What does Isaiah 28:20 mean?

"For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." - Isaiah 28:20

"For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." - Isaiah 28:20

Isaiah 28:20 (KJV) reads, "For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." This verse is part of the larger context of Isaiah 28, in which the prophet Isaiah warns the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the consequences of their drunkenness and disobedience to God.

The imagery in Isaiah 28:20 is vivid and striking. The image of a bed that is too short for a man to stretch out on and a covering that is too narrow for him to wrap himself in conveys the idea of discomfort, dissatisfaction, and inadequacy. This imagery is used by Isaiah to illustrate the consequences of the people's sinful and rebellious behavior. The people's disobedience has led to a situation where they find themselves in a state of discomfort and dissatisfaction, much like a man trying to rest on a bed that is too short and cover himself with a narrow blanket.

In a broader sense, this verse is a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. It serves as a warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, and by extension to all people, that their actions have consequences and that they will ultimately face dissatisfaction and discomfort if they continue to disobey God's commandments.

The imagery in this verse can also be interpreted symbolically. The bed and the covering can be seen as symbols of the false security and comfort that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have sought through their disobedient behavior. However, just as the bed is too short and the covering too narrow, so too is the false security and comfort that the people have sought inadequate and ultimately unfulfilling. This symbolism serves as a powerful reminder that true security and comfort can only be found in God and in obedience to His will.

Furthermore, this verse can be seen in the context of the larger themes of the book of Isaiah. Throughout the book, Isaiah emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and renewal. The imagery in Isaiah 28:20 serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of sin and the need for the people to turn back to God.

In a broader theological sense, the verse can be understood as a reflection of the human condition. Just as the bed is too short and the covering too narrow, so too are human attempts to find satisfaction and security apart from God inadequate and ultimately unfulfilling. It reminds us of the limitations of our own efforts and the need to find true satisfaction and security in God alone.

In conclusion, Isaiah 28:20 (KJV) is a powerful and evocative verse that serves as a warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, and to all people, about the consequences of sin and disobedience. The imagery of the bed and covering conveys the idea of discomfort and inadequacy, serving as a poignant reminder of the limitations of human attempts to find satisfaction and security apart from God. It is a call to repentance, renewal, and a return to God as the source of true satisfaction and security.

Have questions about Isaiah 28:20?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Isaiah 28:20 Artwork

Isaiah 28:20 - "For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it."

Isaiah 28:20 - "For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it."

"For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." - Isaiah 28:20

"For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." - Isaiah 28:20

Isaiah 28:12

Isaiah 28:12

Isaiah 28:12

Isaiah 28:12

Genesis 28-20

Genesis 28-20

Luke 20:28

Luke 20:28

2 Chronicles 20:28

2 Chronicles 20:28

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28: 19-20

Matthew 28: 19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

Isaiah 28:28 - "Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen."

Isaiah 28:28 - "Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen."

Isaiah 14:28 - "In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden."

Isaiah 14:28 - "In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden."

1 Samuel 28:15-20

1 Samuel 28:15-20

Isaiah 28:11 - "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people."

Isaiah 28:11 - "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people."

Job 28:20 - "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?"

Job 28:20 - "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?"

Isaiah 28:3 - "The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:"

Isaiah 28:3 - "The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:"

Ezekiel 28:20 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 28:20 - "¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Isaiah 28:8 - "For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean."

Isaiah 28:8 - "For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean."

Proverbs 20:28 - "Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."

Proverbs 20:28 - "Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy."

Isaiah 28:26 - "For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him."

Isaiah 28:26 - "For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him."

Isaiah 1:28 - "¶ And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed."

Isaiah 1:28 - "¶ And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed."

2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."

2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."

Exodus 28:20 - "And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings."

Exodus 28:20 - "And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings."

John 20:28 - "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."

John 20:28 - "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."

Isaiah 28:23 - "¶ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech."

Isaiah 28:23 - "¶ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech."

Isaiah 28:6 - "And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate."

Isaiah 28:6 - "And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate."

Isaiah 28:29 - "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."

Isaiah 28:29 - "This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."

Isaiah 28:14 - "¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem."

Isaiah 28:14 - "¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem."

Isaiah 3:20 - "The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,"

Isaiah 3:20 - "The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,"