Isaiah 19:13
Isaiah 19:13 in Multiple Translations
The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Memphis are deceived; they have caused Egypt to go astray, that are the corner-stone of her tribes.
The chiefs of Zoan have become foolish, the chiefs of Noph are tricked, the heads of her tribes are the cause of Egypt's wandering out of the way.
The leaders of Zoan have become stupid; the leaders of Memphis have been fooled; the important leaders of Egypt have misled their people.
The princes of Zoan are become fooles: the princes of Noph are deceiued, they haue deceiued Egypt, euen the corners of the tribes thereof.
Foolish have been princes of Zoan, Lifted up have been princes of Noph, And they have caused Egypt to err, The chief of her tribes.
The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, those who are the cornerstone of her tribes.
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the support of its tribes.
The princes of Tanis are become fools, the princes of Memphis are gone astray, they have deceived Egypt, the stay of the people thereof.
Yes, the officials of Zoan have become foolish, and the leaders in Memphis city in northern Egypt have deceived themselves. All the leaders of the people have ◄caused their people to do wrong things/led their people astray►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 19:13
BAB
Word Study
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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 19:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙
שָׂ֣רֵי
צֹ֔עַן
נִשְּׁא֖וּ
שָׂ֣רֵי
נֹ֑ף
הִתְע֥וּ
אֶת
מִצְרַ֖יִם
פִּנַּ֥ת
שְׁבָטֶֽי/הָ
נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙
yâʼal
H2973
be foolish
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
שָׂ֣רֵי
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
צֹ֔עַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
Zoan
N-proper
נִשְּׁא֖וּ
nâshâʼ
H5377
to deceive
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
שָׂ֣רֵי
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
נֹ֑ף
Nôph
H5297
Memphis
N-proper
הִתְע֥וּ
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
פִּנַּ֥ת
pinnâh
H6438
corner
N-fs
שְׁבָטֶֽי/הָ
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 19:13
נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙
yâʼal
H2973
"be foolish"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This word means to be foolish or act senselessly, showing wicked folly. It appears in the Bible as a warning against foolish behavior, like doting on something or someone.
Definition: 1) to be foolish, become fools, act foolishly, show wicked folly 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to show wicked folly 1a2) to become fools
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dote, be (become, do) foolish(-ly). See also: Numbers 12:11; Jeremiah 5:4; Isaiah 19:13.
שָׂ֣רֵי
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
צֹ֔עַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
"Zoan"
N-proper
Zoan is an ancient city in Egypt, also known as Tanis. It was the capital of the Shepherd dynasty and existed before Abraham. The Bible mentions it as the dwelling place of the Pharaoh during the exodus.
Definition: § Zoan = "place of departure" an ancient city of lower Egypt called Tanis by the Greeks; located on the eastern bank of the Tanitic branch of the Nile; the capital of the Shepherd dynasty, built 7 years after Hebron and existing before Abraham and the dwelling place of the Pharaoh at the time of the exodus modern 'San'
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zoan. See also: Numbers 13:22; Isaiah 19:11; Psalms 78:12.
נִשְּׁא֖וּ
nâshâʼ
H5377
"to deceive"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This word means to deceive or lead someone astray, often used in a negative way. It appears in books like Genesis and Proverbs, warning about being deceived or misled. It's about being tricked or seduced into doing something wrong.
Definition: 1) to beguile, deceive 1a) (Niphal) to be beguiled 1b) (Hiphil) to beguile, deceive 1c) (Qal) utterly (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: beguile, deceive, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 3:13; Isaiah 37:10; Psalms 55:16.
שָׂ֣רֵי
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
נֹ֑ף
Nôph
H5297
"Memphis"
N-proper
Noph is another name for Memphis, the capital city of Egypt. It is mentioned in the Bible as a major city in Egypt.
Definition: Noph = "presentability" another name for 'Memphis' the capital city of Egypt Also named: moph (מֹף "Memphis" H4644)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Noph. See also: Isaiah 19:13; Jeremiah 46:14; Jeremiah 2:16.
הִתְע֥וּ
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִצְרַ֖יִם
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.
פִּנַּ֥ת
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
N-fs
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
שְׁבָטֶֽי/הָ
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Isaiah 19:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 19:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 19:13
Context — The Burden against Egypt
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. 15There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 30:13 | This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:16 | The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 46:14 | “Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’ |
| 4 | Jeremiah 46:19 | Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited. |
| 5 | Zechariah 10:4 | The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together. |
| 6 | Isaiah 19:11 | 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”? |
| 7 | 1 Peter 2:7 | To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:38 | Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. |
| 9 | Numbers 24:17 | I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. |
| 10 | Romans 1:22 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, |
Isaiah 19:13 Summary
[This verse is saying that even the most important and powerful leaders in Egypt have become foolish and are making bad decisions, leading the whole country astray. This is a warning to all of us that without God's guidance, we can easily go the wrong way (Proverbs 3:5-6). We need to ask God for wisdom and to help us make good choices, just like Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:5-15. By seeking God's wisdom, we can avoid the kind of foolishness and deception that is described in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the princes of Zoan to have become fools?
This phrase suggests that the leaders of Zoan, a city in Egypt, have abandoned wisdom and sound judgment, much like the foolishness described in Proverbs 1:7, where it is written that fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
How does deception affect the princes of Memphis?
Deception leads the princes of Memphis astray, implying a lack of discernment and understanding, much like the deception warned against in Ephesians 4:14, where believers are cautioned not to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine.
What role do the cornerstones of her tribes play in leading Egypt astray?
The cornerstones, or leaders, of Egypt's tribes have failed in their responsibility to guide the nation, instead leading it astray, much like the unfaithful shepherds in Ezekiel 34:1-10 who neglected their flocks.
Is this verse relevant to modern leaders and their decisions?
Yes, this verse serves as a warning to all leaders, reminding them that without wisdom and discernment from God, they can easily lead others astray, as seen in the example of King Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-4, who turned away from the Lord due to the influence of foreign wives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, as a leader or influencer, might be leading others astray without realizing it?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and discernment in my own life, so that I do not become like the princes of Zoan who have become fools?
- In what ways might deception be present in my own life, and how can I guard against it?
- What does it mean for me to be a 'cornerstone' in my own community or family, and how can I fulfill that role in a way that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 19:13
The princes of Zoan are become fools,.... Or infatuated, in their counsels to Pharaoh, and by giving heed to the magicians and diviners; [See comments on Isaiah 19:11]: the princes of Noph are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 19:13
The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
Noph; another chief city, and one of the king’ s seats, so called also 44:1; called also Moph in the Hebrew text, ; and by other and later authors, Memphis. Even they that are the stay, Heb. even the corner, or the corner-stone, which is the chief support of the building. Whereby he may design either, 1. The king; or, 2. Some eminent statesman of that age, upon, whose counsels both king and people depended; or 3. Their chief counsellors, the, singular number being then put collectively, as it is in many other places. The tribes of the provinces, which he calls by a title borrowed from the Hebrews, in whose language he spake and wrote this prophecy.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
Isaiah 19:13 The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.Ver. 13. The princes of Zoan are become fools.] Wilful fools; this they are told twice over, because hardly persuaded to it. See Isaiah 19:11. The princes of Noph.] Called also Moph, and therehence Memphis, now Grand Cairo, famous once for the pyramids and monuments of the Egyptian kings. Even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.] Heb., The corners of the tribes or rectories - that is, either the king and chieftains, as some sense it; or, as others, all the inhabitants of the country, from one corner thereof unto another. How these wise men of Egypt deceived others is not expressed; but probably they did it by approving and cherishing the superstition, impiety, and carnal security of the princes and people. The free states of Switzerland are called cantons - i.e., corners.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
(13) The princes of Noph.—Probably, as in the LXX., Noph is the same as Memphis. The name has been derived (1) from Ma-m-pthah (“the house of Pthah,” an Egyptian deity of the Hephæstos, or Yulcan type); or (2), and more correctly, from Men-nepher (“place of the good”). This also was, as in Hosea 9:6 (where we have the form Moph), one of the chief royal cities of Lower Egypt, and the seat of the Ethiopian dynasty then ruling. Even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.—Better, the corner-stone of the castes. The word is the same as the “corner” of Zechariah 10:4, the “chief” of Judges 20:2; 1 Samuel 14:38, and describes the position of superiority among the Egyptian castes claimed by the priest-rulers of Zoan and Noph.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
Verse 13. Are deceived - "They have caused," &c.] The text has וחתעו vehithu, AND they have caused to err. Fifty of Kennicott's MSS., fifty-three of De Rossi's, and one of my own, ancient, thirty-two editions, and the Vulgate and Chaldee. omit the ו vau, and. Stay - "Pillars"] פנת pinnath, to be pointed as plural pinnoth, without doubt. So Grotius, and so the Chaldee.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 19:13
13. are become fools] Better are befooled—“stultified.” Noph is Memphis, the capital of Lower Egypt, and an ancient seat of Egyptian religion and learning. An older form of the Hebrew name is apparently Moph (Hosea 9:6); both forms are perhaps contracted from Mnoph (hieroglyphic Mennofer). The city was situated in the southern corner of the Delta, near Cairo, which was largely built from its ruins. even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof] Render the corner-stone of her tribes, i.e. her ruling caste. For the metaphor, cf. Judges 20:2; 1 Samuel 14:38; Zechariah 10:4. The “tribes” may be either the castes or the nomes (cantons).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 19:13
The princes of Zoan - (the note at Isaiah 19:11). This “repetition” is intensive and emphatic, and shows the deep conviction of the prophet of their folly.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 19:13
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 19:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 19:11 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He uses the example of Daniel, a young man who took a stand for God |
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A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou |
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Christ Precious to Believers by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unparalleled preciousness of Christ to believers, reflecting on his own journey of faith and the transformative power of Jesus in the lives of those wh |
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Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one |
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Spurgeon a New Biography #1 by C.H. Spurgeon | The video is a sermon transcript about the calling and passion of a preacher. It emphasizes that when someone is truly called by the Holy Ghost to preach, they cannot help but do s |
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C. H. Spurgeon by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher, Spurgeon, addresses the sins of society, particularly the oppression of the poor and the toleration of immorality. He emphasizes that this world is no |
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(Clip) the Person of Jesus Christ: The Focus of the End-Time Church by Brian Long | This sermon emphasizes the pursuit of Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith. It challenges believers to make Christ their chief delight, highest ambition, and most p |