Judgment on Egypt and Future Salvation
Isaiah 19:1-25
Isa.19.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הנה: PART
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קל: ADV
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ונעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אלילי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מפניו: PREP+3ms
- ולבב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ימס: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- בקרבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRS,3,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 18:10 (verbal): Depicts God riding on the wind/winged vehicle—‘He rode on a cherub... on the wings of the wind’—paralleling Isaiah’s image of the Lord riding on a swift cloud.
- Psalm 104:3 (verbal): Speaks of God making the clouds his chariot and riding on the wings of the wind, closely echoing the cloud/chariot motif in Isaiah 19:1.
- Nahum 1:5-6 (thematic): Describes creation trembling and melting before God—‘The mountains quake... the earth melts at his presence’—paralleling idols trembling and hearts melting in Isaiah 19:1.
- Psalm 97:7 (thematic): Declares that worshipers of carved images are put to shame before the Lord, aligning with Isaiah’s theme that Egyptian idols will tremble at God’s coming.
- Habakkuk 3:16 (thematic): Conveys intense, bodily fear and inner melting at God’s nearness—‘my belly trembled... my lips quivered’—resonant with the emotional collapse (‘heart... melts’) in Isaiah 19:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- The burden concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will tremble before him, and the heart of Egypt will melt within it.
- An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and comes into Egypt; the idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the heart of Egypt melts within her.
Isa.19.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וסכסכתי: WAW+VERB,hiph,perf,1,m,sg
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונלחמו: WAW+VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באחיו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss:3ms
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בממלכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Matthew 24:7 (verbal): Jesus uses the same formulaic language—'nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom'—paralleling Isaiah's picture of internecine conflict (city/kingdom against city/kingdom).
- Micah 7:6 (thematic): Describes intimate social breakdown—'a son dishonors his father... a man’s enemies are the members of his own household'—echoing the motif of brother/neighbor turning against one another.
- Judges 12:1-6 (structural): Narrates civil conflict between Israelite tribes (Ephraim vs. Jephthah), an example of internal, intra‑national warfare comparable to 'Egypt against Egypt.'
- Zechariah 14:2 (thematic): Foretells nations and cities arrayed against one another and against a central city—sharing the prophetic theme of widespread inter‑urban and inter‑kingdom conflict found in Isaiah 19:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians; they shall fight, each against his brother, each against his neighbor—city against city, kingdom against kingdom.
- I will set Egyptians one against another, and they shall fight—man against his brother, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.
Isa.19.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונבקה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בקרבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRS,3,sg
- ועצתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- אבלע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ודרשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- האלילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- האטים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- הידענים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 8:19 (verbal): Uses nearly identical wording about consulting those with familiar spirits, ‘seek unto them that have familiar spirits…wizards that peep,’ a close verbal parallel and thematic reinforcement.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-11 (thematic): Prohibitory law listing divination, sorcery, necromancy and consulting the dead—the same practices Isaiah 19:3 says Egypt will turn to.
- Leviticus 19:31 (verbal): Explicit admonition not to turn to mediums and familiar spirits; language and injunction echo the condemnation in Isaiah 19:3.
- 1 Samuel 28:7-14 (thematic): Narrative episode (Saul and the witch of Endor) illustrating a ruler seeking a medium in desperation—an example of the behavior Isaiah predicts for Egypt.
Alternative generated candidates
- The spirit of the Egyptians within them will fail; their counsel shall be frustrated. They will consult their idols, the spirits of the dead, the household gods, the mediums, and the necromancers.
- The spirit of the Egyptians within them will fail; their counsel shall be swallowed up. They will consult their idols, the mediums, the necromancers, and the diviners.
Isa.19.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וסכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אדנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קשה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ומלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימשל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האדון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judges 3:8 (verbal): God hands a people over to a 'hard' or oppressive ruler as punishment—'sold them into the hand of Cushanrishathaim' echoes the language and motif of divine judgment by foreign domination.
- Deuteronomy 28:49 (verbal): A curse formula predicting God will bring a fierce nation against Israel from afar that will oppress and rule over them—parallels the theme of foreign, harsh rule as divine judgment.
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (thematic): God uses a powerful foreign king as an instrument of judgment ('Woe to Assyria, the rod of mine anger')—similar theological motif of God appointing a ruthless ruler over a nation.
- 1 Samuel 8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about the oppressive demands and rule of a human king highlights the theme of harsh royal domination and loss of freedom under a powerful ruler.
- Ezekiel 30:13 (allusion): Ezekiel's oracle against Egypt speaks of making Egypt go into captivity and be delivered over to the sword/cruel treatment—parallels Isaiah's prediction of Egypt falling under harsh rule.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will give the Egyptians into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king shall rule over them, says the LORD of hosts.
- I will give Egypt into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king shall rule over them, says the LORD of hosts.
Isa.19.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונשתו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונהר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויבש: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 29:9-12 (verbal): God’s judgment on Egypt includes making the land a desolation and drying up its rivers (explicit reference to the Nile being made dry), closely paralleling Isaiah’s image of waters/river drying.
- Psalm 107:33-34 (verbal): Uses similar language of God turning rivers into a wilderness and making springs dry—same motif of divine action that dries up waters as judgment or calamity.
- Nahum 1:4 (verbal): Describes the LORD rebuking the sea and making it dry and drying up all the rivers—comparable divine power over waters reflected in Isaiah 19:5.
- Revelation 16:12 (thematic): The sixth bowl judgment dries up the great river (Euphrates) to prepare the way for judgment—an apocalyptic echo of the motif of a major river being dried as divine action.
Alternative generated candidates
- The waters of the sea will dry up, and the river will be parched and dried.
- The waters of the sea will grow scant, and the river will be dried up and languish.
Isa.19.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והאזניחו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
- נהרות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דללו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וחרבו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+suff3,m,sg
- יארי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מצור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וסוף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קמלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Nahum 1:4 (verbal): Speaks of God rebuking the sea and drying up all the rivers—close verbal and thematic echo of rivers and waterways being made dry.
- Psalm 107:33-34 (thematic): Describes God turning rivers into a wilderness and springs into dry ground, with fruitful land becoming barren—parallels the imagery of drying waterways and withering vegetation.
- Joel 1:20 (thematic): Reports rivers of water being dried up and pastures devoured, with animals and vegetation mourning—similar motif of drought and desolation.
- Ezekiel 29:3 (allusion): Addresses Pharaoh as the great dragon lying in the midst of his rivers—an intertextual allusion to threats against Egypt and its waterways, the immediate context of Isaiah 19.
- Isaiah 19:5 (structural): Immediate context within the same oracle against Egypt: explicitly states the canals and river will be dried up and reeds wither, a near-duplicate parallel to v.6.
Alternative generated candidates
- The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will be exhausted and wither; reeds and rushes are diminished.
- The canals will be desolate and dried up; the streams will fail and the reeds and rushes will wither.
Isa.19.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ערות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- על: PREP
- יאור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יאור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מזרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יאור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ייבש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נדף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ואיננו: VERB,qal,pres,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 29:12 (verbal): Explicit prophecy that God will 'dry up the waters of the Nile' as judgment on Egypt; closely parallels the language and act of drying in Isaiah 19:7.
- Revelation 16:12 (thematic): A great river (the Euphrates) is dried up by divine action to prepare the way for armies—shares the motif of God drying a major river as an act of judgment or to enable judgment.
- Exodus 7:20–21 (thematic): In the plague narrative God strikes the Nile (turning its waters to blood), showing divine control and judgment against Egypt’s life-source—a related motif to the drying of the Nile in Isaiah.
- Psalm 114:3–4 (thematic): Describes seas and rivers fleeing or turning back at God’s presence (Sea of Reeds, Jordan)—parallel theme of Yahweh’s sovereign control over waterways, underpinning the image of rivers drying in judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The reed beds along the Nile will be desolate at the mouth of the river; every sown field beside the Nile will wither and be blown away—it will be no more.
- The fields beside the Nile will be laid bare, at the mouth of the Nile; every sown place along the Nile will wither, be blown away, and be no more.
Isa.19.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- הדיגים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואבלו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- משליכי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ביאור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופרשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מכמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמללו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 19:5-6 (structural): Immediate context: these verses describe the drying up of the Nile and channels, the direct cause of the fishermen's mourning in v.8.
- Psalm 107:23-27 (thematic): Depicts seafarers/fishermen endangered and lamenting because of divine action over the waters; parallels imagery of mariners distressed by forces affecting their livelihood.
- Jonah 1:4-5 (thematic): Sailors are thrown into fear and cry out in response to a sea-borne calamity sent by God; similar motif of maritime workers afflicted and mourning under divine judgment.
- Ezekiel 32:2-4 (allusion): A lament oracle over Pharaoh/Egypt speaks of nations mourning and being stunned by disaster; echoes Isaiah's depiction of widespread lamentation in Egypt (including fishermen).
- Revelation 18:17-19 (thematic): Merchants and shipmasters weep and mourn over sudden economic ruin after a city's fall—parallels the motif of maritime workers grieving the loss of livelihood due to judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook into the Nile; and they who spread nets on the water will languish.
- Indeed the fishermen will mourn, and all who cast hook will lament; those who spread the dragnet on the waters will languish.
Isa.19.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פשתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שריקות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וארגים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חורי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 9:31 (verbal): Specifically mentions that the flax was struck/damaged in the plague on Egypt—parallels Isaiah's report that flax workers (and their trade) will be put to shame.
- Proverbs 31:13 (verbal): Praises seeking and working wool and flax (the virtuous woman's textile work); serves as a positive social/economic counterpart to Isaiah's image of artisans humiliated.
- Ezekiel 27:7 (allusion): Describes fine linen and embroidered work connected with Egypt/Tyre's trade—connects to Isaiah's focus on Egypt's linen/weaving industry being disgraced.
- Revelation 18:12 (thematic): Lists fine linen, silk, and other luxury textiles among goods whose trade collapses at Babylon's fall—parallels the motif of textile trades ruined as part of a nation's judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who work with combed flax will be ashamed, and the weavers of fine linen will be confounded.
- The workers of fine linen will be ashamed, and the weavers of white cloth will be brought low.
Isa.19.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שתתיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מדכאים: VERB,piel,ptc,_,m,pl
- כל: DET
- עשי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- שכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אגמי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- James 5:4 (verbal): Condemns those who withhold the wages of laborers; resonates with Isaiah’s picture of wage-earners being oppressed and crying out.
- Deuteronomy 24:14-15 (thematic): Legal injunction to pay hired workers promptly; provides the covenantal background to condemn the mistreatment of those who earn wages.
- Leviticus 19:13 (verbal): Prohibits defrauding or withholding the hire of a laborer—language close to the idea of ‘workers for hire’ being wronged in Isaiah.
- Amos 8:4-6 (thematic): Denounces economic exploitation and cheating of the needy and those who work for pay; parallels Isaiah’s theme of social and economic collapse and oppression of wage-earners.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who weigh out silver will be grieved, and all who make money will be disappointed; all the craftsmen will be brought low.
- The very foundations of Egypt will tremble; all who earn wages will be dismayed.
Isa.19.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- אולים: ADV
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- צען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכמי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- יעצי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבערה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איך: ADV
- תאמרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Isaiah 30:1-3 (thematic): Both passages condemn reliance on Egyptian advice and the failure of human 'wise' counsel—Isaiah rebukes those who seek help from Egypt and trust its counselors rather than the LORD.
- Exodus 7:11 (verbal): Pharaoh's 'wise men' and magicians are summoned to oppose Moses; the reference to Pharaoh's experts highlights a tradition of Egyptian advisers whose power and wisdom are shown to be ineffectual.
- Ezekiel 30:3, 9-11 (thematic): Ezekiel pronounces divine judgment on Egypt and its princes; like Isaiah 19:11, it portrays Egyptian rulers and counselors as ultimately powerless and destined for ruin.
- Jeremiah 46:11,25-26 (thematic): Jeremiah's oracle against Egypt emphasizes Egypt's coming defeat and lack of help—echoing Isaiah's charge that Pharaoh's counselors and princes are foolish and cannot save the nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- The princes of Zoan are foolish, the advisers of Pharaoh are senseless; how can you say to a man, “I am a wise son of ancient kings”?
- Surely the princes of Zoan are fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, ‘I am a wise son, a scion of ancient kings’?
Isa.19.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אים: PART,interr
- אפוא: PART
- חכמיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- ויגידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- נא: PART
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- יעץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 19:11 (structural): Immediate context: verse 11 censures Egypt's rulers as foolish or deceived, setting up the challenge in 19:12 that even the wise should explain the LORD of hosts’ plan against Egypt.
- Isaiah 41:22-23 (verbal): A direct challenge to idols/nations to 'bring forth and show what shall happen' and to declare what is to come—language and motif closely parallel to asking the wise to tell God's counsel.
- Isaiah 40:13-14 (allusion): Rhetorical questioning of human ability to counsel or instruct God ('Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD?'), echoing the contrast between human wisdom and the counsel of the LORD in Isa. 19:12.
- Jeremiah 23:18 (thematic): Similar theme of divine counsel being beyond human standing—'For who has stood in the council of the LORD that he should instruct him?'—undermining human sages' capacity to disclose God's plans.
- Isaiah 43:9 (verbal): Calls nations to 'declare' and 'show former things' and to produce witnesses—closely related language and the motif of demanding that human advisors reveal God’s designs.
Alternative generated candidates
- Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and make known what the LORD of hosts has planned against Egypt.
- Now then, let your sages declare to you; let them tell you what the LORD of hosts has planned for Egypt.
Isa.19.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נואלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- צען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- נף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התעו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פנת: NOUN,f,pl,construct
- שבטיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,fs
Parallels
- Isaiah 3:12 (thematic): Condemns rulers who mislead the people—'your guides lead you astray' parallels the charge that Egypt's princes are fools who have led the nation astray.
- Isaiah 19:14 (structural): Immediate continuation of the oracle: God confuses Egypt so its leaders are deceived and cause the whole country to err; directly follows and explains v.13.
- Hosea 7:11 (thematic): Speaks of leaders as foolish ('silly dove') and depicts political/religious misdirection, including reliance on Egypt—similar theme of misguided or deceitful leadership.
- Ezekiel 30:13 (thematic): Announces judgment on the 'princes' and leadership of Egypt; resonates with Isaiah's denunciation of Egyptian rulers and their failure leading to divine punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have led Egypt astray, those who are the cornerstone of its tribes.
- The princes of Zoan have become fools; the leaders of Memphis have led Egypt astray; they have made it stray in its paths.
Isa.19.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מסך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקרבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עועים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והתעו: VERB,hitp,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suf3m
- כהתעות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שכור: ADJ,m,sg
- בקיאו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Isaiah 29:10 (verbal): Both describe the LORD pouring out or sending a spirit that causes stupor/confusion among a people — divine action that produces communal error and blindness.
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Like Isaiah 19:14, Yahweh is said to send an adverse/alien spirit (an evil spirit) into a people/person, producing disorder and erratic behavior (Saul's torment).
- Judges 9:23 (thematic): God 'sent an evil spirit' to sow strife between Abimelech and Shechem — a parallel motif of the LORD sending a spirit to bring confusion and moral/political collapse.
- Deuteronomy 28:28-29 (thematic): Part of the covenant curses where the LORD brings madness, blindness and bewilderment on a people — similar outcome language of being made to err and act perversely.
- Romans 1:24-28 (thematic): Paul describes God 'giving them over' to a debased mind and sexual/ moral disorder — a New Testament analogue where divine judgment results in removal of moral clarity and pervasive error.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD has mingled within them a spirit of bewilderment; they make Egypt stagger in every undertaking, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit.
- The LORD has mingled within them a spirit of bewilderment, and has made Egypt wander in all its undertakings, as a drunkard staggers in his vomit.
Isa.19.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- למצרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl
- מעשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזנב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואגמון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 9:15 (verbal): Uses the same formula (“head and tail, palm branch and reed”) to characterize failed leadership—verbal parallel and shared prophetic imagery about leaders who cannot act rightly.
- Isaiah 3:6-7 (thematic): Describes the removal of experienced leaders and the rise of unfit rulers, producing social disorder—thematic parallel about leadership collapse and impotence.
- Ezekiel 29:15 (thematic): Proclaims that there will be no longer any prince of the land of Egypt—thematically parallels Isaiah’s depiction of Egypt’s political impotence and lack of effective rule.
- Isaiah 19:2 (structural): Earlier verse in the same oracle predicts Egyptians turned against one another and internal breakdown—structural parallel showing the context that leads to the absence of effective action in 19:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- There will be no work for Egypt—head or tail, palm branch or reed.
- There shall be nothing lawful for Egypt—head or tail, palm branch or reed.
Isa.19.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כנשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחרד: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ופחד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- תנופת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מניף: VERB,hiph,part,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 15:14-16 (thematic): Like Isa 19:16, the Song of Moses depicts neighboring nations trembling and being dismayed at the acts of God—national fear in response to Yahweh’s victorious hand.
- Nahum 1:5-6 (thematic): Describes creation trembling and none standing before the Lord’s anger; parallels the motif of nations trembling because of the mighty action (hand/wrath) of Yahweh.
- Joel 2:11 (thematic): Speaks of the fearful, irresistible advance of the LORD and his army and the terror of the day of the LORD—similar emphasis on dread before divine action.
- Isaiah 3:16-17 (structural): Within Isaiah the image of humiliation framed with female language appears again: God’s judgment brings shame and abasement (women/stripping) — a parallel rhetorical use of 'woman' to signify national/political humiliation.
- Psalm 68:1-3 (thematic): Calls God to arise so his enemies are scattered and those who hate him flee—echoes the result of Yahweh’s effective, fear‑inspiring act against nations as in Isa 19:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- In that day the Egyptians will be dismayed and fearful, they will be put to shame because of the uplifted hand of the LORD of hosts that he raises against them.
- In that day Egypt will be afraid like women, trembling and fearful because of the uplifted hand of the LORD of hosts which he is lifting against them.
Isa.19.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אדמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- למצרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl
- לחגא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יזכיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יפחד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יועץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 19:16 (structural): Immediate context: like 19:17, 19:16 depicts Egypt struck with terror and shame before the hand/counsel of the LORD—closely parallel language and situation within the same oracle.
- Isaiah 19:4 (thematic): Earlier in the same chapter Egypt's distress and humiliation are described; both verses develop the theme of Egypt reduced to fear and powerlessness by divine action.
- Isaiah 14:26-27 (verbal): Uses the language of a sovereign divine 'counsel' (עצה) purposed by the LORD that cannot be annulled, paralleling the idea of the LORD's decisive counsel against Egypt in 19:17.
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (thematic): Portrays a foreign power acting as the instrument of the LORD's purpose—shows the motif of nations used under divine counsel to bring fear and judgment, analogous to the counsel directed against Egypt.
- Psalm 33:10-11 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD thwarting the counsels of nations and of the eternal counsel of Yahweh; parallels the theological claim in 19:17 that the LORD's counsel determines the fearful fate of nations (here, Egypt).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts that he plans against them.
- And the land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; every one who is mentioned in it will be afraid because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which he has devised against them.
Isa.19.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מדברות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שפת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשבעות: VERB,niphal,impf,3,f,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההרס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לאחת: PREP+NUM,f,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 19:23-25 (structural): Immediate context and thematic continuation: declares highways between Egypt and Assyria and that Egypt, Assyria and Israel will acknowledge and bless the LORD, expanding the idea of foreigners turning to Yahweh.
- Zephaniah 3:9 (verbal): Promises a restoration of a 'pure language' so that peoples may call on the name of the LORD—parallels Isaiah 19:18's image of Egyptians speaking the language of Canaan and swearing to Yahweh.
- Ruth 1:16 (thematic): A foreigner (Ruth the Moabitess) pledges allegiance to Israel and to Israel's God ('your God shall be my God'), echoing the motif of non‑Israelites adopting Yahweh.
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): Depicts nations streaming to the mountain of the LORD and seeking his instruction—resonates with the prophecy of foreigners acknowledging and worshiping Yahweh.
Alternative generated candidates
- In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts; one of them shall be called City of Destruction.
- In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts; one will even be called the City of Destruction.
Isa.19.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בתוך: PREP
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומצבה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אצל: PREP
- גבולה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 12:7 (verbal): Abram 'built an altar to the LORD' on foreign soil—same verb and idea of erecting a mizbeach to YHWH in a land outside Israel, parallel to an altar in Egypt.
- Genesis 28:18 (verbal): Jacob 'took the stone and set it up for a pillar' (matsevah) at Bethel—the same concrete image of a pillar set up to mark worship of God that Isaiah applies to Egypt.
- 1 Kings 18:31-32 (verbal): Elijah reassembles twelve stones and builds an altar to the LORD on Carmel—another explicit instance of erecting an altar to YHWH (mizbeach) with stone markers, echoing Isaiah’s altar/pillar motif.
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (thematic): A future age when nations stream to the mountain/house of the LORD to learn and worship—parallels Isaiah 19’s vision of foreigners (Egyptians) worshiping YHWH in their own land.
- Zechariah 14:16 (thematic): The prophecy that surviving nations will go up yearly to worship the LORD—similar eschatological theme of nations recognizing and honoring YHWH (as in the altar/pillar in Egypt).
Alternative generated candidates
- In that day there shall be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border to the LORD.
- In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border.
Isa.19.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לאות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולעד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יצעקו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- לחצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מושיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- והצילם: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 3:7-8 (thematic): God hears the cry of those in bondage and promises to come down and deliver them—same motif of divine rescue in response to oppression.
- Judges 3:9,15 (verbal): When the Israelites cry out because of their oppressors the LORD ‘raises up a deliverer’ (shofet/savior), mirroring Isa.19:20’s sequence of cry → LORD sends a savior.
- Jonah 3:9-10 (thematic): A foreign nation’s cry/repentance leads God to relent and spare them—parallel dynamic of non‑Israelite peoples crying to Yahweh and receiving mercy.
- Isaiah 49:6 (thematic): Yahweh’s salvation is intended to reach the nations so that God’s acts among the Gentiles become a sign/light—a close thematic echo of Egypt becoming a ‘sign and witness’ to the LORD.
- Joel 2:32 (thematic): “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” parallels Isaiah’s promise that those who cry to Yahweh will be saved by his sending a savior.
Alternative generated candidates
- It shall be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and he will send them a savior and a great one, and he will deliver them.
- It shall be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressions, and he will send them a savior, a mighty one, and he will deliver them.
Isa.19.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונודע: VERB,niphal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למצרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl
- וידעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ועבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומנחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונדרו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- נדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושלמו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezekiel 39:21-22 (verbal): Uses the same motif and near-verbatim idea—nations (including formerly hostile peoples) will know that the LORD is God, paralleling Egypt’s coming to know Jehovah in Isaiah 19:21.
- Psalm 68:31 (thematic): Speaks of Egypt and Ethiopia stretching out hands to God—a poetic parallel to Egypt’s future worship and recognition of the LORD.
- Zephaniah 3:10 (verbal): Foresees peoples from beyond the rivers of Cush bringing offerings to the LORD—closely parallels Isaiah’s note that Egyptians will offer sacrifices and vows.
- Isaiah 11:10 (thematic): Predicts that the nations will look to and seek the root of Jesse (the LORD’s representative), echoing the theme of Gentile nations coming to know and worship God.
- Romans 15:9-12 (allusion): New Testament use of Old Testament texts to show Gentile peoples praising and serving God—an application of the same universalizing theme found in Isaiah 19:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD on that day; they will offer sacrifice and grain offering, they will make vows to the LORD and perform them.
- And the LORD will be known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day; they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them.
Isa.19.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונגף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נגף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורפוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונעתר: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ורפאם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:39 (verbal): Affirms YHWH's sovereignty over life and death—'I kill, and I make alive'—echoing the combined action of smiting and healing in Isaiah 19:22.
- Jeremiah 30:17 (thematic): God promises restoration and healing after punishment ('I will restore health unto thee'), paralleling the motif of judgment followed by healing in Isaiah 19:22.
- Hosea 6:1-2 (thematic): Calls for return to the LORD with the assurance that he will revive/restore—mirrors 'they shall return to the LORD' and subsequent healing in Isaiah 19:22.
- Joel 2:25-27 (allusion): God promises to restore what was lost and to be known among the peoples, linking restoration after calamity with nations' renewed relationship to God as in Isaiah 19:22.
- Zechariah 8:20-23 (thematic): Many peoples and strong nations will come seeking the LORD and entreat him—parallels the theme of foreign nations (Egypt) turning to YHWH and being entreated/healed in Isaiah 19:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD will strike Egypt, striking and healing; they will return to the LORD, and he will be entreated by them and will heal them.
- The LORD will strike Egypt—striking and then healing; and they shall return to the LORD, and he will be entreated of them and will heal them.
Isa.19.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- מסלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשורה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומצרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- באשור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 11:16 (verbal): Uses the same image of a 'highway' for peoples—'there will be a highway for the remnant'—linking the idea of a new route of return/communication between nations.
- Isaiah 11:11 (thematic): Speaks of the Lord recovering a remnant from Assyria and Egypt; thematically parallels the rapprochement and movement between Egypt and Assyria in Isa. 19:23.
- Isaiah 19:24-25 (structural): Immediate continuation of the chapter: describes mutual knowledge/blessing among Egypt, Assyria and Israel and explains the purpose of their coming together in 19:23.
- Zechariah 8:20-23 (thematic): Foretells many peoples and nations coming to seek the LORD and saying 'Let us go with you'—parallels the motif of foreign nations coming together to worship/serve.
- Psalm 68:31 (thematic): Declares that envoys will come out of Egypt and Ethiopia will stretch out hands to God, echoing the theme of Egypt (and neighboring peoples) coming into relationship with Israel's God.
Alternative generated candidates
- In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria; Assyria shall come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria; and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.
- In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria shall come into Egypt and Egypt into Assyria; the two shall go up mutually.
Isa.19.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלישיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למצרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl
- ולאשור: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקרב: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 19:23-25 (structural): Immediate context: verses 23–25 expand and complete the same oracle, explicitly naming the future blessing and the reconciliation of Egypt, Assyria and Israel as a unified blessing in the land.
- Genesis 12:3 (thematic): God’s promise to Abraham that through his offspring all families of the earth will be blessed parallels the motif of Israel serving as a source of blessing to surrounding nations (here Egypt and Assyria).
- Psalm 72:10-11,17 (thematic): Royal/messianic picture in which foreign kings bring tribute and all nations are blessed through the king resonates with Isaiah’s vision of Israel as a blessing among nations.
- Zechariah 8:23 (thematic): Prediction that peoples and many nations will seek out Jews and take hold of them to go with them reflects the reversal of enmity and the attraction of other nations to Israel found in Isaiah 19.
- Isaiah 2:2-4 (thematic): The broader Isaianic theme of nations streaming to Zion and living in peace (swords turned into ploughshares) parallels the peaceable reconciliation and blessing among formerly hostile nations in Isaiah 19:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- In that day Israel will be the third with Egypt and with Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land.
- In that day Israel will be a third with Egypt and with Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the earth.
Isa.19.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ברכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומעשה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ונחלתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1cs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (structural): Both texts contrast the allotment of the nations with Israel as the LORD's special portion/inheritance (נחלה/נחלתי), highlighting Israel as God's chosen heritage.
- Genesis 12:3 (thematic): God's promise that through Abraham 'all the families of the earth shall be blessed' echoes the motif of God extending blessing beyond Israel to other nations (here Egypt and Assyria).
- Psalm 68:31 (thematic): Speaks of Egypt (and Ethiopia) turning to God—paralleling Isaiah's surprising inclusion of Egypt among those whom the LORD blesses or claims as 'my people.'
- Hosea 2:23 (allusion): God's declaration that those who were 'not my people' will be called 'my people' resonates with Isaiah's language of Egypt and Assyria being named among God's people and his handiwork.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD of hosts will bless them, saying, “Blessed be my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and my heritage Israel.”
- Whom the LORD of hosts will bless, saying, “Blessed be my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and my inheritance Israel.”
An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and will come into Egypt; the idols of Egypt will tremble before him, and the heart of Egypt will melt within it.
I will set Egyptians against Egyptians—man against his brother, and man against his neighbor; city against city, kingdom against kingdom.
A panic will seize them within Egypt; the counsel of Egypt will fail. They will consult idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the soothsayers. And I will give Egypt into the hand of a harsh master, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the LORD of hosts.
The waters of the sea will be dried up, and the river will be wasted and shall dry up.
The canals will stink, the streams of the Nile will dwindle and dry; reed and rush will wither.
The fishermen will mourn, and all who cast a hook into the Nile will languish; and those who spread nets upon the waters will grieve.
Those who work with combed flax will be disappointed, and all the workers of fine linen will be ashamed.
The weavers will be confounded; the makers of nets and the spinners of white yarn will be put to shame.
Even the pillars of their strength will be crushed; all hired men will sigh and grieve.
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools; the princes of Noph are deceivers. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?
Have not your wise men declared it? Let them tell you now. Let them know what the LORD of hosts purposes against Egypt.
The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Noph have led Egypt astray. They have made its turning about a thing of error.
The LORD has mixed within them a spirit of dizziness; they have led Egypt astray in every undertaking, as a drunken man reels when he vomits.
There will be no work for Egypt to do—head or tail, palm shoot or reed.
On that day Egypt will tremble and be in dread before the outstretched hand of the LORD of hosts, which he stretches out against it. And the land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt; everyone who is mentioned in it will be afraid because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which he takes against it.
On that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called the City of Destruction.
On that day there will be an altar to the LORD within the land of Egypt, and a pillar at its border to the LORD.
It shall be a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressions, and he will send them a savior and a great one, and he will deliver them. And the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD on that day; they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the LORD and perform them. And the LORD will strike Egypt; he will strike and heal them. They will return to the LORD, and he will be entreated by them and will heal them.
On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and Assyria will come into Egypt, and Egypt into Assyria; and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.
On that day Israel will be a third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land,
whom the LORD of hosts will bless, saying, “Blessed be my people Egypt, and the work of my hands Assyria, and my inheritance Israel.”