King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:1 Mean?

Isaiah 19:1 in the King James Version says “The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Isaiah 19:1 · KJV


Context

1

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom. set: Heb. mingle

3

And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. fail: Heb. be emptied destroy: Heb. swallow up


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. The theophany (divine appearance) depicts Yahweh riding clouds—common Ancient Near Eastern imagery for storm gods, here applied to Israel's God demonstrating supremacy. God 'coming into Egypt' indicates direct intervention in a pagan nation's affairs. The idols 'moved' (tremble/shake) at His presence mocks their impotence—supposed gods terrified by the true God. Egypt's 'heart melts'—courage fails, morale collapses. This demonstrates Yahweh's universal sovereignty, extending beyond Israel to judge and control all nations. Reformed theology emphasizes God's absolute lordship over all creation, not merely covenant people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy addresses Egypt's 25th Dynasty (Ethiopian) and subsequent periods of instability. Egypt had been a superpower for millennia, boasting thousands of deities. For a Hebrew prophet to announce Yahweh's sovereignty over Egypt was audacious—yet history validated it. Egypt experienced severe internal conflicts, foreign invasions (Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Roman), and declining power. The proud empire that enslaved Israel eventually submitted to foreign rule. Egyptian religion, with its elaborate pantheon and rituals, was ultimately displaced by Christianity and Islam. The prophecy's fulfillment spanned centuries, demonstrating God's patient yet certain judgments on pagan powers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Yahweh riding clouds into Egypt teach about His sovereignty over pagan nations?
  2. How does idols trembling at God's presence mock false religion's impotence?
  3. Why does God intervene directly in nations outside His covenant people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מַשָּׂ֖א1 of 18

The burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

מִצְרַ֖יִם2 of 18

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הִנֵּ֨ה3 of 18
H2009

lo!

יְהוָ֜ה4 of 18

Behold the LORD

H3068

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

רֹכֵ֨ב5 of 18

rideth

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל6 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עָ֥ב7 of 18

cloud

H5645

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

קַל֙8 of 18

upon a swift

H7031

light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)

וּבָ֣א9 of 18

and shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִצְרַ֖יִם10 of 18

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְנָע֞וּ11 of 18

shall be moved

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

אֱלִילֵ֤י12 of 18

and the idols

H457

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

מִצְרַ֖יִם13 of 18

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִפָּנָ֔יו14 of 18

at his presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וּלְבַ֥ב15 of 18

and the heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

מִצְרַ֖יִם16 of 18

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

יִמַּ֥ס17 of 18

shall melt

H4549

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃18 of 18

in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)


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 19:1 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 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study