King James Version
What Does Isaiah 19:15 Mean?
“Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.”
Isaiah 19:15 · KJV
Context
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.
17
And the land of Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt, every one that maketh mention thereof shall be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he hath determined against it.
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary'Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.' Complete paralysis—no work for anyone, regardless of position. 'Head or tail' represents leadership versus lowest classes. 'Branch or rush' represents strong versus weak. Normally societies function through differentiated roles, but under divine judgment, everyone is equally helpless. This describes totalitarian paralysis when entire social systems collapse. Neither high nor low, strong nor weak can accomplish anything. This demonstrates divine judgment's equalizing effect—normal social distinctions proving meaningless under comprehensive disaster. All human hierarchies are contingent; when God removes blessing, even the greatest fall and the strong become weak. This anticipates eschatological judgment where earthly status won't matter—only relationship with God determines destiny.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Egypt's historical collapses indeed saw this pattern—periods when neither pharaoh nor peasant could function effectively. Intermediate periods between dynasties show comprehensive social breakdown: central authority collapsed, provinces feuding, economy failing, civilization reduced to survival mode. Neither skill, position, wealth, nor strength provided security. Archaeological evidence shows civilization's material decline during such periods—fewer monuments built, cruder artifacts, population loss. Modern examples include societies collapsing under war, famine, or tyranny, where normal social functions cease and everyone, regardless of former status, struggles merely to survive. God's judgments can reduce proud civilizations to such states.
Reflection Questions
- What does paralysis affecting all social levels teach about human hierarchies' contingency?
- How does comprehensive social collapse demonstrate normal status distinctions' meaninglessness under judgment?
- What does this typologically teach about eschatological judgment transcending earthly positions?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוְלֹֽא1 of 10
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה2 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה4 of 10
“Neither shall there be any work”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁ֧ר5 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רֹ֥אשׁ7 of 10
“which the head”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
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 19:15 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 19:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge