Isaiah 28:20
Isaiah 28:20 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you.
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.
For the bed is not long enough for a man to be stretched out on: and the cover is not wide enough for him to be covered with.
The bed is too short so you can't stretch out; the blanket is too narrow so you can't cover yourself.
For the bed is streight that it can not suffice, and the couering narowe that one can not wrappe himselfe.
For shorter hath been the bed Than to stretch one's self out in, And the covering hath been narrower Than to wrap one's self up in.
For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap oneself in.
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 straitened, so that one must fall out, and a short covering cannot cover both.
You have heard people say, “Your bed is very short, you will not be able to sleep in it; your blankets are very narrow; they will not cover you!” That means for you that your agreement with Egypt is not going to save you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 28:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 28:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
קָצַ֥ר
הַ/מַּצָּ֖ע
מֵֽ/הִשְׂתָּרֵ֑עַ
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכָ֥ה
צָ֖רָה
כְּ/הִתְכַּנֵּֽס
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
be short
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/מַּצָּ֖ע
matstsâʻ
H4702
bed
Art | N-ms
מֵֽ/הִשְׂתָּרֵ֑עַ
sâraʻ
H8311
to extend
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכָ֥ה
maççêkâh
H4541
liquid
Conj | Art | N-fs
צָ֖רָה
tsârar
H6887
to confine
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
כְּ/הִתְכַּנֵּֽס
kânaç
H3664
to gather
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 28:20
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
הַ/מַּצָּ֖ע
matstsâʻ
H4702
"bed"
Art | N-ms
Matstsaa is a couch or bed, a piece of furniture for rest and relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bed. See also: Isaiah 28:20.
מֵֽ/הִשְׂתָּרֵ֑עַ
sâraʻ
H8311
"to extend"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to stretch out or extend, and can also imply being deformed by excess. It is used in various contexts, including Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'stretch out self' or 'have any superfluous thing'.
Definition: 1) to extend, stretch out 1a) (Qal) extended (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to stretch oneself
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: stretch out self, (have any) superfluous thing. See also: Leviticus 21:18; Leviticus 22:23; Isaiah 28:20.
וְ/הַ/מַּסֵּכָ֥ה
maççêkâh
H4541
"liquid"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This term can mean a veil or covering, but also a cast metal image or a woven fabric, like a web or coverlet.
Definition: 1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering 1a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) 1b) molten metal, molten image, molten gods
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: covering, molten (image), vail. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Kings 17:16; Psalms 106:19.
צָ֖רָה
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
כְּ/הִתְכַּנֵּֽס
kânaç
H3664
"to gather"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This word means to gather or collect things, like bringing people together. It's used in the Bible to describe God gathering his people, like in a big harvest or festival, showing his love and care for them.
Definition: 1) to gather, collect, wrap 1a) (Qal) to gather 1b) (Piel) to gather 1c) (Hithpael) to gather together, wrap oneself up Aramaic equivalent: ka.nash (כְּנַשׁ "to gather" H3673)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), heap up, wrap self. See also: 1 Chronicles 22:2; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Psalms 33:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 28:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 28:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 28:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:20
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
- Sermons on Isaiah 28:20
Context — A Cornerstone in Zion
18Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it.
19As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror.
20Indeed, the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket too small to wrap around you.
21For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task. 22So now, do not mock, or your shackles will become heavier. Indeed, I have heard from the Lord GOD of Hosts a decree of destruction against the whole land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 64:6 | Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 | For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” |
| 3 | Romans 9:30–32 | What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, |
| 4 | Isaiah 66:3–6 | Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.” Hear the uproar from the city; listen to the voice from the temple! It is the voice of the LORD, repaying His enemies what they deserve! |
| 5 | Isaiah 59:5–6 | They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing, and they cannot cover themselves with their works. Their deeds are sinful deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:12–13 | I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 7:8–10 | But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? |
Isaiah 28:20 Summary
This verse is saying that the things we trust in for security and comfort can ultimately prove to be insufficient, like a bed that is too short or a blanket that is too small. When God's judgment comes, these things will not be enough to protect us, as seen in Isaiah 28:18. The only true security and comfort come from trusting in God, as stated in Psalm 23:4. We must learn to trust in Him and not in our own strength or alliances, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and remember that He is our rock and our refuge, as stated in Psalm 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the 'bed' and 'blanket' in Isaiah 28:20?
The 'bed' and 'blanket' in this verse are metaphors for the false sense of security and comfort that the people of Judah have in their alliances and idols, as seen in Isaiah 28:18, but they will prove to be insufficient when God's judgment comes, much like the Israelites' experience in Deuteronomy 31:17.
Is this verse a warning or a promise?
This verse is a warning to the people of Judah that their attempts to find security in their own strength and alliances will ultimately fail, as stated in Isaiah 28:18, and they will be left exposed and vulnerable to God's judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 5:17.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger warning to the people of Judah about the dangers of trusting in their own strength and alliances rather than in God, as seen in Isaiah 28:18-19, and it serves as a transition to the statement of God's power and judgment in Isaiah 28:21-22, which is reminiscent of God's power in Exodus 15:6.
What is the significance of the image of the bed and blanket being too small?
The image of the bed and blanket being too small is a powerful metaphor for the idea that the things we trust in for security and comfort can ultimately prove to be insufficient, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8, and that only God can provide true security and comfort, as stated in Psalm 23:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I am trusting in for security and comfort, and are they truly sufficient?
- How can I apply the warning in this verse to my own life and circumstances, and what can I learn from the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Numbers 14:1-4?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of God's judgment and the importance of trusting in Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others to trust in God and not in their own strength or alliances, as seen in Hebrews 13:5-6?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the message of this verse to my daily life, and how can I use the example of David in Psalm 37:3-7 as a guide?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 28:20
For the bed is shorter than that [a man] can stretch himself [on it],.... When a bed is short, a man cannot lie at his full length, and at ease: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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 ... - proverbial for extreme straits.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
For those lying refuges to which you trust will not be able to give you that protection and comfort which you expect from them, no more than a man can stretch himself upon a bed which is too narrow for him, or wrap or keep himself warm with a covering or bed-clothes which are not large enough for him.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
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].Ver. 20. For the bed is short.] Here the prophet seemeth to some to threaten them for their lectulorum luxus their beds of ivory, whereon, when well whittled, they once stretched themselves at full length, and slept out their drunkenness; but when brought to Babylon, the case should be otherwise with them. Diodate saith that these are figurative and proverbial terms, importing that all means and devices they can use will no way defend them. God’ s wrath is such as none can avert or avoid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
(20) For the bed is shorter . . .—The image represents vividly a policy that ended in failure. Hezekiah’s counsellors had “made their bed,” and would have to lie on it, in their Egyptian alliance, but it would not meet their wants. Bed and blankets would be all too scanty, and leave them in a restless disquietude.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
Verse 20. For the bed is shorter] A mashal or proverbial saying, the meaning of which is, that they will find all means of defence and protection insufficient to secure them, and cover them from the evils coming upon them. מסך massek, Isaiah 22:8, the covering, is used for the outworks of defense, the barrier of the country; and here, in the allegorical sense, it means much the same thing. Their beds were only mattresses laid on the floor; and the coverlet a sheet, or in the winter a carpet, laid over it, in which the person wrapped himself. For כהתכנס kehithcannes, it ought probably to be מהתכנס mehithcannes. Houbigant, Secker.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 28:20
20. A proverbial expression for the intolerable situation which the politicians are preparing for themselves and their country.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 28:20
For the bed is shorter ... - This is evidently a proverbial saying, and means that they would find all their places of defense insufficient to secure them. They seek repose and security - as a man lies down to rest at night.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 28:20
20. Bed is shorter — A proverb whose core of meaning is, insufficiency, no rest; hence, it implies no security in their plans of defence.
Sermons on Isaiah 28:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Bed and Its Covering by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contentment of a Christian who lives in poverty but finds joy and satisfaction in the presence of God. The preacher contrasts this with t |
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Isaiah 28:20 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the people of God who, despite their chosen status and blessings, live in ungodliness and contempt for God's word. He emphasizes that true rest can only be fo |
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A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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Great Men by the Grace of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural significance of the film "What Dreams May Come" and how it portrays heaven. He emphasizes that even in our modern culture, ther |
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Dependence Upon the Lord by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the destruction of a printing press and the loss of valuable materials. He emphasizes the importance of humility and exalting God in all asp |
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Sermon at Barbara Washer's (Paul's Mother) Funeral Service by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a prince in C.S. Lewis' book "The Silver Chair" who is captured by a wicked witch. The prince lives a life of luxury and enterta |