Isaiah 19:12
Isaiah 19:12 in Multiple Translations
Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.
Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
Where then are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now; and let them know what Jehovah of hosts hath purposed concerning Egypt.
Where, then, are your wise men? let them make clear to you, let them give you knowledge of the purpose of the Lord of armies for Egypt.
So where are your wise counselors? Let them tell you so you can understand what the Lord Almighty has planned to do to Egypt.
Where are nowe thy wise men, that they may tell thee, or may knowe what the Lord of hostes hath determined against Egypt?
Where [are] they now, thy wise ones? Yea, let them tell to thee, I pray thee, And they know what Jehovah of Hosts hath counselled against Egypt!
Where then are your wise men? Let them tell you now; and let them know what the LORD of Armies has purposed concerning Egypt.
Where are they? where are thy wise men ? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
Where are now thy wise men? let them tell thee, and shew what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.
King, ◄where are your wise counselors now?/You have no wise counselors now!► [RHQ] If you had any wise counselors, they could tell you what the Commander of the armies of angels has planned to do to Egypt [SAR]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 19:12
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 19:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַיָּ/ם֙
אֵפ֣וֹא
חֲכָמֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/יַגִּ֥ידוּ
נָ֖א
לָ֑/ךְ
וְ/יֵ֣דְע֔וּ
מַה
יָּעַ֛ץ
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָא֖וֹת
עַל
מִצְרָֽיִם
אַיָּ/ם֙
ʼay
H335
where?
Part | Suff
אֵפ֣וֹא
ʼêphôw
H645
then
Adv
חֲכָמֶ֔י/ךָ
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj | Suff
וְ/יַגִּ֥ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵ֣דְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יָּעַ֛ץ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 19:12
אַיָּ/ם֙
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Part | Suff
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
אֵפ֣וֹא
ʼêphôw
H645
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word is used to point to a specific time or place, often translated as then or now. In Genesis 26:22, Isaac uses this word to mark the time when he finally finds success and prosperity.
Definition: 1) then, now, so 1a) (who) then, (what) then (with interrog) 1b) then (with imperative-i.e. know then) 1c) if...then (with adv)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: here, now, where? See also: Genesis 27:33; Job 17:15; Proverbs 6:3.
חֲכָמֶ֔י/ךָ
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj | Suff
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וְ/יַגִּ֥ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵ֣דְע֔וּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יָּעַ֛ץ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִצְרָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 19:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 19:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 19:12
Context — The Burden against 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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 1:20 | 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? |
| 2 | Isaiah 14:24 | The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. |
| 3 | Judges 9:38 | “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 5 | Isaiah 44:7 | Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:22–23 | “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. |
| 7 | Romans 11:33–34 | O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 8 | Job 11:6–7 | and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? |
| 9 | Romans 9:17 | For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 47:10–13 | You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. |
Isaiah 19:12 Summary
Isaiah 19:12 is a challenge to the wise men of Egypt to come forward and explain what God has planned, but it's also a reminder that true wisdom and knowledge come from God. The verse is saying that even the smartest and most powerful people in Egypt can't figure out what God is doing, and that's because God's ways are higher than ours, as it says in Isaiah 55:9. This verse is encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when we don't understand what's happening, and to seek wisdom and knowledge from Him, as described in Proverbs 1:7 and Jeremiah 9:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LORD of Hosts planning against Egypt in Isaiah 19:12?
The verse does not specify exactly what the LORD of Hosts has planned, but in the context of Isaiah 19, it seems to be a judgment or punishment, similar to what is described in Isaiah 19:1-4, where God shakes the foundations of Egypt and sets its people against each other.
Who are the wise men being referred to in Isaiah 19:12?
The wise men are likely the counselors and advisors of Pharaoh, who are mentioned in Isaiah 19:11 as giving senseless advice, and are contrasted with the true wisdom that comes from God, as described in Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Let them tell you and reveal' in Isaiah 19:12?
This phrase is a challenge to the wise men of Egypt to come forward and explain what God has planned, implying that they do not have the knowledge or understanding to do so, and that true wisdom and knowledge come from God, as stated in Jeremiah 9:24 and 1 Corinthians 1:20.
How does Isaiah 19:12 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 19:12 is part of a larger section that describes God's judgment on Egypt, and the foolishness of its leaders, and serves as a warning to Egypt and a reminder of God's sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 19:1-15 and Isaiah 31:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own wisdom or the wisdom of others, rather than seeking God's guidance?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when I do not understand what is happening around me?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom and knowledge from God, as described in Proverbs 2:1-6 and James 1:5-8?
- How can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 19:12 to my own life, by recognizing the limitations of human wisdom and seeking God's guidance in all things?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:12
Where [are] they? where [are] thy wise [men]?.... The magicians and soothsayers, the diviners and astrologers, who pretended, by their magic art and skill in judicial astrology, to foretell things to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:12
Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt. Where are thy wise men?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
Thy wise men; who pretended that either by their deep policy, or by their skill in astrology or magic, they could certainly foresee things to come.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
Isaiah 19:12 Where [are] they? where [are] thy wise [men]? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.Ver. 12. Where are they? where are thy wise men?] q.d., Vile latens virtus: if they have that wisdom they pretend to, let them predict thy calamities and help to prevent them. Mihi hominun prudentia similis videtur talparum labori non sine dexteritate sub terra fodientium, sed ad lumen solis caecutientium, The world’ s wizards are like children, always standing on their heads and shaking their heels against heaven. Gasp. Ens.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
Verse 12. "Let them come"] Here too a word seems to have been left out of the text. After חכמיך chochameycha, thy wise men, two MSS., one ancient, add יבאו yibu, let them come; which, if we consider the form and construction of the sentence, has very much the appearance of being genuine: otherwise the connective conjunction at the beginning of the next member is not only superfluous but embarrassing. See also the Version of the Septuagint, in which the same deficiency is manifest. Let them tell thee now - "And let them declare"] For ידעו yidu, let them know, perhaps we ought to read יודיעו yodiu, let them make known. - Secker. The Septuagint and Vulgate favour this reading, ειπατωισαν, let them declare.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:12
12. The Pharaoh is now addressed in turn. Where are they, pray, thy wise men? In face of this problem they are nowhere; they cannot “know,” far less “tell,” the purpose of Jehovah towards Egypt.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:12
Where are they? - This whole verse is an appeal by the prophet to the king of Egypt respecting the counselors and soothsayers of his kingdom. The sense is, ‘a time of distress and danger is evidently coming upon Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:12
11-13. Princes of Zoan — “Zoan,” the ancient Tanis, the present Tsan, was the capital of the northeastern kingdom, as Noph, (Isaiah 19:13,) or Memphis, was of Central Egypt.
Sermons on Isaiah 19:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is Worldliness? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the question of what worldliness is according to the book of James. He compares the epistle to God's University, with James as the Dean |
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The Little Maid by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience from their childhood, highlighting the importance of having evidence and personal encounters with God. They talk about grow |
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Cse Seminar 7(2003) Questions and Answers by Kent Hovind | This sermon by Kent Hovind delves into the topics of creation, evolution, and dinosaurs, emphasizing the belief that the Bible is scientifically accurate and evolution is a flawed |
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Church Live Re-Visited: Session Two - Part 2 by Ron Bailey | This sermon delves into the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world, emphasizing the importance of choosing God's wisdom which comes from above and leads to humility, mercy, a |
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Exposition on Psalm 83 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine delves into Psalm 82, interpreting it as a reflection of the congregation of God's people, comparing the Jewish people to the Synagogue and the Christian people to th |
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The Evolution of Stupidity by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort delivers a powerful sermon on the foolishness of rejecting the Bible and denying the existence of God, highlighting the consequences of such disbelief in modern society |
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Observations on Gnosticism and Manicheism by Howard F. Vos | Howard F. Vos delves into the history and impact of Gnosticism, a belief system that emerged in the first century, blending elements from various religions and philosophies to comb |