King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:11 Mean?

Isaiah 19:11 in the King James Version says “Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Isaiah 19:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof. they that: or, governors: Heb. corners

Read Isaiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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?' Egypt's vaunted wisdom fails. Zoan (Tanis) was a major Delta city and royal residence. Its 'princes' (sarim—officials, nobles) are 'fools' (evilim—stupid, foolish), and Pharaoh's counselors are 'brutish' (baar—senseless like animals). Their proud claims to ancient wisdom and royal lineage prove empty when unable to solve national crises. This mocks Egyptian pretensions—civilization priding itself on wisdom, scribal education, and ancient knowledge is exposed as foolish when confronted with divine judgment. True wisdom begins with fearing the LORD (Proverbs 9:10); apart from this foundation, even sophisticated knowledge is folly. Reformed epistemology emphasizes all true knowledge depends on right relationship with God as Creator and source of truth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt boasted the ancient world's most developed educational system, producing scribes, priests, and administrators trained in extensive literary traditions. Wisdom literature like 'The Instruction of Amenemope' influenced biblical wisdom literature. Royal counselors formed a professional class claiming descent from ancient sages. Yet despite this sophisticated intellectual culture, Egyptian policy repeatedly failed during Isaiah's period—failed alliances, military defeats, internal chaos. All their wisdom couldn't prevent decline. This validated the biblical critique: worldly wisdom divorced from God is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). History shows impressive secular wisdom traditions ultimately failing without the fear of the LORD as foundation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Egypt's failed wisdom teach about human knowledge divorced from fearing God?
  2. How do impressive intellectual traditions prove futile under divine judgment?
  3. Why is 'the fear of the LORD' the necessary foundation for true wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אַךְ1 of 19
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֱוִלִים֙2 of 19
H196

silly, foolish; hence (morally) impious

שָׂ֣רֵי3 of 19

“Surely the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צֹ֔עַן4 of 19

“of Zoan”

H6814

tson, a place in egypt

חֲכָמִ֥ים5 of 19

“of the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

עֵצָ֖ה6 of 19

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

פַּרְעֹ֔ה7 of 19

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

עֵצָ֖ה8 of 19

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

נִבְעָרָ֑ה9 of 19

“is become brutish”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

אֵ֚יךְ10 of 19
H349

how? or how!; also where

תֹּאמְר֣וּ11 of 19

“how say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל12 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֔ה13 of 19

“of Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

בֶּן14 of 19

“I am the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲכָמִ֥ים15 of 19

“of the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

אֲנִ֖י16 of 19
H589

i

בֶּן17 of 19

“I am the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַלְכֵי18 of 19

“kings”

H4428

a king

קֶֽדֶם׃19 of 19

“of ancient”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

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 19:11 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 19:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 13:22Acts 7:22Isaiah 30:4Psalms 78:431 Kings 4:30Psalms 78:12

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
ZoanSettlement · Modern: Tanis · 30.98°N, 31.88°E7 verses across 4 books
View all places in Isaiah 19 →

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