul, and even to the flesh

19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. few: Heb. number

20

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

21

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. of them: Heb. in, or, among, etc with: or, in

Read Isaiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'in that day' points to post-judgment restoration. The 'remnant of Israel' demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness—despite judgment, He preserves a people. 'Shall no more again stay upon him that smote them' means they'll stop trusting oppressors (like seeking Assyrian alliances). Instead, they'll 'stay upon the Lord' (lean on, trust in) the Holy One of Israel 'in truth.' This conversion from political maneuvering to genuine faith represents true reformation. Judgment produces genuine repentance in the remnant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled when Judah, after being saved from Assyria (701 BC), experienced religious reformation under Hezekiah and later Josiah. The remnant that returned from Babylonian exile (538 BC onward) had learned through bitter experience to trust God rather than foreign alliances. This pattern continues—hardship often produces deeper faith in God's remnant. The ultimate fulfillment comes in the church—the true remnant trusting Christ alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use judgment to wean His people from false securities to genuine trust in Him?
  2. What is the difference between trusting God out of convenience versus 'in truth' (genuine faith)?
  3. How has hardship in your life produced deeper trust in God rather than worldly alternatives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 20

“And it shall come to pass in that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא3 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹֽא4 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוֹסִ֨יף5 of 20

“shall no more again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

ע֜וֹד6 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שְׁאָ֤ר7 of 20

“that the remnant”

H7605

a remainder

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּפְלֵיטַ֣ת9 of 20

“and such as are escaped”

H6413

deliverance; concretely, an escaped portion

בֵּֽית10 of 20

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַעֲקֹ֔ב11 of 20

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְנִשְׁעַ֗ן12 of 20

“stay”

H8172

to support one's self

עַל13 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַכֵּ֑הוּ14 of 20

“upon him that smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

וְנִשְׁעַ֗ן15 of 20

“stay”

H8172

to support one's self

עַל16 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֛ה17 of 20

“upon the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קְד֥וֹשׁ18 of 20

“the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל19 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בֶּאֱמֶֽת׃20 of 20

“in truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 10:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:31-32Isaiah 17:7-82 Chronicles 28:20Isaiah 1:9Isaiah 50:102 Kings 16:7

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