King James Version

What Does Isaiah 30:7 Mean?

Isaiah 30:7 in the King James Version says “For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to si...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still. concerning: or, to her”

Isaiah 30:7 · KJV

Strength

Context

5

They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.

7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still. concerning: or, to her

8

Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: the: Heb. the latter day

9

That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:

Read Isaiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose (וּמִצְרַיִם הֶבֶל וָרִיק יַעְזֹרוּ/umitsrayim hevel variq ya'zoru)—Double emphasis on worthlessness: hevel (vanity, vapor, nothingness—same word in Ecclesiastes "vanity of vanities") and riq (emptiness, void). Their help is vapor—insubstantial, disappearing, worthless. The verb ya'zoru (they help) is ironic: they "help" but it's vain and empty.

Therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still (לָכֵן קָרָאתִי לָזֹאת רַהַב הֵם שָׁבֶת/lakhen qarati lazot rahav hem shabet)—Difficult Hebrew, variously translated. Rahav typically means "Rahab," a poetic name for Egypt (also sea monster representing chaos—Psalm 87:4; 89:10). "Their strength is to sit still" (hem shabet) could mean Egypt's true strength is inaction (they talk big but do nothing) or Judah's best strategy is sitting still (trusting God rather than Egypt). The wordplay suggests both: Egypt's strength is mere boasting without action; Judah's strength would be quiet trust (verse 15: "in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength").

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

"Rahab" as Egypt's nickname appears in prophetic literature (Psalm 87:4; Isaiah 51:9). It evokes Egypt's mythological chaos monster, suggesting Egypt is all roar and no substance—fearsome reputation but impotent reality. History proved Isaiah right: Egypt's military aid against Assyria was indeed "vain and to no purpose." Tirhakah's forces couldn't stop Sennacherib. Only divine intervention (Isaiah 37:36) delivered Judah. The irony is sharp: Judah exhausted itself securing Egyptian help that accomplished nothing, while the help they rejected (Yahweh's) was freely available and actually effective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do impressive-looking helps (wealth, connections, abilities) often prove to be 'vain and to no purpose' when tested?
  2. What does it mean that true 'strength is to sit still'—to trust God quietly rather than frantically securing human helps?
  3. How does the 'Rahab' imagery (chaos monster, all noise and no substance) describe modern securities we trust?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּמִצְרַ֕יִם1 of 10

“For the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הֶ֥בֶל2 of 10

“in vain”

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

וָרִ֖יק3 of 10

“and to no purpose”

H7385

emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

יַעְזֹ֑רוּ4 of 10

“shall help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

לָכֵן֙5 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֣אתִי6 of 10

“therefore have I cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָזֹ֔את7 of 10

“concerning this”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

רַ֥הַב8 of 10

“strength”

H7293

bluster(-er)

הֵ֖ם9 of 10

“Their”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

שָֽׁבֶת׃10 of 10

“is to sit still”

H7674

rest, interruption, cessation

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 30:7 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 30:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:22Isaiah 31:1-5Hosea 5:13Lamentations 3:26Psalms 118:8-9Isaiah 7:4

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Isaiah 30 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 30 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes