Isaiah 19:15
Isaiah 19:15 in Multiple Translations
There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.
Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm-branch or rush, may do.
And in Egypt there will be no work for any man, head or tail, high or low, to do.
Nobody in Egypt can do anything, whoever they are—head or tail, palm tree or reed.
Neither shall there be any worke in Egypt, which the head may doe, nor the tayle, ye branch nor the rush.
And there is no work to Egypt, That head or tail, branch or reed, may do.
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do.
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may perform.
And there shall be no work for Egypt, to make head or tail, him that bendeth down, or that holdeth back.
There is no one in Egypt, rich or poor, important or unimportant, who will be able to help them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 19:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 19:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
יִהְיֶ֥ה
לְ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה
רֹ֥אשׁ
וְ/זָנָ֖ב
כִּפָּ֥ה
וְ/אַגְמֽוֹן
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
וְ/זָנָ֖ב
zânâb
H2180
tail
Conj | N-ms
כִּפָּ֥ה
kippâh
H3712
branch
N-fs
וְ/אַגְמֽוֹן
ʼagmôwn
H100
bulrush
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 19:15
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/זָנָ֖ב
zânâb
H2180
"tail"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to the tail of an animal, and can also mean the end or stump of something. It is used literally and figuratively in the Bible.
Definition: tail, end, stump
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: tail. See also: Exodus 4:4; Job 40:17; Isaiah 7:4.
כִּפָּ֥ה
kippâh
H3712
"branch"
N-fs
A branch refers to a part of a tree, like a palm branch used in John 12:13 to welcome Jesus. It can also mean a leaf or frond, often translated as branch.
Definition: branch, leaf, frond, palm frond, palm branch
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: branch. See also: Job 15:32; Isaiah 9:13; Isaiah 19:15.
וְ/אַגְמֽוֹן
ʼagmôwn
H100
"bulrush"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for bulrush, a type of plant that grows in water, is used in Exodus 2:3 to describe the papyrus basket where Moses was placed as a baby. It can also refer to a rope made from these plants. In the Bible, bulrushes symbolize humble or lowly things.
Definition: 1) rush, bulrush 1a) used as cord or line (of twisted rushes or spun of rush fibre) 1b) of the lowly, insignificant (metaph) 2) sad, drooping 1a) of line of bulrushes 1b) bowing of the head (fig.) 1c) of the lowly (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bulrush, caldron, hook, rush. See also: Job 40:26; Isaiah 9:13; Isaiah 19:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 19:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 19:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:15
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
- Sermons on Isaiah 19:15
Context — The Burden against Egypt
13The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.
14The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit.
15There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.
16In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble with fear beneath the uplifted hand of the LORD of Hosts, when He brandishes it against them. 17The land of Judah will bring terror to Egypt; whenever Judah is mentioned, Egypt will tremble over what the LORD of Hosts has planned against it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 9:14–15 | So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 | and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. |
| 3 | Proverbs 14:23 | There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. |
| 4 | Haggai 1:11 | I have summoned a drought on the fields and on the mountains, on the grain, new wine, and oil, and on whatever the ground yields, on man and beast, and on all the labor of your hands.” |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:17 | Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, |
| 6 | Psalms 128:2 | For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours. |
Isaiah 19:15 Summary
Isaiah 19:15 means that Egypt is completely helpless and unable to do anything to change its situation, because God has poured out a spirit of confusion on the nation, as seen in Isaiah 19:14. This is a result of God's judgment on Egypt's sinful ways, and it serves as a warning to all nations and individuals to seek the Lord and follow His commands, as described in Deuteronomy 4:6-8 and Jeremiah 29:13. Just like Egypt, we can become helpless and confused when we reject God and His ways, but when we seek Him and follow His commands, we can experience peace, wisdom, and strength, as seen in Psalm 119:97-100 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can avoid the kind of helplessness described in this verse and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Egypt to be unable to do anything, as stated in Isaiah 19:15?
This verse means that Egypt has been rendered completely helpless and unable to take any effective action, due to the spirit of confusion poured out by the Lord, as mentioned in Isaiah 19:14. This is a result of God's judgment on Egypt's sinful ways, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:28 and Isaiah 5:20.
What is the significance of 'head or tail, palm or reed' in Isaiah 19:15?
The phrase 'head or tail, palm or reed' is an idiomatic expression that refers to the entirety of Egypt, from its leaders to its lowliest citizens, and from its strongest to its weakest elements, as seen in the contrast between the palm tree and the reed in Isaiah 19:15 and Isaiah 9:14-15. It emphasizes that every part of Egypt is affected by God's judgment.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over nations?
Isaiah 19:15 demonstrates God's complete sovereignty over all nations, including Egypt, as stated in Daniel 4:17 and Psalm 103:19. The Lord's ability to render a powerful nation like Egypt completely helpless highlights His absolute control over the affairs of men and nations, as seen in Isaiah 40:15-17 and Jeremiah 18:6.
What can we learn from Egypt's helplessness in this verse?
We can learn that when a nation or individual rejects God and His ways, they can expect to face confusion, weakness, and ultimately, judgment, as described in Proverbs 29:1 and Romans 1:18-32. This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals to seek the Lord and follow His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:6-8 and Jeremiah 29:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which you see the world around you reflecting the same kind of confusion and helplessness described in Isaiah 19:15?
- How can you apply the lesson of Egypt's helplessness to your own life, and what steps can you take to avoid a similar fate?
- In what ways do you see God's sovereignty over nations and individuals at work in the world today, and how can you trust in His goodness and wisdom?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of seeking the Lord and following His commands, and how can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:15
Neither shall there be [any] work for Egypt,.... No trade or business to carry on; their rivers being dried up, there was no flax to work with, and fine linen was a principal commodity of Egypt; nor
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:15
Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do. Neither shall there be (any) work for Egypt - nothing which Egypt can do to extricate itself from the difficulty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
All people, both high and low, shall be at their wits’ end not knowing what to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
Isaiah 19:15 Neither shall there be [any] work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.Ver. 15. Neither shall there be any work.] See on Isaiah 19:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
(15) The head or tail, branch or rush.—For this figurative description of all classes of the people, see Note on Isaiah 9:14.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
Verse 15. The head or tail, branch or rush] R. D. Kimchi says, there are some who suppose that these words mean the dragon's head and tail; and refer to all those who are conversant in astronomy, astrology, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:15
15. No concerted action is possible, and every proposal that is brought forward falls to the ground. head and tail, palm-branch and rush, exactly as in ch. Isaiah 9:14.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:15
Neither shall there be any work - The sense is, that there shall be such discord that no man, whether a prince, a politician, or a priest, shall be able to give any advice, or form any plan for the
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:15
15. Any work for Egypt — Any plan or invention devised for Egypt’s extrication from difficulty by any class, or all classes combined, as expressed in the familiar proverbial designations, head or
Sermons on Isaiah 19:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Death and Christ's Lordship by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christ being formed in each believer, leading to the hope of glory. The preacher highlights the joy that comes from knowin |
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Seeking a Life of Being Not Known by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of living a quiet life focused on God rather than seeking public recognition or applause. He warns against the dangers of pride and the tempt |
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Bristol Conference 1977-03 Msg,and Man of Model Ch. by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of living a life that pleases God. He then moves on to discuss the need for believers to bring comfort to others an |
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The Blessing of Quietness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound blessings of quietness, illustrating how it benefits both the individual and those around them. He highlights the biblical wisdom that encourage |
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1 Peter 4:15 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such acti |
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Idleness Is the Enemy of the Soul by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of staying occupied with both manual labor and sacred reading to combat idleness, which is seen as the enemy of the soul. He provid |
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1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of love among brethren, highlighting that God Himself teaches us to love one another, making it unnecessary to write about it. He enco |