King James Version

What Does Isaiah 19:7 Mean?

Isaiah 19:7 in the King James Version says “The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven a...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no more. and be: Heb. and shall not be”

Isaiah 19:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.

6

And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.

7

The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no more. and be: Heb. and shall not be

8

The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.

9

Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded. networks: or, white works

Read Isaiah 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and every thing sown by the brooks, shall wither, be driven away, and be no more.' Continuing the ecological disaster: vegetation by waterways withers and disappears. The threefold description emphasizes completeness: withering (dying), driven away (wind-blown after death), and 'be no more' (complete disappearance). Agriculture 'sown by the brooks' fails—crops dependent on irrigation vanish. This depicts famine conditions—not just reduced harvest but total agricultural failure. Reformed covenant theology recognizes that fertility is a covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:4, 11) and barrenness a covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:17-18, 38-40). While Egypt wasn't in direct covenant with God, the same creation principles apply: rebellion against the Creator produces barrenness; alignment with divine order produces fruitfulness. Egypt's idolatry and opposition to God's purposes brings curse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egyptian agriculture's dependence on Nile flooding meant crop failures during low-water years could be catastrophic. Historical records document famines causing social collapse, civil war, and cannibalism during severe periods. The prophecy describes such conditions—agriculture failing, people driven away (migration due to famine), regions depopulated. While not permanent (Egypt continued to exist), these cycles of collapse validated the prophecy. The Ptolemaic and Roman periods show Egypt declining from wealthy independent civilization to exploited province. Agricultural productivity increasingly served foreign rulers rather than domestic population, fulfilling the spirit of judgment even if not literal permanent desolation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does agricultural failure teach about creation order blessing obedience and cursing rebellion?
  2. How do covenant principles (blessing/curse) apply to nations outside formal covenant relationship?
  3. Why is fertility/barrenness a key indicator of relationship with the Creator?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עָר֥וֹת1 of 12

“The paper reeds”

H6169

a naked (i.e., level) plot

עַל2 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְא֔וֹר3 of 12

“by the brooks”

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

עַל4 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֣י5 of 12

“by the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְא֔וֹר6 of 12

“by the brooks”

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

וְכֹל֙7 of 12
H3605

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

מִזְרַ֣ע8 of 12

“and every thing sown”

H4218

a planted field

יְא֔וֹר9 of 12

“by the brooks”

H2975

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

יִיבַ֥שׁ10 of 12

“shall wither”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

נִדַּ֖ף11 of 12

“be driven away”

H5086

to shove asunder, i.e., disperse

וְאֵינֶֽנּוּ׃12 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

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 19:7 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 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 1:17-18Isaiah 32:20Ezekiel 19:13Jeremiah 14:4Isaiah 23:3

Places in This Verse

NileRiver · Modern: Nile River · 31.47°N, 30.37°E45 verses across 9 books
View all places in Isaiah 19 →

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