King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:23 Mean?

Isaiah 19:23 in the King James Version says “In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian i... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 19:23 · KJV


Context

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:

25

Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Remarkable peace vision—Egypt and Assyria (ancient enemies) connected by highway enabling free travel and joint worship. 'Serve' (avad) means worship/serve God together. Historical enmity (Assyria conquered Egypt, 671-656 BCE) gives way to spiritual unity. This transcends geopolitics through shared worship of Yahweh. No more warfare but mutual service of God. This prefigures Church unity transcending ethnic, national, and historical divisions (Ephesians 2:14-16). Former enemies become brothers through shared faith. The highway symbolizes unobstructed relationship and commerce—peace and prosperity replacing conflict.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Never literally fulfilled politically—Egypt and Assyria didn't establish peaceful highway relations. Assyria disappeared as nation after 612 BCE. Fulfillment is spiritual: Egyptian and Assyrian (symbolizing all Gentile nations) believers worship together in the Church, transcending historical enmities. Early Christianity included Egyptian and Mesopotamian (ancient Assyrian territory) Christians worshipping in unity despite ancestral conflicts. The highway represents gospel access—barriers removed, all nations equally able to come to God through Christ. Modern application: former enemies (Germans/French, Japanese/Americans, Hutus/Tutsis) reconciled in Christ, demonstrating gospel's power to transcend deepest hostilities. This spiritual fulfillment surpasses political peace.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does highway between Egypt and Assyria teach about gospel transcending historical enmities?
  2. How is this fulfilled spiritually in Church unity between formerly hostile peoples?
  3. What modern examples demonstrate the gospel reconciling ancient enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 15

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

הַה֗וּא2 of 15
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

תִּהְיֶ֨ה3 of 15
H1961

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

מְסִלָּ֤ה4 of 15

shall there be a highway

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

מִצְרַ֖יִם5 of 15

and the Egyptian

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אַשּֽׁוּר׃6 of 15

and the Assyrian

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וּבָֽא7 of 15

shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַשּֽׁוּר׃8 of 15

and the Assyrian

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

מִצְרַ֖יִם9 of 15

and the Egyptian

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מִצְרַ֖יִם10 of 15

and the Egyptian

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אַשּֽׁוּר׃11 of 15

and the Assyrian

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וְעָבְד֥וּ12 of 15

shall serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

מִצְרַ֖יִם13 of 15

and the Egyptian

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֶת14 of 15
H853

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

אַשּֽׁוּר׃15 of 15

and the Assyrian

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire


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 19:23 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 19:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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