Isaiah 19 9

Isaiah 19:9 kjv

Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.

Isaiah 19:9 nkjv

Moreover those who work in fine flax And those who weave fine fabric will be ashamed;

Isaiah 19:9 niv

Those who work with combed flax will despair, the weavers of fine linen will lose hope.

Isaiah 19:9 esv

The workers in combed flax will be in despair, and the weavers of white cotton.

Isaiah 19:9 nlt

There will be no flax for the harvesters,
no thread for the weavers.

Isaiah 19 verses

Isaiah 19 9 meaning

Isaiah 19:9 declares that those involved in Egypt's prominent and highly skilled linen industry will be utterly confounded and disgraced. This verse depicts a severe economic downturn as part of God's judgment against Egypt. The skilled laborers who meticulously process fine flax and weave high-quality white textiles, a source of national pride and wealth, will find their livelihoods destroyed, leading to deep shame and public humiliation. This directly signifies the dismantling of a core component of Egypt's economic stability and identity.

Isaiah 19 9 Context

Isaiah 19 is an "oracle concerning Egypt," delivered during a period when Egypt was a powerful kingdom often courted by Judah for political and military alliances against Assyria. Egypt was renowned for its stable civilization, vast resources, and skilled industries. The preceding verses (19:1-4) describe God's coming judgment through internal strife, civil war, and harsh rule, while verses 5-10 specifically detail the economic devastation caused by the drying up of the Nile. The Nile was Egypt's lifeline, crucial for agriculture (including flax), fishing, and transportation. The drying of the Nile (19:5-7) directly leads to the collapse of these industries. Verse 9 specifically highlights the textile sector, an essential part of Egypt's economy, known for producing high-quality linen that was a source of national wealth, status, and trade throughout the ancient world. The prophecy not only details judgment but ultimately looks towards a future where Egypt will know and serve the Lord (19:18-25).

Isaiah 19 9 Word analysis

• And they shall be confounded (וְבוֹשׁוּ - wĕbōšû): From the Hebrew root bosh (בּוֹשׁ), meaning "to be ashamed," "disgraced," "put to shame," or "confounded." This signifies a public, humiliating reversal of fortunes. It's a common outcome when people trust in something (like economic prowess or idols) that ultimately fails them, underscoring the futility of human efforts apart from God.
• who work in combed flax (עֹבְדֵי פִשְׁתִּים שְׂרִיקוֹת - ‘ovděy pishtîm śĕrîqōt):
  • ‘ovděy (עֹבְדֵי): "Workers of" or "those who labor," from the verb ‘avad (עָבַד), meaning "to work" or "to serve." This emphasizes the skilled professionals deeply involved in this industry.
  • pishtîm (פִשְׁתִּים): Refers to "flax," the plant from which linen fibers are derived. Egypt was famed for cultivating flax, a vital crop.
  • śĕrîqōt (שְׂרִיקוֹת): Derived from saraq (שָׂרַק), "to comb," "to hackle," or "to fine-comb." This term specifically refers to flax that has undergone a meticulous process of separation and straightening of its fibers, indicating a product of superior quality, often reserved for fine garments, religious vestments, or export. It speaks to the expertise and value of this sector.
• and those who weave white clothes (וְאֹרְגֵי חוֹרִי - wĕ’ōrĕgê ḥôrî):
  • wĕ’ōrĕgê (וְאֹרְגֵי): "And weavers of," from ‘arag (אָרַג), meaning "to weave." This specifies another crucial artisan class, skilled in turning the processed flax into fabric.
  • ḥôrî (חוֹרִי): Translates to "white clothes" or "fine linen." The word suggests both the color and the quality of the fabric. "White" often denotes purity, royalty, or ceremonial use, making its production highly significant. Most scholarly interpretations strongly favor "fine/white linen" over the KJV's less common "net works," underscoring the value and reputation of Egyptian textiles.

Words-group analysis:

• "They shall be confounded who work in combed flax, and those who weave white clothes.": This complete phrase powerfully brings together the two key aspects of Egypt's advanced textile industry—the preparation of raw materials and the production of finished goods. The parallel structure highlights that the entire chain, from specialized fiber production to the crafting of valuable textiles, will collapse. The term "confounded" underscores the public shame that accompanies the destruction of this esteemed economic pillar, striking at the nation's pride and capabilities. It targets a fundamental aspect of their self-sufficiency and prestige.

Isaiah 19 9 Bonus section

The direct cause of the linen industry's collapse, as seen in the preceding verses, is the drying up of the Nile River and its tributaries. This linkage is crucial, as flax cultivation heavily relied on the fertile banks and consistent water supply of the Nile. Therefore, the judgment described in verse 9 is not arbitrary but a logical consequence of God's control over the very lifeblood of Egypt. The skilled hands of the artisans become idle, not through lack of desire or ability, but because the foundational resources (flax from the Nile) have vanished. This particular judgment targets not just wealth, but also Egypt's skilled labor force and its reputation as a center of fine textile production, attacking its core identity and long-held supremacy in this craft.

Isaiah 19 9 Commentary

Isaiah 19:9 presents a vivid image of national humiliation. By targeting the linen industry, God strikes at the heart of Egypt's economic strength, technological prowess, and cultural identity. Egyptian linen was not merely common fabric; "combed flax" and "white clothes" indicate a sophisticated industry producing luxurious, highly valued textiles used for priestly vestments, royal garments, mummification wraps, and lucrative trade. This verse, therefore, signifies a complete reversal of fortune: what was once a source of pride and prosperity will become a source of shame and ruin. This devastation is directly linked to the predicted drying of the Nile, illustrating God's complete control over both nature and nations. It serves as a potent reminder that all human strength, economic stability, and technological advancements are ultimately dependent on divine sustenance and can be humbled in an instant by the Creator's decree. The shaming of these skilled workers reflects the deeper truth that confidence placed in earthly achievements rather than God will ultimately lead to disappointment and disgrace.