Isaiah 19 18

Isaiah 19:18 kjv

In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.

Isaiah 19:18 nkjv

In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction.

Isaiah 19:18 niv

In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Almighty. One of them will be called the City of the Sun.

Isaiah 19:18 esv

In that day there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of hosts. One of these will be called the City of Destruction.

Isaiah 19:18 nlt

In that day five of Egypt's cities will follow the LORD of Heaven's Armies. They will even begin to speak Hebrew, the language of Canaan. One of these cities will be Heliopolis, the City of the Sun.

Isaiah 19 verses

Isaiah 19 18 Meaning

This verse signifies a future reconciliation and peace between Egypt and Israel, along with Assyria. It depicts a scenario where worship is offered to the Lord Almighty in Egypt, specifically in the city that was once a center of opposition or idolatry (a "city of destruction" or "city of righteousness"). This divine presence establishes God's ownership over Egypt and signifies a period of blessedness for its people.

Isaiah 19 18 Context

Isaiah chapter 19 details a prophecy concerning Egypt's future. It begins with a judgment against Egypt but transitions to a message of hope and restoration. Verse 18 marks a significant turning point, foretelling a day of reconciliation where Egypt, along with Israel and Assyria, will come into a right relationship with God. Historically, Egypt and Israel had a complex relationship marked by both oppression and divine intervention. This prophecy envisions a future era where the historical animosity is overcome by God's sovereign grace, leading to unified worship.

Isaiah 19 18 Word Analysis

• בְּיוֹם (bə·yōm): "On that day" or "in that day." This phrase commonly marks a future prophetic event or the inauguration of a new era, linking this verse to a specific eschatological or redemptive future.
• הַהוּא (ha·hû): "that." Intensifies the specificity of "that day," pointing to a particular, prophesied time.
• בְּיוֹם הַהוּא (bə·yōm ha·hû): The combination emphasizes a designated time in the future when the predicted events will unfold. This temporal marker connects it to other "day of the Lord" prophecies.
• תִּהְיֶה (tih·yeh): "there will be." Future tense, indicating a coming reality.
• חָמֵשׁ (ḥā·mēṣ): "five." The significance of the number five in this context is debated. Some interpretations suggest it refers to five cities in Egypt that will worship the Lord.
• עָרִים (ʿā·rîm): "cities." Plural of "city."
• בְּאֶרֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ): "in the land." Specifies the geographical location of these cities.
• מִצְרָיִם (miṣ·rā·yim): "Egypt." The land of Egypt.
• אֶרֶץ (’e·reṣ): "land." Reinforces the geographical scope.
• קֹדֶשׁ (qō·ḏeṣ): "holy" or "set apart."
• לַיהוָה (lə·Yah·wāh): "to the LORD" or "belonging to the LORD."
• וּקְרִיַּת־מָחָר (û·qərî·yaṯ-mā·ḥār): This phrase is translated in various ways: "city of destruction," "city ofheres," "city of righteousness." The most accepted scholarly interpretation points to "city of the Sun" (Heliopolis, an ancient religious center) which, due to its association with idolatry, is termed "city of destruction" by Isaiah from God's judgment perspective, but which will become "city of righteousness."
• אֶחָת (’e·ḥaṯ): "one." Likely referring to one of the five cities, or one central city among them.
• בְּאֶרֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ): "in the land." Repetition to emphasize the location.
• מִצְרָיִם (miṣ·rā·yim): "Egypt."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "five cities in the land of Egypt": Suggests a significant, widespread conversion and devotion within Egypt. The number five often represents grace or God's work.
• "one of them will be called the City of Destruction" (or "City of Heres" / "City of Righteousness"): This presents a paradox. Historically, a place associated with idolatry ("destruction" or "heres" meaning sun, referencing Heliopolis) will be transformed and recognized as a "city of righteousness" under God's dominion.
• "belonging to the LORD Almighty": This clearly marks Egypt, or at least these cities within Egypt, as coming under God's ownership and divine rule.

Isaiah 19 18 Bonus Section

The reference to five cities could also allude to the five cities of the Philistines, often antagonists to Israel, showing how even former enemies could be brought into God's covenantal blessings. The term "City of Destruction" could be a divine ironic commentary on Egypt's past idolatry and potential opposition, now transformed into a positive designation of divine ownership and holiness. The verse emphasizes the completeness of God's redemptive work, not just cleansing but re-consecration. This future reality is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed, culminating in Christ who draws all people to Himself.

Isaiah 19 18 Commentary

This verse vividly portrays a future, transformed Egypt. The "five cities" receiving God's favor likely signify a broad spiritual revival, impacting multiple centers of life. The inclusion of a "city of destruction" (understood by many as Heliopolis, a major center of sun worship) being called a "city of righteousness" highlights the profound redemptive power of God. It's not just that Egypt will stop its idols, but a place historically steeped in them will be redefined by righteousness, becoming holy to the Lord. This aligns with the broader prophetic theme of global reconciliation and the ultimate sovereignty of Yahweh over all nations, transforming them into places of worship. This is a future restoration, not an immediate historical event.