King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:18 Mean?

Isaiah 19:18 in the King James Version says “In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one sha... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. the language: Heb. the lip of destruction: or, of Heres, or, of the sun

Isaiah 19:18 · KJV


Context

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.

18

In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. the language: Heb. the lip of destruction: or, of Heres, or, of the sun

19

In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.

20

And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.' Future conversion of Egyptian cities to worship Yahweh. 'Language of Canaan' means Hebrew, but figuratively indicates adopting Israelite faith and covenant relationship. 'Swear to the LORD' indicates covenant commitment. This eschatological vision sees Egyptian cities becoming worshippers of Israel's God. 'The city of destruction' is textually uncertain—some manuscripts read 'city of the sun' (Heliopolis), others 'city of destruction' (perhaps ironic renaming). Either way, the prophecy envisions widespread Egyptian conversion. This demonstrates God's redemptive purposes extend beyond judgment to salvation—even judged nations will eventually worship Him. Reformed theology sees this as prefiguring Gentile inclusion in the covenant, fulfilled in the multi-ethnic Church.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical fulfillment included Jewish communities in Egypt (Elephantine, Alexandria), and eventually widespread Egyptian Christian conversion. By the 4th century CE, Egypt was largely Christian—famous for producing church fathers (Athanasius, Cyril, Anthony), monasticism, and theological schools. The 'five cities' likely symbolizes significant presence rather than literal five. Egyptian Orthodox Christianity remained strong until Islamic conquest (7th century), and Coptic Christians continue as minority. The prophecy demonstrated God's heart for all nations—even proud Egypt that enslaved Israel would eventually worship Israel's God. This partial historical fulfillment anticipates complete fulfillment when all nations worship Christ (Revelation 7:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Egyptian cities speaking Hebrew and worshipping Yahweh teach about God's redemptive purposes?
  2. How did Egyptian Christianity partially fulfill this prophecy?
  3. In what ways does this prefigure the multi-ethnic Church including all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 17

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֡וּא2 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִהְיוּ֩3 of 17
H1961

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

חָמֵ֨שׁ4 of 17

shall five

H2568

five

עִ֣יר5 of 17

The city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ6 of 17

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֗יִם7 of 17

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מְדַבְּרוֹת֙8 of 17

speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

שְׂפַ֣ת9 of 17

the language

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כְּנַ֔עַן10 of 17

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

וְנִשְׁבָּע֖וֹת11 of 17

and swear

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַיהוָ֣ה12 of 17

to the LORD

H3068

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

צְבָא֑וֹת13 of 17

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

עִ֣יר14 of 17

The city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַהֶ֔רֶס15 of 17

of destruction

H2041

demolition

יֵאָמֵ֖ר16 of 17

shall be called

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאֶחָֽת׃17 of 17

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first


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 19:18 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 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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