Isaiah 30:2

Isaiah 30:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.

King James Version KJV

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

American Standard Version ASV

that set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!

Bible in Basic English BBE

Who make a move to go down into Egypt, without authority from me; who are looking to the strength of Pharaoh for help, and whose hope is in the shade of Egypt.

Free Bible Version FBV

You go to Egypt without asking me, looking to Pharaoh for protection, hoping to find safety hiding behind Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Which walke forth to goe downe into Egypt (and haue not asked at my mouth) to strengthen them selues with the strength of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadowe of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Who are walking to go down to Egypt, And My mouth have not asked, To be strong in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt.

World English Bible WEB

who set out to go down into Egypt without asking for my advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shade of Egypt!

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth, hoping for help in the strength of Pharao, and trusting in the shadow of Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

You went to Egypt to ask their rulers for help, without asking for my advice. You have trusted in the army of the king of Egypt to protect you; you have trusted in them like people sit in the shade to protect themselves from the sun [MET].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 30:2

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 30:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/הֹלְכִים֙ לָ/רֶ֣דֶת מִצְרַ֔יִם וּ/פִ֖/י לֹ֣א שָׁאָ֑לוּ לָ/עוֹז֙ בְּ/מָע֣וֹז פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְ/לַ/חְס֖וֹת בְּ/צֵ֥ל מִצְרָֽיִם

הַ/הֹלְכִים֙ hâlak H1980 to go Art | V-Qal

לָ/רֶ֣דֶת yârad H3381 to go down Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

וּ/פִ֖/י peh H6310 lip Conj | N-ms | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

שָׁאָ֑לוּ shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לָ/עוֹז֙ ʻâzaz H5810 be strong Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/מָע֣וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 security Prep | N-ms

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וְ/לַ/חְס֖וֹת châçâh H2620 to seek refuge Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בְּ/צֵ֥ל tsêl H6738 shadow Prep | N-ms

מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 30:2

הַ/הֹלְכִים֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" Art | V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

לָ/רֶ֣דֶת yârad H3381 "to go down" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" 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.

וּ/פִ֖/י peh H6310 "lip" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.

שָׁאָ֑לוּ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

לָ/עוֹז֙ ʻâzaz H5810 "be strong" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to be strong or prevail, and can also mean to make something firm. It's used in the Bible to describe God strengthening someone or someone becoming strong. The KJV translates it as 'harden' or 'strengthen'.

Definition: 1) to be strong 1a) (Qal) to be strong, prevail 1b) (Hiphil) to make firm, strengthen

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong. See also: Judges 3:10; Proverbs 7:13; Psalms 9:20.

בְּ/מָע֣וֹז mâʻôwz H4581 "security" Prep | N-ms

A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.

Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וְ/לַ/חְס֖וֹת châçâh H2620 "to seek refuge" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection 1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 32:37; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 2:12.

בְּ/צֵ֥ל tsêl H6738 "shadow" Prep | N-ms

A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.

Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.

מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — Isaiah 30:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 30:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:2
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:2
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2
Sermons on Isaiah 30:2

Context — The Worthless Treaty with Egypt

1“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.

2They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.

3But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. 4For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 36:6	Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
2	Numbers 27:21	He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
3	Deuteronomy 28:68	The LORD will return you to Egypt in ships by a route that I said you should never see again. There you will sell yourselves to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.”
4	Jeremiah 43:7	So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes.
5	Lamentations 4:20	The LORD’s anointed, the breath of our life, was captured in their pits. We had said of him, “Under his shadow we will live among the nations.”
6	Ezekiel 29:6–7	Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched.
7	Jeremiah 42:20	For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’
8	Isaiah 16:3	“Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees.
9	Jeremiah 37:5	Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem.
10	2 Kings 17:4	But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.

Isaiah 30:2 Summary

This verse is saying that the people of Israel made a big mistake by trying to make a deal with Egypt without asking God if it was a good idea. They wanted to be safe and protected, but they were looking to the wrong place for help. This reminds us that we should always ask God for guidance and trust in His power and promises, rather than relying on our own strength or the help of others (Psalm 37:3-7, Proverbs 3:5-6). By seeking God's counsel, we can avoid making mistakes and find true safety and protection in Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God call the children of Israel 'rebellious' in this verse?

God called them rebellious because they were making plans without seeking His advice, which is a form of disobedience, as seen in Isaiah 30:1 and Deuteronomy 29:19-20.

What is the significance of going down to Egypt in this verse?

Going down to Egypt represents the Israelites' desire to rely on human strength and alliances rather than trusting in God's power and protection, as warned against in Exodus 14:13 and Psalm 20:7-8.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that we should seek God's counsel and guidance in all our decisions, rather than relying on our own wisdom or the wisdom of the world, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-13.

What does it mean to 'seek shelter under Pharaoh's protection'?

Seeking shelter under Pharaoh's protection means to put one's trust in the power and might of the world, rather than in the power and promises of God, as seen in Isaiah 31:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:25-29.

Reflection Questions

In what ways do I seek shelter and refuge in the world, rather than in God's presence and promises?
How can I cultivate a habit of seeking God's counsel and guidance in all my decisions, big and small?
What are some areas of my life where I am tempted to rely on human strength and alliances rather than trusting in God's power and protection?
How does this verse challenge or encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt,.... That walk out of their own land to go thither; who sent messengers thither to form an alliance, and get help and assistance, or went in person, to secure themselves from present danger.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt; that send ambassadors to Egypt for succour, as we read, , which the Jews were forward to do upon all occasions, and did now upon the invasion of the king of Assyria, as is evident from ,6, and did the like against the king of Babylon, . Have not asked at my mouth; either by the priests or prophets, as they were to do in weighty cases; of which see ,10 42:2,20; or by studying my word, which plainly directs them to another course, and forbids them this practice. In the shadow; in their power (as it is in the foregoing clause) and protection, which is oft signified by the shadow, as 91:1,4.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2

Isaiah 30:2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!Ver. 2. That walk to go down into Egypt.] This they were flatly forbidden to do. But state policy doth sometimes carry it against express Scripture, to the formalising and enervating of the power of truth, till at length they have left us a heartless and sapless religion, as one well observeth. This is no thriving course certainly; here we have a dreadful woe hanged at the heels of it. The Grecian Churches first called in the Turks to their help, who distressed them, and then, through fear of the Turks, A.D. 1438, sent and subjected themselves to the Bishop of Rome, that they might have the help of the Latin Churches; but shortly after they were destroyed, their empire subdued, &c., teaching all others by their example not to trust to carnal combinations, not to seek the association of others in a sinful way.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2

(2) To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh.—Literally, the fortress of Pharaoh, used as the symbol of his kingdom: This, then, was the course into which even Hezekiah had been led or driven, and it had been done without consulting Isaiah as the recognised prophet of Jehovah. For the “shadow of Egypt” see Note on Isaiah 18:1.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:2

2. and have not asked at my mouth] “have not consulted my prophet” (for the expression cf. Joshua 9:14; Genesis 24:57). to strengthen themselves … Egypt] Rather: to take refuge in the refuge of Pharaoh, and to hide in the shadow of Egypt.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down to Egypt - Hebrew, ‘Going in the descent to Egypt.’ That is, they do it by their ambassadors Isaiah 30:4.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:2

2-4. That walk to go down into Egypt — “Going in the descent of Egypt,” by their ambassadors. Trusting in the shadow of Egypt — in her protection rather than in the protection of Jehovah — is most disgraceful.

Sermons on Isaiah 30:2

	Sermon	Description
	Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill	John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u
	From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus	Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo
	Jeremiah 43:7 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the tragic return of the Israelites to Egypt, a place of bondage from which they had been delivered by God. He emphasizes that fear and disobedience led them
	(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 16-20 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hindrances and the revelation of the man of sin. He references Revelation chapter 4, where he sees the church being taken up i

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