King James Version

What Does Isaiah 31:1 Mean?

Isaiah 31:1 in the King James Version says “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in hor... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:1 · KJV


Context

1

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

2

Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity. call: Heb. remove

3

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (הוֹי הַיֹּרְדִים מִצְרַיִם לְעֶזְרָה, hoy hayordim Mitsrayim le'ezrah)—the seventh woe pronounces judgment on those יָרַד (yarad, going down) to מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, Egypt) for עֶזְרָה (ezrah, help). And stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many (וְעַל־סוּסִים יִשָּׁעֵנוּ וַיִּבְטְחוּ עַל־רֶכֶב כִּי־רָב, ve'al-susim yisha'enu vayivtechu al-rekhev ki-rav)—they שָׁעַן (sha'an, lean upon, rely) on horses and בָּטַח (batach, trust) in רֶכֶב (rekhev, chariots). But they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! (וְלֹא שָׁעוּ עַל־קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת־יְהוָה לֹא דָרָשׁוּ, velo sha'u al-Qedosh Yisrael ve'et-YHWH lo darshu)—they don't שָׁעָה (sha'ah, look to, regard) God or דָּרַשׁ (darash, seek).

Egypt's horses and chariots represented ancient superpower military technology—the tanks and fighter jets of the ancient world. Judah, threatened by Assyria, sought Egyptian alliance rather than relying on Yahweh. The sin isn't seeking protection but the misplaced trust: horses instead of God, human alliances instead of divine covenant. Deuteronomy 17:16 explicitly forbade kings multiplying horses or returning to Egypt. Psalm 20:7 contrasts: 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the late 8th century BC, Assyria dominated the Near East. Egypt, though weakened, still projected military strength. When Assyria threatened Judah, King Hezekiah's advisors advocated an Egyptian alliance (Isaiah 30:1-7). Egypt's cavalry was renowned, tempting small nations to seek protection. But Egypt repeatedly proved an unreliable ally—'a bruised reed' that pierces the hand (Isaiah 36:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents of 'horses and chariots' tempt you to trust in human strength rather than God?
  2. How does seeking legitimate help become sinful when it displaces trust in God?
  3. What does it practically mean to 'seek the LORD' instead of defaulting to worldly solutions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
ה֣וֹי1 of 26

Woe

H1945

oh!

הַיֹּרְדִ֤ים2 of 26

to them that go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙3 of 26

to Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְעֶזְרָ֔ה4 of 26

for help

H5833

aid

עַל5 of 26
H5921

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

סוּסִ֖ים6 of 26

on horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

יִשָּׁעֵ֑נוּ7 of 26

and stay

H8172

to support one's self

וַיִּבְטְח֨וּ8 of 26

and trust

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

עַל9 of 26
H5921

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

רֶ֜כֶב10 of 26

in chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

כִּ֣י11 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

רָ֗ב12 of 26

because they are many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וְעַ֤ל13 of 26
H5921

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

פָּֽרָשִׁים֙14 of 26

and in horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

כִּֽי15 of 26
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָצְמ֣וּ16 of 26

strong

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

מְאֹ֔ד17 of 26

because they are very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְלֹ֤א18 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁעוּ֙19 of 26

but they look

H8159

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

עַל20 of 26
H5921

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

קְד֣וֹשׁ21 of 26

not unto the Holy One

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל22 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאֶת23 of 26
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה24 of 26

the LORD

H3068

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

לֹ֥א25 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דָרָֽשׁוּ׃26 of 26

neither seek

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship


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 31:1 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 31:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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