Isaiah 30:7
Isaiah 30:7 in Multiple Translations
Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.
For there is no use or purpose in the help of Egypt: so I have said about her, She is Rahab, who has come to an end.
Egypt's support is an empty breath of wind. That's why I call her Pride Sitting Down.
For the Egyptians are vanitie, and they shall helpe in vaine. Therefore haue I cried vnto her, Their strength is to sit still.
Yea, Egyptians [are] vanity, and in vain do help, Therefore I have cried concerning this: 'Their strength [is] to sit still.'
For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore I have called her Rahab who sits still.
For the Egyptian shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
For Egypt shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this: It is pride only, sit still.
The promises made by the king of Egypt are worthless; therefore I call Egypt ‘the sea monster/dragon that does nothing’.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 30:7
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 30:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִצְרַ֕יִם
הֶ֥בֶל
וָ/רִ֖יק
יַעְזֹ֑רוּ
לָ/כֵן֙
קָרָ֣אתִי
לָ/זֹ֔את
רַ֥הַב
הֵ֖ם
שָֽׁבֶת
וּ/מִצְרַ֕יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Conj | N-proper
הֶ֥בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
וָ/רִ֖יק
rîyq
H7385
vain
Conj | N-ms
יַעְזֹ֑רוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/כֵן֙
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
קָרָ֣אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ/זֹ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Prep | Pron
רַ֥הַב
rahab
H7293
Rahab
N-proper
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
שָֽׁבֶת
shebeth
H7674
cessation
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 30:7
וּ/מִצְרַ֕יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Conj | 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.
הֶ֥בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
וָ/רִ֖יק
rîyq
H7385
"vain"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something that is empty, worthless, or done in vain. It is used to describe actions or things that have no value or purpose. The Bible uses it to warn against empty or idle pursuits.
Definition: emptiness, vanity, empty, idle, vain
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: empty, to no purpose, (in) vain (thing), vanity. See also: Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 30:7; Psalms 2:1.
יַעְזֹ֑רוּ
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
לָ/כֵן֙
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָרָ֣אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ/זֹ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
רַ֥הַב
rahab
H7293
"Rahab"
N-proper
Rahab is a name that symbolizes Egypt's pride and arrogance, as seen in Psalm 87:4. It represents a nation's strength and confidence. The name is also associated with the idea of bluster or boasting.
Definition: an emblematic name of Egypt Another name of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) This name means pride, arrogance
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: proud, strength. See also: Job 9:13; Job 26:12; Isaiah 30:7.
הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
שָֽׁבֶת
shebeth
H7674
"cessation"
N-fs
This word means a cessation or a stop, like a pause in activity or a break from work. In the Bible, it can describe a time of rest or a period of inactivity, like the stillness after a storm or the quiet of a peaceful day.
Definition: 1) cessation, a sitting still 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cease, sit still, loss of time. See also: Exodus 21:19; Proverbs 20:3; Isaiah 30:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 30:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 30:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:7
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
- Sermons on Isaiah 30:7
Context — The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
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.
7Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
8Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever. 9These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 2:22 | Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? |
| 2 | Isaiah 7:4 | and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. |
| 3 | Psalms 118:8–9 | It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. |
| 4 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
| 5 | Lamentations 3:26 | It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. |
| 6 | Isaiah 31:1–5 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey— and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor— so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.” |
| 7 | Exodus 14:13 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. |
| 8 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:12 | to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 37:7 | “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. |
Isaiah 30:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we trust in things that are not God, like powerful countries or armies, we will be disappointed because they cannot truly help us. As it says in Isaiah 31:1, 'Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!' We should instead put our trust in God, who is all-powerful and always faithful, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 or Hebrews 13:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Egypt's help to be 'futile and empty'?
This means that despite Egypt's promises and efforts to assist, their aid will ultimately be unhelpful and lacking in substance, much like the idols described in Isaiah 44:9-20 or the false sense of security in Jeremiah 7:4.
Who is 'Rahab Who Sits Still' and why is Egypt called this?
Rahab is a reference to the mythical sea monster in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing power and chaos; by calling Egypt 'Rahab Who Sits Still', God is saying that Egypt, despite its perceived strength, will be ineffective and still, much like the false gods in Psalms 115:4-8.
Is this verse saying that we should never seek help from others?
No, this verse is specifically addressing the futility of seeking help from Egypt, a nation that does not trust in God, as opposed to trusting in God Himself, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 or Jeremiah 17:5-8.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy against those who trust in human strength and alliances rather than in God, as seen in the surrounding verses, Isaiah 30:1-6 and Isaiah 30:8-9, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's power and wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I seek help or security from sources other than God, and how can I shift my trust to Him alone?
- What are some 'Egypts' in my life that I rely on for help, but are ultimately 'futile and empty'?
- How does this verse encourage me to re-evaluate my priorities and seek God's guidance in times of need?
- What does it mean for me to 'sit still' and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than trying to take control of my circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 30:7
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose,.... Not sending help in time, or such as did no service; though they made a show of help, and attempted to help them, or seemed to do so, yet
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 30:7
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
Concerning this; concerning this counsel or practice. Or, to her; to Jerusalem or Judah. Their strength is to sit still; it is safer and better for them to sit quietly at home, seeking to me for help. He seems industriously to use an ambiguous word, Rahab, which signifies both strength, as , and Egypt, as , so called from its singular strength; to intimate that if they did not go to Rahab, Rahab, or what they expected from Rahab or Egypt, which was powerful succour, should come to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
Isaiah 30:7 For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.Ver. 7. For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose.] Heb., In vanity and inanity. Such are creature comforts if relied on, a very magnum nihil. Therefore have I cried.] But could not get audience. Their strength is to sit still.] To bide at home, and "behold the salvation of the Lord"; for the prophet here seemeth to relate to that in Exodus 14:14. "Contented godliness is great gain," saith the apostle, and quiet godliness is great strength, saith the prophet here. "Their strength is to sit still." As good sit still, saith our English proverb, as rise and fall. The word here rendered strength is rahab, which signifieth pride and power, and is sometimes put for Egypt herself. Hence the Vulgate translation here is, superbia tantum est, quiesce. Egypt is but a flask or a piece of proud flesh; she is all in ostentation, but will not answer thine expectation; therefore keep home and be quiet.
Others, rendering the text as we do, set this sense upon it, Your Rahab, or Egypt, is to sit still, and to hold your content; by so doing you shall have an Egypt. Whatever help you may think to have that way, you shall have it, and better, this way, si tranquillo et sedato sitis animo, if you can compose yourselves and get a sabbath of spirit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
(7) Concerning this.—Better, it, or her—i.e., Egypt. Their strength is to sit still.—The Authorised version fairly gives the meaning: “Their boasted strength will be found absolute inaction.” but the words, as Isaiah wrote or spoke them, had a more epigrammatic point—“Rahab, they are sitting still.” He uses the poetical name for Egypt which we find in Isaiah 51:9; Job 26:12; Psalms 87:4; Psalms 89:10, and which conveyed the idea of haughty and inflated arrogance. “Rahab sitting still” was one of those mots which stamp themselves upon a nation’s memory, just as in modern times the Bourbons have been characterised as “learning nothing, forgetting nothing,” or Bismarck’s policy as one of “blood and iron.” It was, so to speak, almost a political caricature.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
Verse 7. Their strength is to sit still - "Rahab the Inactive."] The two last words, הם שבת hem shabeth, joined into one, make the participle pihel המשבת hammeshabbeth. I find the learned Professor Doederlein, in his version of Isaiah, and note on this place, has given the same conjecture; which he speaks of as having been formerly published by him. A concurrence of different persons in the same conjecture adds to it a greater degree of probability.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 30:7
7. For the Egyptians … purpose] Render And as for Egypt—their help is vain and empty. Cf. Isaiah 30:3; Isaiah 30:5. have I cried concerning this] Better, have I called her (R.V.). Their strength is to sit still] R.V. Rahab that sitteth still, lit. “Rahab, they are a sitting still,” or “Rahab are they, a sitting still.” The sentence is almost hopelessly obscure. “Rahab” is the name of a mythological monster, a sea-dragon (ch. Isaiah 51:9; Job 9:13; Job 26:12), which became a symbol of Egypt (Psalms 87:4; Psalms 89:10), although that use may be based on this verse. Etymologically it signifies “insolent arrogance” (the root occurs in ch. Isaiah 3:5); and probably all three senses are combined in this instance. The general sense may be, “This proud boastful monster—its proper name is ‘Inaction’.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 30:7
For the Egyptians shall help in vain - That is, if they enter into the alliance, they shall not be able to defend you from the invader.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 30:7
6, 7. Burden of the beasts of the south — Animals carrying southward to Egypt treasures to buy an alliance.
Sermons on Isaiah 30:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Their Strength Is to Sit Still (Don't Dissipate Power, but Wait on the lord.) by Hans R. Waldvogel | Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound strength found in stillness and waiting on the Lord, contrasting it with the futility of relying on human efforts. He reflects on the impo |
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Inward Stillness by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of inward stillness to truly know God. He shares a personal experience of being in a time of great anxiety and turmoil, where he learne |
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Epistle 43 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to the brethren, encouraging them to stand together in God's power and not be discouraged by external enemies. He emphasizes the importance of holding onto free |
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Letter 195. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the profound effects of godly fear, leading to heart searching, unceasing prayer, and a deep sense of contrition and repentance. He emphasizes the impor |
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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Where Does It Lie by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a ship carrying valuable cargo to illustrate the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and sinful behaviors. He emphasizes t |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 3 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the prophetic lamentation of the impending destruction of Pharaoh, his armies, and the great Egyptian nation, challenging the false hope placed in Egypt's m |