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◄ Isaiah 19:11►

New International Version
The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings"?

New Living Translation
What fools are the officials of Zoan! Their best counsel to the king of Egypt is stupid and wrong. Will they still boast to Pharaoh of their wisdom? Will they dare brag about all their wise ancestors?

English Standard Version
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the wisest counselors of Pharaoh give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?

Berean Standard Bible
The 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”?

King James Bible
Surely the princes of Zoanare fools, the counsel of the wise counsellers of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, Iam the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

New King James Version
Surely the princes of Zoanare fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give foolish counsel. How do you say to Pharaoh, “Iam the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings?”

New American Standard Bible
The officials of Zoan are mere fools; The advice of Pharaoh’s wisest advisers has become stupid. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?

NASB 1995
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; The advice of Pharaoh’s wisest advisers has become stupid. How can you men say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings “?

NASB 1977
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; The advice of Pharaoh’s wisest advisers has become stupid. How can youmen say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings”?

Legacy Standard Bible
The princes of Zoan are merely ignorant fools; The counsel of Pharaoh’s wisest counselors has become senseless. How can youmen say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of the kings of old”?

Amplified Bible
The princes of Zoan are complete fools; The counsel of the Pharaoh’s wisest advisors has become stupid. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of ancient kings?”

Christian Standard Bible
The princes of Zoan are complete fools; Pharaoh’s wisest advisers give stupid advice! How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a student of eastern kings”?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The princes of Zoan are complete fools; Pharaoh’s wisest advisers give stupid advice! How can you say to Pharaoh,” I am one of the wise, a student of eastern kings"?

American Standard Version
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Contemporary English Version
The king's officials in Zoan are foolish themselves and give stupid advice. How can they say to him, "We are very wise, and our families go back to kings of long ago?"

English Revised Version
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The leaders of Zoan are nothing but fools. The wisest of Pharaoh's counselors gives stupid advice. How can you tell Pharaoh, "I'm a descendant of wise men, a descendant of ancient kings"?

Good News Translation
The leaders of the city of Zoan are fools! Egypt's wisest people give stupid advice! How do they dare to tell the king that they are successors to the ancient scholars and kings?

International Standard Version
Zoan's princes are nothing but fools; the wisest advisors of Pharaoh give stupid advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I'm a descendant of wise men, a descendant of ancient kings"?

NET Bible
The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; Pharaoh's wise advisers give stupid advice. How dare you say to Pharaoh, "I am one of the sages, one well-versed in the writings of the ancient kings?"

New Heart English Bible
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counselors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye to Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The 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”?

World English Bible
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Only, the princes of Zoan [are] fools, "" The counsel of the wise ones of the counselors of Pharaoh has become brutish. How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am a son of the wise, a son of kings of antiquity?”

Young's Literal Translation
Only, fools are the princes of Zoan, The counsel of the wise ones of the counsellors of Pharaoh hath become brutish. How say ye unto Pharaoh, 'A son of the wise am I, a son of kings of antiquity?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Also the chiefs of Zoan are foolish, the wise counseling Pharaoh the counsel became brutish: how shall ye say to Pharaoh, I the son of the wise, the son of kings of old?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The princes of Tanis are become fools, the wise counsellors of Pharao have given foolish counsel: how will you say to Pharao: I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Catholic Public Domain Version
The leaders of Tanis are foolish. The wise counselors of Pharaoh have given foolish counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh: “I am the son of wisemen, the son of the kings of antiquity?”

New American Bible
Utter fools are the princes of Zoan! the wisest of Pharaoh’s advisers give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am a descendant of wise men, of ancient kings”?

New Revised Standard Version
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give stupid counsel. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the sages, a descendant of ancient kings”?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Surely the princes of Zoan have become fools, the wise counsellors of King Pharaoh give foolish counsel; how can you say to Pharaoh, We are wise men, the sons of the ancient kings?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The Princes of Zoan became insane! The wise men who counsel Pharaoh the King of Kings are mad men! How will you say to Pharaoh: ”We are wise and the sons of the first Kings?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
The princes of Zoan are utter fools; The wisest counsellors of Pharaoh are a senseless counsel; How can ye say unto Pharaoh: 'I am the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings'?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the princes of Tanis shall be fools:as for the king's wise counsellors, their counsel shall be turned into folly: how will ye say to the king, we are sons of wise men, sons of ancient kings?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

An Oracle Concerning Egypt
…10The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the hired workers will be sick at 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”?12Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Kings 4:30
Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

Job 5:13
He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.

1 Corinthians 1:19-20
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Ezekiel 28:3-4
Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! / By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

Jeremiah 49:7
Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?

Obadiah 1:8
In that day, declares the LORD, will I not destroy the wise men of Edom and the men of understanding in the mountains of Esau?

Romans 1:22
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,

Job 12:17
He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.

Isaiah 44:25
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Daniel 2:20-21
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Treasury of Scripture

Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say you to Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

the princes

Isaiah 19:3,13
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards…

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people,even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wisemen shall perish, and the understanding of their prudentmen shall be hid.

Isaiah 44:25
That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wisemen backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

Zoan

Isaiah 30:4
For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

Numbers 13:22
And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak,were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Psalm 78:12,43
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt,in the field of Zoan…

brutish

Psalm 73:22
So foolishwas I, and ignorant: I wasas a beast before thee.

Psalm 92:6
A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Proverbs 30:2
Surely Iam more brutish thanany man, and have not the understanding of a man.

I am

Genesis 41:38,39
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we findsuch a one as thisis, a man in whom the Spirit of Godis? …

1 Kings 4:30
And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

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Isaiah 19

1.The confusion of Egypt
11.The foolishness of their princes
18.The calling of Egypt into the church
23.The covenant of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The princes of Zoan are mere fools;
Zoan, known as Tanis in Greek, was an ancient city in the Nile Delta and served as a capital of Egypt at various times. It was a center of political power and wisdom in Egypt. The term "princes" refers to the leaders or officials of this city. The statement that they are "mere fools" is a strong indictment of their lack of true wisdom, despite their high status. This reflects the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God, not human status or intellect (Proverbs 9:10).

Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice.
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, relied on his counselors for guidance. However, the text criticizes these advisors for their "senseless advice," indicating that their counsel lacks divine insight and understanding. This mirrors the biblical narrative where human wisdom is often contrasted with divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20). Historically, Egypt was known for its wisdom and learning, yet this passage highlights the futility of wisdom that is not rooted in the fear of the Lord.

How can you say to Pharaoh,
This rhetorical question challenges the audacity of the counselors who claim to possess wisdom. It underscores the disconnect between their self-perception and reality. In the biblical context, this serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and authority, and human claims to wisdom are often flawed (Job 12:17).

“I am one of the wise,
The claim to be "one of the wise" suggests a self-assuredness in their intellectual and advisory capabilities. However, the passage implies that such claims are empty without the foundation of divine truth. This echoes the biblical principle that true wisdom is characterized by humility and reverence for God (James 3:13-17).

a son of eastern kings”?
The phrase "a son of eastern kings" may refer to a lineage or tradition of wisdom associated with the East, known for its sages and scholars. This could imply a heritage of wisdom and authority. However, the passage critiques this reliance on heritage and tradition, emphasizing that true wisdom is not inherited or cultural but is a gift from God (Daniel 2:20-22). This also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the true King (Colossians 2:3).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Zoan
An ancient city in Egypt, known for its wisdom and counsel. It was a significant center of power and influence in Egypt.

2.Pharaoh
The title used for the kings of Egypt, representing the political and spiritual leader of the nation.

3.Wise Counselors
Advisors to Pharaoh, expected to provide guidance and wisdom in governance and decision-making.

4.Eastern Kings
Refers to the rulers from the eastern regions, often associated with wisdom and learning.

Teaching Points

The Folly of Human Wisdom
Human wisdom, apart from God, is ultimately foolish. We must seek divine wisdom rather than relying solely on human understanding.

The Danger of Pride
The claim of being "one of the wise, a son of eastern kings" reflects pride. True wisdom comes from humility and reverence for God.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Surrounding ourselves with godly advisors is crucial. We should seek counsel from those who fear the Lord and align with His Word.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite the wisdom and power of earthly rulers, God is sovereign over all nations and their leaders.

The Call to Discernment
Believers must discern between godly wisdom and worldly advice, ensuring that our decisions align with biblical principles.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 19:11?

2.How does Isaiah 19:11 highlight the consequences of rejecting God's wisdom today?

3.In what ways can we seek God's wisdom over worldly counsel?

4.How does Isaiah 19:11 connect with Proverbs on wisdom and folly?

5.What modern examples reflect the "foolish" leadership described in Isaiah 19:11?

6.How can we apply Isaiah 19:11 to discernment in our decision-making?

7.What does Isaiah 19:11 reveal about the wisdom of Egypt's leaders?

8.How does Isaiah 19:11 challenge the reliability of human wisdom?

9.What historical context surrounds the prophecy in Isaiah 19:11?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 19?

11.What does the Bible say about pyramids?

12.If 2 Kings 19:20-34 and Isaiah 37:21-35 recount the same event, why are there variations in details between the two texts?

13.Why do Isaiah 37:33-35 and parallel biblical accounts (e.g., 2 Kings 19) differ in describing Sennacherib's retreat and the exact nature of the Assyrian defeat?

14.Why does Isaiah 37:9 mention Tirhakah, king of Cush, if some historians question the timing of his reign during Sennacherib's campaign?

What Does Isaiah 19:11 Mean

The princes of Zoan are mere fools

• Isaiah singles out Zoan (an ancient capital of Egypt,Numbers 13:22;Psalm 78:12, 43) to show that even the most prestigious leaders of the nation have lost discernment.

• Their “foolishness” is not intellectual dullness but moral and spiritual blindness—a judgment God often brings on proud nations (Job 12:17;Isaiah 29:14;1 Corinthians 1:19).

• Egypt once prided itself on wisdom (Acts 7:22), yet rejecting the Lord leaves its princes without true insight (Proverbs 1:7;Jeremiah 8:9).

Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice

• The court advisers, like the magicians who opposed Moses (Exodus 7:11–13) or the astrologers who failed Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:10–11), offer counsel that only deepens Egypt’s plight (Isaiah 19:14; 30:1–3).

• What seems sophisticated in human eyes crumbles when the Lord confounds it (Isaiah 44:25;1 Corinthians 3:19).

• Their “senseless advice” contrasts sharply with the sure word of God delivered through Isaiah (Isaiah 19:1; 40:8).

How can you say to Pharaoh

• The prophet ridicules the counselors’ self–promotion before their king, exposing how empty flattery misleads rulers (Proverbs 29:12;1 Kings 22:13–18).

• Godly advisors speak truth even when it is unwelcome (2 Samuel 12:7;Proverbs 28:23); these counselors instead cushion Pharaoh with illusions.

• The question “How can you say…?” underscores the brazen arrogance of pretending all is well while judgment looms (Isaiah 30:10–11;Jeremiah 6:14).

I am one of the wise

• Claiming personal brilliance echoes the self–confidence God condemns in every age (Isaiah 5:21;Proverbs 26:12;Romans 1:22).

• True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10); without it, intellect collapses into folly (1 Corinthians 3:18).

• By contrasting their boast with reality, Isaiah reminds believers to ground wisdom in God’s revelation, not in pedigree or education (James 3:13–17).

a son of eastern kings

• “Eastern kings” refers to a storied heritage of renowned sages from the East (1 Kings 4:30;Matthew 2:1), implying, “We inherit greatness.”

• Lineage, however, cannot substitute for living faithfulness; Egypt’s proud history offers no refuge from the Lord’s present judgment (Jeremiah 46:25–26;Hebrews 4:13).

• Scripture consistently rejects reliance on ancestry—only those who humble themselves under God’s hand stand secure (Philippians 3:4–9;John 8:39–40).

summary

Isaiah 19:11 exposes Egypt’s leadership as spiritually bankrupt. The eminent city of Zoan, its counselors, and even their celebrated heritage cannot rescue them while they ignore the Lord. Their boastful “wisdom” proves foolish because true understanding comes only from fearing God and heeding His word.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11)Surely the princes of Zoan are fools.--Zoan, the great city of the Delta, was known to the Greeks as Tanis, founded, as stated inNumbers 13:22, seven years after Hebron. Here the great Rameses II. fixed his capital, and the city thus acquired the name of Pi-Rameses.

How say ye unto Pharaoh . . .?--The princes of Zoan, probably priest-princes and priest-magicians (Exodus 7:11), boasting at once of their wisdom and their ancestry, are represented as speaking to the Pharaoh of the time (probably, as in Isaiah 18, of Ethiopian origin) in something like a tone of superiority. They claim to be the only counsellors; and the prophet challenges their claim. Can they disclose, as he can, the future that impends over their country?

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 11. -Surely the princes of Zoan are fools. Zoan, or Tanis, which had been an insignificant city since the time of the shepherd-kings, came to the front once more at the time of the struggle between Egypt and Assyria. Esarhaddon made it the head of one of the petty kingdoms into which he divided Egypt (G. Smith, 'History of Asshur-bani-pal,' p. 21, 1. 2). Early in the reign of his son it revolted, in conjunction with Sais and Mendes, but was ere long reduced to subjection by the Assyrians. Its king, Petu-bastes, was taken to Nineveh, and there probably put to death. Its "princes" were, no doubt, among those who counseled resistance to Assyria.The counsel of the wise, etc.; literally,as for the wise coun-sellers of Pharaoh,their counsel is become senseless. Two classes of advisers seem to be intended - nobles, supposed to be qualified by birth; and "wise men," qualified by study and education. Both would now be found equally incapable.Pharaoh. Probably Tirhakah is intended. It is possible that he was really suzerain of Egypt at the time of Sennacherib's invasion, when Shabatek was nominally king. It is certain that, after the death of Shabatok (aboutB.C. 698), he was recognized as sovereign both of Ethiopia and of Egypt, and ruled over both countries. Esarhaddon found him still occupying this position inB.C. 673, when he made his Egyptian expedition. Tirhakah's capital at this time was Memphis.How say ye, etc.? With what face can you boast of your descent, or of your learning, when you are unable to give any sound advice?

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The princes
שָׂ֣רֵי(śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269:Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of Zoan
צֹ֔עַן(ṣō·‘an)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6814:Zoan -- a place in Egypt

are mere
אַךְ־(’aḵ-)
Adverb
Strong's 389:A particle of affirmation, surely

fools;
אֱוִלִים֙(’ĕ·wi·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 196:Silly, foolish, impious

Pharaoh’s
פַרְעֹ֔ה(p̄ar·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

wise
חַכְמֵי֙(ḥaḵ·mê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2450:Wise

counselors
עֵצָ֖ה(‘ê·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudence

give senseless
נִבְעָרָ֑ה(niḇ·‘ā·rāh)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1197:To kindle, consume, to be, brutish

advice.
יֹעֲצֵ֣י(yō·‘ă·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudence

How
אֵ֚יךְ(’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349:How?, how!, where

can you say
תֹּאמְר֣וּ(tō·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

Pharaoh,
פַּרְעֹ֔ה(par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

“I
אֲנִ֖י(’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:I

am one
בֶּן־(ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A son

of the wise,
חֲכָמִ֥ים(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450:Wise

a son
בֶּן־(ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A son

of eastern
קֶֽדֶם׃(qe·ḏem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6924:The front, of place, time

kings”?
מַלְכֵי־(mal·ḵê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428:A king

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 19:11 The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish (Isa Isi Is)