King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:14 Mean?

Isaiah 19:14 in the King James Version says “The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, a...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit. a perverse: Heb. a spirit of perversities”

Isaiah 19:14 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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

14

The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit. a perverse: Heb. a spirit of perversities

15

Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.

16

In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

Read Isaiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken man staggereth in his vomit.' God actively sends confusion—a 'perverse spirit' (ruach ivim—spirit of distortions/perversity). This isn't mere human error but divine judgment causing intellectual and moral confusion. The simile of a drunk staggering in vomit vividly depicts complete disorientation and degradation. Egypt stumbles in 'every work'—comprehensive failure across all domains. This demonstrates a terrifying judgment: God can judicially harden hearts and confuse minds (Romans 1:24, 26, 28—'God gave them over'). When nations persistently reject truth, God may confirm them in delusion as judgment. Reformed theology recognizes God's sovereignty extends to judicial hardening—not causing initial sin, but giving rebels over to sin's consequences, including confused thinking.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egyptian decision-making during this period was indeed as if drunk—inconsistent alliances, contradictory policies, failed military campaigns, civil wars. Leaders couldn't effectively analyze situations or execute coherent strategies. This wasn't merely incompetence but appeared as divinely-induced confusion. Historically, nations persistently rejecting divine truth do experience increasing confusion—losing ability to think clearly about fundamental realities. Modern parallels include civilizations descending into moral and intellectual confusion after rejecting Christian foundations—unable to define basic categories, making catastrophically bad policy decisions. The vomit imagery emphasizes degradation—not noble failure but shameful collapse. Egypt's proud civilization reduced to disgusting confusion validated this harsh prophetic image.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God sending a perverse spirit teach about judicial hardening as judgment?
  2. How does the drunkard imagery illustrate complete moral and intellectual disorientation?
  3. What modern examples demonstrate nations descending into confusion after rejecting truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יְהוָ֛ה1 of 13

“The LORD”

H3068

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

מָסַ֥ךְ2 of 13

“hath mingled”

H4537

to mix, especially wine (with spices)

בְּקִרְבָּ֖הּ3 of 13

“in the midst”

H7130

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

ר֣וּחַ4 of 13

“spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

עִוְעִ֑ים5 of 13

“a perverse”

H5773

perversity

כְּהִתָּע֥וֹת6 of 13

“man staggereth”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

אֶת7 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙8 of 13

“thereof and they have caused Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּכָֽל9 of 13
H3605

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

מַעֲשֵׂ֔הוּ10 of 13

“in every work”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

כְּהִתָּע֥וֹת11 of 13

“man staggereth”

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

שִׁכּ֖וֹר12 of 13

“thereof as a drunken”

H7910

intoxicated, as a state or a habit

בְּקִיאֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“in his vomit”

H6892

vomit

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 19:14 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 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:11Ezekiel 14:7-91 Kings 22:20-23Jeremiah 25:27Job 12:25Isaiah 47:10-11

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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