King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:22 Mean?

Isaiah 19:22 in the King James Version says “And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intr...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.”

Isaiah 19:22 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it.

22

And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

23

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

24

In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land:

Read Isaiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.' Divine discipline leads to restoration: God smites (strikes/judges), but then heals. This smiting produces repentance—'they shall return' (shuv—turn back, repent). God is 'intreated' (atar—responds favorably to prayer), and healing follows. This demonstrates redemptive judgment—God wounds to heal, judges to restore. The pattern mirrors Hosea 6:1: 'Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.' God's judgments serve merciful purposes, driving people back to Him for restoration. Reformed theology emphasizes God's chastisements are evidence of love (Hebrews 12:5-11), designed to produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's historical experience validated this pattern: judgment through invasions and internal chaos, yet preservation as a nation and eventual spiritual healing through Christian conversion. Unlike many ancient nations that disappeared entirely (Assyria, Babylon), Egypt continued existing, ultimately experiencing spiritual restoration through Christianity. This demonstrated God's purposes weren't merely punitive but redemptive—using temporal judgments to drive nations toward spiritual healing. The pattern continues: God disciplines His Church through persecution and trials, but purposes are restorative, not merely punitive. Judgment without restoration would be wrath; judgment with restoration is discipline—the latter characterizes God's dealings with those He purposes to save.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God smiting to heal teach about redemptive purposes behind divine judgments?
  2. How does this pattern (strike, repent, heal) demonstrate discipline versus pure wrath?
  3. In what ways do God's temporal judgments serve to drive people back to Him for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
נָגֹ֣ף1 of 12

“he shall smite”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 12

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

מִצְרַ֖יִם4 of 12

“Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

נָגֹ֣ף5 of 12

“he shall smite”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

וּרְפָאָֽם׃6 of 12

“and heal”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

וְשָׁ֙בוּ֙7 of 12

“it and they shall return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עַד8 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 12

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

וְנֶעְתַּ֥ר10 of 12

“and he shall be intreated”

H6279

to burn incense in worship, i.e., intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer)

לָהֶ֖ם11 of 12
H0
וּרְפָאָֽם׃12 of 12

“and heal”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

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 19:22 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 19:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:11Deuteronomy 32:39Hosea 14:1Amos 4:6-12Isaiah 45:14Hosea 6:2

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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