King James Version

What Does Isaiah 36:6 Mean?

Isaiah 36:6 in the King James Version says “Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierc... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

Isaiah 36:6 · KJV


Context

4

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?

5

I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? vain: Heb. a word of lips I have: or, but counsel and strength are for the war

6

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

7

But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?

8

Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The metaphor of Egypt as a "broken reed" that pierces the hand of anyone leaning on it is vivid and accurate. Egypt had encouraged Judah's rebellion against Assyria but provided no meaningful military support. The imagery teaches that alliances with worldly powers not only fail to help but actively harm. This principle extends to spiritual life—trusting created things rather than the Creator brings injury. God alone is the trustworthy support that never breaks.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's 25th Dynasty (Kushite) had promised support to western kingdoms resisting Assyria but repeatedly failed to deliver effective military aid.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "broken reeds" do we lean on instead of trusting God fully?
  2. How do worldly alliances often harm rather than help believers?
  3. What does it mean to find God alone as our sufficient support?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הִנֵּ֣ה1 of 23
H2009

lo!

הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים2 of 23

Lo thou trustest

H982

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

עַל3 of 23
H5921

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

מִשְׁעֶנֶת֩4 of 23

in the staff

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

הַקָּנֶ֨ה5 of 23

reed

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

הָרָצ֤וּץ6 of 23

of this broken

H7533

to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively

הַזֶּה֙7 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עַל8 of 23
H5921

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

מִצְרַ֔יִם9 of 23

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִסָּמֵ֥ךְ11 of 23

lean

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

אִישׁ֙12 of 23

whereon if a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עָלָ֔יו13 of 23
H5921

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

וּבָ֥א14 of 23

it will go

H935

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

בְכַפּ֖וֹ15 of 23

into his hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וּנְקָבָ֑הּ16 of 23

and pierce

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

כֵּ֚ן17 of 23
H3651

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

פַּרְעֹ֣ה18 of 23

it so is Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶֽלֶךְ19 of 23

king

H4428

a king

מִצְרַ֔יִם20 of 23

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְכָֽל21 of 23
H3605

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

הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים22 of 23

Lo thou trustest

H982

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

עָלָֽיו׃23 of 23
H5921

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


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 36:6 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 36:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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