King James Version

What Does Isaiah 2:20 Mean?

Isaiah 2:20 in the King James Version says “In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; his idols of silver: Heb. the idols of his silver, etc each: or, for him

Isaiah 2:20 · KJV


Context

18

And the idols he shall utterly abolish. he: or, shall utterly pass away

19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. of the earth: Heb. of the dust

20

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; his idols of silver: Heb. the idols of his silver, etc each: or, for him

21

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

22

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In desperation, idolaters cast away their silver and gold idols to 'moles and bats'—creatures dwelling in darkness, emphasizing the idols' worthlessness. What was once cherished for worship is now discarded as useless. This dramatic reversal exposes idolatry's futility when crisis reveals false gods cannot save. The imagery anticipates Jesus' teaching that treasure stored on earth proves worthless (Matthew 6:19-20) and Paul's counting all as refuse compared to Christ (Philippians 3:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Silver and gold idols represented significant investment and devotion. Their abandonment to cave-dwelling creatures illustrates the desperation of recognizing too late that idols are impotent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'silver and gold' idols will we eventually recognize as worthless, better suited for 'moles and bats'?
  2. How does present disillusionment with idolatry spare us future desperation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בַּיּ֤וֹם1 of 17

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

הַהוּא֙2 of 17
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

יַשְׁלִ֣יךְ3 of 17

shall cast

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

הָאָדָ֔ם4 of 17

a man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֵ֚ת5 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלִילֵ֣י6 of 17

and his idols

H457

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

כַסְפּ֔וֹ7 of 17

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְאֵ֖ת8 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלִילֵ֣י9 of 17

and his idols

H457

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

זְהָב֑וֹ10 of 17

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁ֤ר11 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָֽשׂוּ12 of 17

which they made each one for himself

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לוֹ֙13 of 17
H0
לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֔ת14 of 17

to worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

פֵּר֖וֹת15 of 17

to the moles

H2661

a burrower, i.e., probably a rat

פֵּר֖וֹת16 of 17

to the moles

H2661

a burrower, i.e., probably a rat

וְלָעֲטַלֵּפִֽים׃17 of 17

and to the bats

H5847

a bat


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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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