New International VersionThe workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the wage earners will be sick at heart.
New Living TranslationThey will be in despair, and all the workers will be sick at heart.
English Standard VersionThose who are the pillars of the land will be crushed, and all who work for pay will be grieved.
Berean Standard BibleThe workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the hired workers will be sick at heart.
King James BibleAnd they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish.
New King James VersionAnd its foundations will be broken. All who make wages will be troubled of soul.
New American Standard BibleAnd the pillars of Egypt will be crushed; All the hired laborers will be grieved in soul.
NASB 1995And the pillars of Egypt will be crushed; All the hired laborers will be grieved in soul.
NASB 1977And the pillars of Egypt will be crushed; All the hired laborers will be grieved in soul.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the pillars of Egypt will be crushed; All the hired laborers will be grieved in soul.
Amplified Bible[Those who are] the pillars and foundations of Egypt will be crushed; And all those who work for wages will be grieved in soul.
Christian Standard BibleEgypt’s weavers will be dejected; all her wage earners will be demoralized.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEgypt’s weavers will be dejected; all her wage earners will be demoralized.
American Standard VersionAnd the pillars of Egypt shall be broken in pieces; all they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul.
Contemporary English VersionWeavers will be confused; paid workers will cry and mourn.
English Revised VersionAnd her pillars shall be broken in pieces, all they that work for hire shall be grieved in soul.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEgypt's weavers will be crushed. Those who work for money will be distressed.
Good News Translationweavers and skilled workers will be broken and depressed.
International Standard VersionEgypt's workers in cloth will be crushed, and all who work for wages will be sick at heart."
NET BibleThose who make cloth will be demoralized; all the hired workers will be depressed.
New Heart English BibleThe pillars will be broken in pieces. All those who work for hire will be grieved in soul.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the hired workers will be sick at heart.
World English BibleThe pillars will be broken in pieces. All those who work for hire will be grieved in soul. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd its foundations have been struck, "" All making wages [are] afflicted in soul.
Young's Literal Translation And its foundations have been smitten, All making wages are afflicted in soul.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd her pillars were broken in pieces, and all making wages, sorrowful in soul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd its watery places shall be dry, all they shall mourn that made pools to take fishes.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd its irrigated places will begin to fail, with all those who make pools to take fish.
New American BibleThe spinners shall be crushed, all the hired laborers shall be despondent.
New Revised Standard VersionIts weavers will be dismayed, and all who work for wages will be grieved. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all those who make strong drink for the drinking of the people shall be humiliated.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd all who make liquor for a soul’s drinking shall be humiliated OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And her foundations shall be crushed, All they that make dams shall be grieved in soul.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd they that work at them shall be in pain, and all that make beer shall be grieved, and be pained in their souls.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context An Oracle Concerning Egypt… 9The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale. 10The workers in clothwill bedejected,and allthe hiredworkerswill be sickat heart.11The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?…
Cross References Ezekiel 30:18The day will be darkened in Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt and her proud strength comes to an end. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.
Jeremiah 46:25The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh.
Nahum 3:8-10Are you better than Thebes, stationed by the Nile with water around her, whose rampart was the sea, whose wall was the water? / Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and Libya were her allies. / Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains.
Zechariah 10:11They will pass through the sea of distress and strike the waves of the sea; all the depths of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.
Exodus 7:19-21And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” / Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. / The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 23:1-4This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...
Ezekiel 29:9-10The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it,’ / therefore I am against you and against your rivers. I will turn the land of Egypt into a ruin, a desolate wasteland from Migdol to Syene, and as far as the border of Cush.
Jeremiah 51:36Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.
Revelation 18:11-17And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves. ...
Isaiah 24:4-5The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. / The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant.
Ezekiel 32:2-16“Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will draw you up in My net. / I will abandon you on the land and hurl you into the open field. I will cause all the birds of the air to settle upon you, and all the beasts of the earth to eat their fill of you. ...
Isaiah 47:15This is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.
Jeremiah 50:38A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols.
Revelation 18:22-23And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. / The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.”
Isaiah 16:8-10For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea. / So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest. / Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering.
Treasury of Scripture And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof, all that make sluices and ponds for fish. purposes. Exodus 7:19 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; andthat there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both invessels of wood, and invessels of stone. Exodus 8:5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 11:10 For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it,is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredstit with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: for fish. Jump to Previous AfflictedBrokenClothCrushedDamsDejectedEgyptFishFoundationsGrievedHireHiredLaborersMakersMakingPiecesPillarsPondsPurposesSadSickSmittenSoulThereofThreadTwistedWageWagesWorkWorkersJump to Next AfflictedBrokenClothCrushedDamsDejectedEgyptFishFoundationsGrievedHireHiredLaborersMakersMakingPiecesPillarsPondsPurposesSadSickSmittenSoulThereofThreadTwistedWageWagesWorkWorkersIsaiah 19 1.The confusion of Egypt11.The foolishness of their princes18.The calling of Egypt into the church23.The covenant of Egypt, Assyria, and IsraelThe workers in cloth will be dejectedThis phrase refers to the textile industry, which was a significant part of Egypt's economy in ancient times. The dejection of these workers indicates a collapse or severe downturn in this sector, likely due to divine judgment. In biblical context, Egypt was known for its fine linen, a symbol of wealth and prosperity ( Ezekiel 27:7). The dejection of these workers signifies a broader economic and societal collapse. This can be seen as a fulfillment of prophecy where God judges nations for their idolatry and oppression ( Isaiah 19:1-4). The dejection also symbolizes the futility of relying on material wealth and human industry apart from God. and all the hired workers will be sick at heart
The phrase "hired workers" suggests a class of laborers dependent on daily wages, reflecting the socio-economic structure of ancient Egypt. Their being "sick at heart" indicates deep despair and hopelessness, likely due to the loss of employment and economic stability. This mirrors the broader theme of divine judgment leading to societal upheaval. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a warning against placing trust in human systems and economies rather than in God. The emotional state of being "sick at heart" also connects to the biblical theme of the heart as the center of human emotion and will, often used to describe spiritual desolation (Proverbs 13:12). This phrase underscores the comprehensive impact of God's judgment, affecting both the economy and the inner lives of individuals. Persons / Places / Events 1. EgyptThe nation being addressed in Isaiah 19, known for its historical significance and power in the ancient world. The prophecy speaks of its downfall and the resulting economic and social turmoil. 2. Workers in ClothThese individuals represent a specific trade within Egypt, highlighting the economic impact of the prophecy. The cloth industry was significant in ancient Egypt, symbolizing broader economic distress. 3. Hired WorkersThis term refers to laborers who depend on their wages for survival. Their despair signifies the widespread economic collapse affecting all levels of society. 4. IsaiahThe prophet who delivers this message from God. His role is to convey God's judgment and the consequences of turning away from Him. 5. God's JudgmentThe overarching event in this chapter, where God pronounces judgment on Egypt for its idolatry and pride, leading to societal and economic upheaval. Teaching Points Dependence on God, Not EconomyEconomic stability is fragile and can be disrupted by divine intervention. Believers should place their trust in God rather than in material wealth or economic systems. The Consequences of IdolatryJust as Egypt faced judgment for its idolatry, individuals and nations today must be wary of placing anything above God. Idolatry leads to spiritual and often material ruin. God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. This should encourage believers to pray for their countries and leaders, seeking God's guidance and mercy. Empathy for the DisheartenedThe plight of the workers in cloth and hired workers calls for compassion and action towards those suffering economic hardship. Christians are called to support and uplift those in need. The Role of ProphecyProphecy serves as a warning and a call to repentance. Believers should heed prophetic messages in Scripture, allowing them to guide their lives and decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 19:10?
2.How does Isaiah 19:10 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations' economic stability?
3.What lessons can modern societies learn from Egypt's downfall in Isaiah 19:10?
4.How does Isaiah 19:10 connect with God's judgment in other Old Testament passages?
5.How can believers trust God during economic uncertainties, as seen in Isaiah 19:10?
6.What role does reliance on God play in national prosperity, according to Isaiah 19:10?
7.What does Isaiah 19:10 reveal about God's judgment on Egypt's economy and industry?
8.How does Isaiah 19:10 reflect the consequences of idolatry and false worship?
9.What historical events align with the prophecy in Isaiah 19:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 19?
11.Is nudity allowed in heaven?
12.In Leviticus 22:10, does the exclusion of non-priests from eating sacred offerings conflict with later biblical themes of inclusivity?
13.Matthew 20:1-16 - If God is perfectly just, why would He reward latecomers the same as those who worked all day?
14.Isaiah 58:3 - How can the text claim that God observes fasting yet offers no response, contradicting the idea of a loving deity who always hears sincere prayer?What Does Isaiah 19:10 Mean The workers in clothIsaiah singles out the linen artisans of Egypt, the people who turned flax into the fine fabric for which the nation was famous. Their trade depended on the Nile’s waters and the prosperity of the court and temples that bought their wares. Earlier in the chapter the Lord says, “The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty” (Isaiah 19:5). With the river failing, the flax harvest dies (v. 7), so the whole supply chain collapses. We have seen similar shocks before: when famine hit Egypt in Joseph’s day, every profession felt it (Genesis 41:55-56). Scripture consistently shows that when God withholds a resource, even skilled workers cannot overcome it—think of the craftsmen who “could not stand” when the Lord’s glory filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:35).
Will be dejectedThe Hebrew text pictures them bowed down, drained of spirit. Dejection follows when livelihoods disappear and confidence in false gods crumbles. A few verses later Isaiah notes, “The spirit of Egypt will fail within them, and I will confuse their plans” (v. 13). Similar language appears inJoel 1:11: “Wail, O farmers… for the harvest of the field has perished.” When the Lord dismantles an economy, discouragement is inevitable, yet He does it to expose every rival security. Bullet points showing why they are dejected: • Nile drought means no raw material. • Economic domino effect touches artisans, merchants, and households. • Their idols (v. 1) offer no help, revealing spiritual bankruptcy.
And all the hired workersThe blow is not confined to one guild; “all the hired workers” embraces day-laborers, porters, servant staff—everyone paid by the job.Exodus 1:14 reminds us that Egypt once “made their lives bitter with hard labor,” a pattern that returns upon their own heads.James 5:4 echoes the principle: “Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen… are crying out against you.” When a society’s leaders defy God, that sin filters down, hurting the most vulnerable first.
Will be sick at heartThis phrase captures an inner collapse: anxiety, grief, hopelessness.Deuteronomy 28:65-66 foretold such judgment—“The LORD will give you a trembling heart… your life will hang in doubt.”Proverbs 13:12 observes, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” God’s purpose in allowing heart-sickness is redemptive; later in the chapter He promises, “They will cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, and He will send them a Savior” (Isaiah 19:20). Judgment shakes people awake so they can find true healing in Him.
summaryIsaiah 19:10 paints a literal economic and emotional meltdown in Egypt: from specialized craftsmen to day-laborers, everyone feels the sting of divine judgment. The failure of the Nile withers the flax, emptying wallets and draining hearts. God exposes false securities so that people might turn to Him, the only unfailing source of provision and peace. (10) And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof.--Better, the pillars thereof( i.e.,the props and columns of the state) shall be broken in pieces, and all those who work for wages( i.e.,the great masses of the people) shall be troubled in mind.The word translated "purposes," occurs in the sense here given in Psalm 11:3, and is there translated "foundations." (Compare the like figure in Ezekiel 30:4; Galatians 2:9.) Verse 10. - And they shall be broken in the purposes thereof; rather, and the foundations thereof shall be broken, or crushed to pieces (Kay). The rich and noble, the foundations of the fabric of society, seem to be meant. All that make sluices, etc. Translate, all that work for hire (comp. Proverbs 11:18) shall be grieved in soul. The meaning is that all classes, from the highest to the lowest, shall suffer affliction (so Lowth, Gesenius, Knobel, Kay, Cheyne).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The workers in clothשָׁתֹתֶ֖יהָ(šā·ṯō·ṯe·hā)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8356:A basis, political, moral supportwill beוְהָי֥וּ(wə·hā·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bedejected,מְדֻכָּאִ֑ים(mə·ḏuk·kā·’îm)Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1792:To crumble, to bruiseand allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe wageשֶׂ֖כֶר(śe·ḵer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7938:Hire, wagesearnersעֹ֥שֵׂי(‘ō·śê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makewill be sickאַגְמֵי־(’aḡ·mê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 99:Sadat heart.נָֽפֶשׁ׃(nā·p̄eš)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 19:10 The pillars will be broken in pieces (Isa Isi Is) |
