Isaiah 30:4
Isaiah 30:4 in Multiple Translations
For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes,
For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.
For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors are come to Hanes.
For his chiefs are at Zoan, and his representatives have come to Hanes.
Even though he has officials at Zoan and his messengers reach Hanes,
For his princes were at Zoan, and his Ambassadours came vnto Hanes.
For in Zoan were his princes, And his messengers reach Hanes.
For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors have come to Hanes.
For his princes were at Zoan, and his embassadors came to Hanes.
For thy princes were in Tanis, and thy messengers came even to Hanes.
Officials/ambassadors from Judah have gone to Zoan and Hanes cities in Egypt to make treaties,
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 30:4
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 30:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הָי֥וּ
בְ/צֹ֖עַן
שָׂרָ֑י/ו
וּ/מַלְאָכָ֖י/ו
חָנֵ֥ס
יַגִּֽיעוּ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְ/צֹ֖עַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
Zoan
Prep | N-proper
שָׂרָ֑י/ו
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp | Suff
וּ/מַלְאָכָ֖י/ו
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Conj | N-mp | Suff
חָנֵ֥ס
Chânêç
H2609
Hanes
N-proper
יַגִּֽיעוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 30:4
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/צֹ֖עַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
"Zoan"
Prep | 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.
שָׂרָ֑י/ו
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp | Suff
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.
וּ/מַלְאָכָ֖י/ו
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
חָנֵ֥ס
Chânêç
H2609
"Hanes"
N-proper
Hanes means grace has fled, a place in Egypt, possibly Tahpanhes or an island in the Nile. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is mentioned in the Bible.
Definition: § Hanes = "grace has fled" a place in Egypt, site uncertain but may be either of the following 1a) Tahpanhes, a fortified town on the eastern frontier 1b) a place in lower Egypt, on an island in the Nile south of Memphis
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hanes. See also: Isaiah 30:4.
יַגִּֽיעוּ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
Study Notes — Isaiah 30:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 30:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 30:4
Context — The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
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,
5everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They bring neither help nor benefit, but only shame and disgrace.” 6This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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”? |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:9 | You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Hosea 7:16 | They turn, but not to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword for the cursing of their tongue; for this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt. |
| 6 | Numbers 13:22 | They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 30:14 | I will lay waste Pathros, set fire to Zoan, and execute judgment on Thebes. |
| 8 | Hosea 7:11–12 | So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove— calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. As they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air. I will chastise them when I hear them flocking together. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 30:18 | The 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. |
Isaiah 30:4 Summary
[Isaiah 30:4 tells us that even though the leaders of Judah had made contact with Egypt, this alliance would not bring them the help and protection they were seeking. Instead, it would bring them shame and disgrace, as God had warned them in Isaiah 30:3. This is because God is the only true source of security and protection, as we see in Psalm 20:7. By trusting in Egypt rather than in God, the people of Judah were making a mistake that would have serious consequences.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the locations Zoan and Hanes in Isaiah 30:4?
The locations Zoan and Hanes were important cities in Egypt, and the fact that the princes and envoys of Judah had arrived there suggests that they were seeking to form an alliance with Egypt, as mentioned in Isaiah 30:2, which is in direct disobedience to God's will as stated in Deuteronomy 17:16.
Why did the people of Judah go to Egypt for help instead of trusting in God?
The people of Judah went to Egypt for help because they were afraid and did not trust in God's power to protect them, as seen in Isaiah 30:2-3, which is a pattern of behavior condemned in the Bible, such as in Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5.
What is the main idea of Isaiah 30:4?
The main idea of Isaiah 30:4 is that even though Judah's leaders have made contact with Egypt, this alliance will ultimately bring shame and disgrace, as stated in Isaiah 30:3 and Isaiah 30:5.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Isaiah 30?
This verse is part of a larger oracle against Judah's decision to form an alliance with Egypt, and it serves as a warning that trusting in human powers rather than God will lead to shame and disappointment, as seen in Isaiah 30:1-7 and supported by verses like Proverbs 29:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the people of Judah, might be tempted to trust in human powers or alliances rather than in God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Isaiah 30:4 to my own life, recognizing that true security and protection come from God alone?
- What are some modern-day 'Egypts' that I might be tempted to turn to for help, and how can I instead turn to God in those situations?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:4
For his princes were at Zoan,.... That is, the princes of the king of Judah, or of the people of Judah; though it can hardly be thought that princes should be sent ambassadors into Egypt, to enter
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:4
For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes. For his - Judah's (cf. Isaiah 9:21). Princes were at Zoan - are already arrived there on their errand to Pharaoh (see Isaiah 19:11).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
His princes; the princes of Judah, either sent by the king, or by the appointment of their brethren. Hanes; an eminent city of Egypt, called more largely Tahapanes, and Tahpanhes, 43:8.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
Isaiah 30:4 For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.Ver. 4. For his princes were at Zoan.] Where Pharaoh kept his court, and Moses had done his miracles. And his ambassadors came to Hanes.] This was, saith Jerome, a famous city in the utmost part of Egypt, toward Ethiopia. Oecolampadius saith it lay beyond Egypt. So far did these men travel and trouble themselves in seeking foreign help, when they might have stayed at home to better purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
(4) His princes were at Zoan . . .—Better, are, in the vivid use of the historic present of prophecy. Zoan, the Tanis of the Greeks, was one of the oldest of Egyptian cities. Hanes, identified with the Greek Heracleopolis, as lying in the delta of the Nile, would be among the first Egyptian cities which the embassy would reach.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
Verse 4. Hanes] Six MSS. of Kennicott's, and perhaps six others, with four of De Rossi's, read חנם chinnam, in vain, for הנס Hanes; and so also the Septuagint, who read likewise יגעו yageu, labored, for יגיעו yaggiu, arrived at.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:4
1–5. The futile alliance with Egypt denounced. Comp. Isaiah 29:15, Isaiah 31:1.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:4
For his princes - The sense of this verse seems to be this. The prophet is stating the fact that the Jews would be ashamed of their attempted alliance with Egypt.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:4
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 30:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(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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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 |
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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 |
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The Ten Virgins (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, Reverend Robert Murray McChain focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. He addresses the congregation, dividing them into two classes: the wi |
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Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of idolatry and how it can manifest in our lives. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the subjects that we are most passio |
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What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |