King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:10 Mean?

Isaiah 19:10 in the King James Version says “And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish. purposes: Heb. foundations f...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.

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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.

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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

  1. What do failed engineered solutions teach about human ingenuity's limits under divine judgment?
  2. How does systematic dismantling of economic complexity illustrate judgment's thoroughness?
  3. Why can't technological advancement provide security against divine judgments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהָי֥וּ1 of 8
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁתֹתֶ֖יהָ2 of 8

“in the purposes”

H8356

a basis, i.e., (figuratively) political or moral support

מְדֻכָּאִ֑ים3 of 8

“And they shall be broken”

H1792

to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)

כָּל4 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹ֥שֵׂי5 of 8

“thereof all that make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שֶׂ֖כֶר6 of 8

“sluices”

H7938

wages

אַגְמֵי7 of 8

“and ponds”

H99

figuratively, sad

נָֽפֶשׁ׃8 of 8

“for fish”

H5315

properly, 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

Exodus 8:5Exodus 7:19Deuteronomy 11:10

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Isaiah 19 →

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