Isaiah 19 16

Isaiah 19:16 kjv

In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

Isaiah 19:16 nkjv

In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it.

Isaiah 19:16 niv

In that day the Egyptians will become weaklings. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them.

Isaiah 19:16 esv

In that day the Egyptians will be like women, and tremble with fear before the hand that the LORD of hosts shakes over them.

Isaiah 19:16 nlt

In that day the Egyptians will be as weak as women. They will cower in fear beneath the upraised fist of the LORD of Heaven's Armies.

Isaiah 19 verses

Isaiah 19 16 meaning

Isaiah 19:16 declares a future state for Egypt, stating that it will become as weak and fearful as women due to the impending, decisive judgment of the Lord of hosts. This verse foretells a dramatic reversal of Egypt's perceived strength and wisdom, introducing a period of intense terror originating directly from divine action. The "shaking of the hand of the Lord" signifies an imminent, powerful, and undeniable divine intervention causing this fear.

Isaiah 19 16 Context

Isaiah chapter 19 is an "oracle concerning Egypt" (Isa 19:1). This entire chapter describes a future time when the Lord will bring severe judgment upon Egypt. The historical context involves Egypt's significant role as a powerful, ancient kingdom, often seen as a reliable ally or a formidable enemy by Israel and other surrounding nations, particularly in the face of the rising Assyrian threat. Isaiah often critiqued Israel's reliance on Egypt's strength instead of trusting God. Verse 16 specifically places Egypt in a state of terror and humiliation. However, the broader chapter concludes with a surprising and hopeful prophecy of Egypt's future conversion and blessing, indicating that God's judgment is not always ultimate destruction but can lead to repentance and inclusion in His covenant purposes (Isa 19:18-25).

Isaiah 19 16 Word analysis

• In that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, bayyôm hahû’): This phrase frequently signals a pivotal moment of divine intervention, either for judgment or salvation, particularly in prophetic literature. It emphasizes the specific, preordained nature of God's action.
• shall Egypt (מִצְרַיִם, Mitsrayim): Refers to the powerful ancient kingdom along the Nile, renowned for its military strength, advanced civilization, and idolatry. The prophecy targets this historical entity.
• be like unto women (לִקְרָאת נָשִׁים, liq'rat nāšîm): This simile denotes profound weakness, timidity, vulnerability, and lack of courage. In the ancient world, it was an extreme form of humiliation for a strong, male-dominated society, highlighting a complete loss of its perceived power and martial spirit. It challenges the conventional view of Egyptian strength.
• and it shall be afraid and fear (וְחָרְדָה וְיָרֵאָה, wəḥārədâ wəyāre'â): Two distinct but related Hebrew verbs for fear, emphasizing the intensity and depth of terror.
  • Ḥārədâ: To tremble, to be greatly agitated.
  • Yāre'â: To be afraid, to dread; can also imply reverential awe, but here it is clearly fear of impending doom. This doubled expression stresses utter panic.
• because of the shaking (מִפְּנֵי תְּנוּפַת, mip'nê tēnûfat):
  • Mip'nê: "From the presence of," "because of."
  • Tēnûfat: A "wave offering" or "waving" (Lev 7:30). In this context, it describes the motion of a powerful, threatening gesture, a deliberate action, rather than an accidental tremor. It suggests God's hand poised and ready to strike or command.
• of the hand (יַד, yad): Symbolizes power, authority, action, and sometimes protection (e.g., God's strong hand). Here, it is an instrument of divine judgment and threat.
• of the Lord of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Sabaoth): This is a powerful and significant divine title.
  • Yahweh: The covenant name of God, indicating His personal relationship and sovereign character.
  • Sabaoth: Meaning "armies" or "hosts" (heavenly and earthly). This title emphasizes God's supreme authority, His dominion over all forces, heavenly and earthly, human armies, and cosmic powers. It reinforces the irresistible nature of the impending judgment.
• which he shaketh over it (אֲשֶׁר הוּא מֵנִיף עָלֶיהָ, ’ăšer hû' mēnîf ‘ālêhā): This clarifies that the "shaking" is an intentional and active gesture of the Lord. He is not merely observing but is actively bringing about the fear by an undeniable demonstration of His power, signaling His imminent intervention and judgment against Egypt.

Isaiah 19 16 Bonus section

The motif of a powerful nation becoming like a weak woman in distress or labor appears several times in prophetic literature to denote utter collapse and humiliation (e.g., Isa 13:8 for Babylon, Jer 49:24 for Damascus, Jer 50:43 for Babylon again). This specific imagery in Isaiah 19:16 served as a powerful polemic against Egypt's self-reliance and the widespread perception of its impregnable strength. It challenged the prevailing wisdom that associated Egypt with enduring power, asserting that only Yahweh holds true, ultimate sovereignty. This dramatic reversal prepares the audience for the even more surprising prophecy in the latter part of the chapter, where this same Egypt, once brought low by divine judgment, will ultimately be turned to the Lord, even building an altar to Him and being called "My people" (Isa 19:18-25).

Isaiah 19 16 Commentary

Isaiah 19:16 vividly portrays the humbling of Egypt, transforming it from a symbol of strength to one of profound weakness and terror. The comparison to "women" in ancient culture signifies an extreme loss of courage and societal standing. This fear is not a human-engineered political downfall but a direct consequence of the "shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts"—a powerful, deliberate gesture of divine judgment. The title "Lord of hosts" underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, reducing Egypt's might to nothing in His presence. It warns against trusting in worldly power or human alliances over the Almighty God. Ultimately, this profound terror serves to demonstrate God's unchallengeable authority and sovereignty over all nations, even those once mighty.