King James Version
What Does Isaiah 19:10 Mean?
“And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish. purposes: Heb. foundations for fish: Heb. of living things”
Isaiah 19:10 · KJV
Context
8
The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.
9
Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded. networks: or, white works
10
And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish. purposes: Heb. foundations for fish: Heb. of living things
11
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
12
Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary'And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish.' Aquaculture and water management industries fail. 'Broken in the purposes thereof' indicates frustrated plans—investment and labor proving futile. 'Sluices and ponds for fish' refers to artificial fish ponds and water management systems. When water sources fail, even engineered alternatives collapse. This demonstrates human ingenuity's limitations under divine judgment—technological solutions can't overcome God-ordained resource failure. The progression through industries (navigation, fishing, textiles, aquaculture) shows how divine judgment systematically dismantles economic complexity, reducing civilization to crisis. Reformed theology emphasizes human cultural achievements, while legitimate and part of the creation mandate, remain dependent on divine blessing. Without God's grace, even impressive accomplishments crumble.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated water management—irrigation systems, canals, artificial ponds. Wealthy estates included fish ponds as food sources and status symbols. These engineering achievements represented Egyptian civilization's height. Yet when fundamental water sources failed during crisis periods, even engineered systems couldn't compensate. This illustrates that technological advancement doesn't provide security against divine judgment. Modern parallels exist: advanced agricultural technology fails during extreme drought; sophisticated economics can't prevent recessions; military superiority doesn't guarantee victory (as Assyria discovered in 701 BCE). Human achievement, however impressive, remains contingent on divine blessing for ultimate success.
Reflection Questions
- What do failed engineered solutions teach about human ingenuity's limits under divine judgment?
- How does systematic dismantling of economic complexity illustrate judgment's thoroughness?
- Why can't technological advancement provide security against divine judgments?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוְהָי֥וּ1 of 8
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְדֻכָּאִ֑ים3 of 8
“And they shall be broken”
H1792to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)
כָּל4 of 8
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹ֥שֵׂי5 of 8
“thereof all that make”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
נָֽפֶשׁ׃8 of 8
“for fish”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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 19:10 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 19:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge