King James Version

What Does Isaiah 51:20 Mean?

Isaiah 51:20 in the King James Version says “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 th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 51 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 51:20 · KJV

Context

18

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

19

These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee? are: Heb. happened destruction: Heb. breaking

20

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.

21

Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine:

22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse continues describing Jerusalem's desolation through vivid imagery. "Thy sons have fainted" (ulph, עֻלַּף) suggests weakness from exhaustion, hunger, or despair. Lying "at the head of all the streets" indicates public display of defeat—not private suffering but shameful exposure at city intersections where everyone passes.

The simile "as a wild bull in a net" (keto antelope bemikmar, כִּתוֹא מִכְמָר) depicts frantic, futile struggling. Wild bulls (some translate "antelope") are powerful animals, yet become helpless when ensnared. Their thrashing exhausts them, leaving them prone. This illustrates Israel's condition under divine judgment—their strength avails nothing against God's purposes.

The cause: "full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God." The parallelism emphasizes that suffering stems from divine action, not mere military defeat. Chemah (חֵמָה, fury) and ga'arah (גַּעֲרָה, rebuke) are covenant judgment terms. From a Reformed perspective, this teaches that God actively judges sin; suffering under divine wrath is not random misfortune but purposeful discipline. Yet even in judgment, the title "thy God" maintains covenant relationship—He disciplines as a father, not merely punishes as a judge. Hebrews 12:5-11 applies this principle: God's rebuke proves sonship, intending restoration, not destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The image of bodies in streets matches Lamentations 2:11-12, 21; 4:1 descriptions of Jerusalem's siege. Babylonian siege tactics included surrounding cities, cutting off supply, waiting for starvation to force surrender. Bodies of those who died from famine or attempted escape littered streets. Archaeological evidence from similar sieges (Lachish, for example) confirms these brutal realities.

The wild bull/antelope in net may reference hunting practices where nets trapped game for capture. Job 18:8-10 uses similar imagery for the wicked being caught. The application to Israel shows divine judgment employing tools of capture and restraint. Yet Isaiah's broader context promises release—the net won't hold forever. God's discipline serves redemptive purposes (1 Corinthians 11:32), not ultimate destruction for His elect.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between general suffering and God's specific discipline in your life?
  2. What futile struggles (like the netted bull) do you need to cease, submitting to God's purposes?
  3. How does maintaining 'thy God' (relationship) even during judgment affect your response to hardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בָּנַ֜יִךְ1 of 13

“Thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֻלְּפ֥וּ2 of 13

“have fainted”

H5968

to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid

שָׁכְב֛וּ3 of 13

“they lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

בְּרֹ֥אשׁ4 of 13

“at the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

כָּל5 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חוּצ֖וֹת6 of 13

“of all the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

כְּת֣וֹא7 of 13

“as a wild bull”

H8377

a species of antelope (probably from the white stripe on the cheek)

מִכְמָ֑ר8 of 13

“in a net”

H4364

a (hunter's) net (as dark from concealment)

הַֽמְלֵאִ֥ים9 of 13

“they are full”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

חֲמַת10 of 13

“of the fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

גַּעֲרַ֥ת12 of 13

“the rebuke”

H1606

a chiding

אֱלֹהָֽיִךְ׃13 of 13

“of thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 51:20 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 51:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:9-11Lamentations 2:11-12Ezekiel 39:19Isaiah 51:17Jeremiah 14:16Psalms 88:15-16

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