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

The verse speaks of those who are artisans and craftsmen in Egypt, skilled in weaving fine linen and creating workers' garments. It foretells their despair and sorrow, indicating a societal collapse where their skilled labor becomes useless. This signifies a profound disruption and loss of livelihood for a vital sector of Egyptian society.

Isaiah 19 9 Context

Chapter 19 of Isaiah focuses on the prophecy of judgment against Egypt. It describes a severe political and social upheaval, likening it to internal strife and foreign invasion. The prophecy highlights the disruption of their entire societal structure, from rulers to common workers. This verse specifically details the fate of those involved in Egypt's textile industry and garment making, indicating a widespread collapse affecting skilled labor and trade. The prophecy unfolds in stages, detailing the coming days of Egypt's desolation and eventual recognition of the Lord.

Isaiah 19 9 Word Analysis

• וְהָיוּ (və·hâ·yū): "And they will be" (from the root היה, meaning "to be," "to become"). Future tense, plural. It signifies a future state or condition for the subject.
• לְתַּמִּים (lə·tâm·mîm): "as artisans," "as craftsmen," "as skilled workers." Derived from the root תמם (tāmām), meaning "to be complete," "to be finished," "to be perfect." Here, it implies individuals who have reached perfection or completeness in their craft. The plural noun form denotes those who are masters of their trade, particularly in creating and finishing. It can specifically refer to those who made fine garments.
• וְשַׂקֵּי (wə·śaq·qê): "and sacks," "and woven fabrics." From the root שׂק (śaq), referring to coarse cloth or sackcloth, but here it is extended to fine woven materials used for garments. It speaks of the products of their skilled labor.
• אֹרֶג (’ō·reḡ): "weaver," "weaving." From the root ארג (’ā·rēḡ), meaning "to weave." It specifically refers to the art and practice of weaving, indicating the skill and industry of the Egyptians in creating textiles.
• וְנֶחְלְּמוּ (wə·neḥ·lə·mū): "and they will be disheartened," "and they will grieve," "and they will languish." From the root חלם (ḥā·lám), meaning "to be weak," "to be sick," "to be languishing." The hophal conjugation suggests they will be made to languish or become dispirited. It implies a loss of spirit, energy, and hope due to their adverse circumstances.

Words Group Analysis:

• "artisans and workers of fine linen and weavers of silk": This phrase depicts a prosperous and industrially advanced Egypt. The mention of "fine linen" (שק) and "weavers of silk" (ארג) points to high-quality textile production, a hallmark of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and trade. The combined terms highlight the diverse and skilled labor force in the fabric industry. The despair of these skilled workers signifies the breakdown of their specialized economy and the futility of their trained abilities in the face of divine judgment.

Isaiah 19 9 Bonus Section

The pride of Egypt was deeply rooted in its civilization, its Nile-fed fertility, and its masterful artisans. Isaiah 19:9 targets a specific manifestation of this pride – the skill and artistry in textiles, a significant part of its economy and identity. The prophecy's inclusion of these artisans signifies that no segment of society, however skilled or valuable its contribution, is exempt from divine accounting. The "workers" here represent not just manual laborers but skilled professionals, highlighting that a broad societal impact is intended. The ultimate message, as echoed throughout Isaiah, is Egypt's future repentance and incorporation into God's plan (Isa 19:21-25), suggesting that this judgment, though severe, serves a redemptive purpose for all nations, including Egypt. The meticulous detail regarding the artisans underscores the completeness of the foreseen desolation, reaching even the most specialized and celebrated professions.

Isaiah 19 9 Commentary

This verse captures the utter ruin that befalls a nation when God withdraws His favor and judgment is executed. Egypt, known for its skilled artisans, particularly in weaving and producing fine textiles like linen, will experience a devastating economic collapse. The people who excel in these trades will find their skills rendered useless. Their hands, accustomed to creating beauty and value, will be paralyzed by despair. This foretells a time when the intricate networks of production and commerce are shattered, leaving even the most skilled workers without purpose or sustenance. The prophecy serves as a stark reminder that human achievement, however grand, is subject to divine sovereignty and judgment. It’s not just a loss of goods but a loss of identity and livelihood for those who took pride in their craft.