Isaiah 31:1

← Isaiah 31:2 →

Isaiah 31:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

American Standard Version ASV

Woe to them that 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 look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek Jehovah!

Bible in Basic English BBE

Cursed are those who go down to Egypt for help, and who put their faith in horses; looking to war-carriages for salvation, because of their numbers; and to horsemen, because they are very strong; but they are not looking to the Holy One of Israel, or turning their hearts to the Lord;

Free Bible Version FBV

Tragedy is coming to those who appeal to Egypt for help, depending on their horses and trusting in all their chariots and charioteers! They don't look to the Holy One of Israel for help; they don't ask the Lord for advice.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Woe vnto them that goe downe into Egypt for helpe, and stay vpon horses, and trust in charets, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they be very strong: but they looke not vnto the holy one of Israel, nor seeke vnto the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Woe [to] those going down to Egypt for help, And on horses lean, And trust on chariots, because many, And on horsemen, because very strong, And have not looked on the Holy One of Israel, And Jehovah have not sought.

World English Bible WEB

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 don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek the LORD!

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Woe to them that 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 look not to the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, trusting in horses, and putting their confidence in chariots, because they me many: and in horsemen, because they me very strong: and have not trusted in the Holy One of Israel, and have not sought after the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

Terrible things will happen to those who reply on Egypt to help them, trusting in their soldiers’ horses and their many chariots and their strong chariot-drivers, instead of trusting that Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, will help them.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 31:1

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 31:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB ה֣וֹי הַ/יֹּרְדִ֤ים מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לְ/עֶזְרָ֔ה עַל סוּסִ֖ים יִשָּׁעֵ֑נוּ וַ/יִּבְטְח֨וּ עַל רֶ֜כֶב כִּ֣י רָ֗ב וְ/עַ֤ל פָּֽרָשִׁים֙ כִּֽי עָצְמ֣וּ מְאֹ֔ד וְ/לֹ֤א שָׁעוּ֙ עַל קְד֣וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְ/אֶת יְהוָ֖ה לֹ֥א דָרָֽשׁוּ

ה֣וֹי hôwy H1945 woe! Part

הַ/יֹּרְדִ֤ים yârad H3381 to go down Art | V-Qal

מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

לְ/עֶזְרָ֔ה ʻezrâh H5833 help Prep | N-fs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

סוּסִ֖ים çûwç H5483 swallow N-mp

יִשָּׁעֵ֑נוּ shâʻan H8172 to lean V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

וַ/יִּבְטְח֨וּ bâṭach H982 to trust Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֶ֜כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot N-ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

רָ֗ב rab H7227 many Adj

וְ/עַ֤ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

פָּֽרָשִׁים֙ pârâsh H6571 horse N-mp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

עָצְמ֣וּ ʻâtsam H6105 be vast V-Qal-Perf-3cp

מְאֹ֔ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׁעוּ֙ shâʻâh H8159 to gaze V-Qal-Perf-3cp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

קְד֣וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

דָרָֽשׁוּ dârash H1875 to seek V-Qal-Perf-3cp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 31:1

ה֣וֹי hôwy H1945 "woe!" Part

Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.

Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.

הַ/יֹּרְדִ֤ים yârad H3381 "to go down" Art | V-Qal

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ 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.

לְ/עֶזְרָ֔ה ʻezrâh H5833 "help" Prep | N-fs

This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.

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.

סוּסִ֖ים çûwç H5483 "swallow" N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.

Definition: swallow, swift

Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.

יִשָּׁעֵ֑נוּ shâʻan H8172 "to lean" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

To lean means to support oneself or trust in something, like God. In Psalm 37:7, it means to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. This concept is central to the biblical idea of trust and faith.

Definition: 1) to lean on, trust in, support 1a) (Niphal) to lean, lean upon, support oneself 1a1) of trust in God (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: lean, lie, rely, rest (on, self), stay. See also: Genesis 18:4; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Proverbs 3:5.

וַ/יִּבְטְח֨וּ bâṭach H982 "to trust" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.

Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless

Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.

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.

רֶ֜כֶב rekeb H7393 "chariot" N-ms

The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.

Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)

Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.

כִּ֣י 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.

רָ֗ב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

וְ/עַ֤ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | 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.

פָּֽרָשִׁים֙ pârâsh H6571 "horse" N-mp

This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.

Definition: horse, steed, warhorse

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

עָצְמ֣וּ ʻâtsam H6105 "be vast" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to shut one's eyes tightly or to become powerful, and can also mean to break or crunch bones. It is used in various contexts, including in the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The idea of being strong is central to this word.

Definition: 1) to be vast, be numerous, be mighty 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be mighty 1a2) to be numerous 1b) (Hiphil) to make strong, make mighty

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er). See also: Genesis 26:16; Isaiah 31:1; Psalms 38:20.

מְאֹ֔ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שָׁעוּ֙ shâʻâh H8159 "to gaze" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To gaze means to look carefully or intensely at something, often seeking help or guidance, like the Psalmist in Psalm 121:1-2.

Definition: 1) to look at or to, regard, gaze at or about 1a) (Qal) to gaze at, regard, behold, look about 1b) (Hiphil) to look away, cause gaze to turn away 1c) (Hithpael) to look in dismay, gaze about (in anxiety)

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn. See also: Genesis 4:4; Psalms 119:117; Psalms 39:14.

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.

קְד֣וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj

Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.

Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.

יְהוָ֖ה 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.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

דָרָֽשׁוּ dârash H1875 "to seek" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.

Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.

Study Notes — Isaiah 31:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 31:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 31:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 31:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 31:1
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 31:1
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1
Sermons on Isaiah 31:1

Context — Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

1Woe 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.

2Yet 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. 3But 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 20:7	Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
2	Jeremiah 17:5	This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
3	Deuteronomy 17:16	But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’
4	Isaiah 36:9	For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
5	Jeremiah 2:13	“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
6	Isaiah 30:16	“No,” you say, “we will flee on horses.” Therefore you will flee! “We will ride swift horses,” but your pursuers will be faster.
7	Daniel 9:13	Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquities and giving attention to Your truth.
8	Psalms 33:16–17	No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.
9	Amos 5:4–8	For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live! Do not seek Bethel or go to Gilgal; do not journey to Beersheba, for Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing. Seek the LORD and live, or He will sweep like fire through the house of Joseph; it will devour everything, with no one at Bethel to extinguish it. There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground. He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn and darkens day into night, who summons the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth— the LORD is His name—
10	Isaiah 30:1–7	“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They 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. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” This 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. Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.

Isaiah 31:1 Summary

Isaiah 31:1 warns us not to trust in human strength or military power, but instead to seek the LORD and trust in His power and guidance. This means looking to God for help and direction, rather than relying on our own abilities or earthly resources (Psalm 20:7). When we trust in God, we can have peace and security, knowing that He is in control. By seeking the LORD, we can avoid the temptation to trust in things that are not reliable, and instead find true strength and hope in Him (Isaiah 40:31).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main warning in Isaiah 31:1?

The main warning is against trusting in human strength and military power, rather than seeking the LORD, as seen in Isaiah 31:1 and also in Psalm 20:7, where it says not to trust in chariots and horses but in the name of the LORD our God.

Why does God condemn going down to Egypt for help?

God condemns it because it shows a lack of trust in Him, as stated in Isaiah 31:1, and instead, people are relying on human strength and resources, which is also warned against in Jeremiah 17:5-8, where it says cursed is the man who trusts in mankind.

What does it mean to 'look to the Holy One of Israel'?

It means to trust and seek God's guidance and help, rather than relying on human strength or other idols, as seen in Isaiah 31:1 and also in Isaiah 40:31, where it says those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that we should not put our trust in earthly powers or resources, but rather seek the LORD and trust in His power and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the LORD with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I am tempted to trust in human strength or resources rather than God?
How can I practically 'look to the Holy One of Israel' in my daily life?
What are some areas where I need to seek the LORD's guidance and help, rather than relying on my own abilities?
How does trusting in God's power and guidance bring peace and security to my life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 31:1

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help,.... Or, "O ye that go down", c. what poor foolish creatures are you! And in the end what miserable and wretched ones will ye be!

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 31:1

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1

ISAIAH CHAPTER 31 The folly and punishment of trust in Egypt, . God will fight for Jerusalem, ,5, if they will turn unto him, ,7. The fall of Assyria, ,9. That go down to Egypt for help; as the Jews did, contrary to God’ s command, . And stay on horses; for Egypt had many and choice horses. They look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord; their confidence in the creature was accompanied with and did produce a distrust of God, and a neglect of seeking to him by prayer for his help.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1

Isaiah 31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!Ver. 1. Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help.] The prophet saw them set upon it to send down to Egypt; he therefore addeth another woe to such refractories, and layeth before them more reasons to dissuade them from doing so: a good precedent for preachers. Oecolampadius rendereth it, O descendentes, O ye that go down to Egypt, &c. Oh ye are a wise company of you, and full well ye have done it! But they look not to the Holy One of Israel.] They trust not God at all, that not alone. He that stands with one foot on a rock, and another foot upon a quicksand, will sink and perish as certainly as he that stands with both feet on a quicksand. See Psalms 62:5-6.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1

XXXI. (1) Woe to them that go down . . .—The Egyptian alliance was, of course, the absorbing topic of the time, and Isaiah returns to it yet again. As in Isaiah 30:16, the princes of Judah were attracted by the prospect of strengthening themselves in their weakest point, and reinforcing the cavalry of Judah, which could hardly be mentioned by an Assyrian ambassador without a smile (Isaiah 36:9), with an Egyptian contingent. Isaiah once more condemns this as trusting in an “arm of flesh “instead of in the “Holy One of Israel.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1

CHAPTER XXXI The Jews again reproved for their confidence in Egypt, finely contrasted with their neglect of the power and protection of God, 1-3. Deliverance and protection are, notwithstanding, promised, expressed by two similes; the first remarkably lofty and poetical, the latter singularly beautiful and tender, 4, 5. Exhortation to repentance, joined with the prediction of a more reformed period, 6, 7. This chapter concludes like the preceding, with a prophecy of the fall of Sennacherib, 8, 9. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXI Verse 1. Wo to them that go down to Egypt] This is a reproof to the Israelites for forming an alliance with the Egyptians, and not trusting in the Lord. And stay on horses - "Who trust in horses"] For ועל veal, and upon, first twenty MSS. of Kennicott's, thirty of De Rossi's, one of my own, and the Septuagint, Arabic, and Vulgate, read על al, upon, without the conjunction, which disturbs the sense.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 31:1

1. Woe to them that put their trust in the horses and chariots of Egypt! The Jews were painfully conscious of their weakness in cavalry as compared with the Assyrians, and this was one of the considerations that made a league with Egypt so attractive in their eyes (see ch. Isaiah 30:16, Isaiah 36:8-9). Egypt was always renowned in antiquity for its strength in this arm (Hom. Iliad ix. 383; Diodorus, i. 45). To the prophets horses and chariots were in themselves objectionable as embodiments of irreligious militarism (cf. ch. Isaiah 2:7); they were of course doubly so when obtained through compacts with foreign states. neither seek the Lord] i.e. seek His counsel (Isaiah 30:2).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 31:1

Wo - (see the note at Isaiah 30:1). To them that go down to Egypt - (see the note at Isaiah 30:2). And stay on horses - (see the note at Isaiah 30:16). And trust in chariots - (see the note at Isaiah 21:7).

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 31:1

THE FOURTH WOE.Differently presented, and perhaps better, the same subjects respecting alliance with Egypt are here continued. Perhaps a space of time intervened between the two presentations.1-3.

Sermons on Isaiah 31:1

	Sermon	Description
	The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole
	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
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo
	Trusting God in Stead of Man by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the words spoken to be transformed from water into wine, symbolizing a powerful and impactful message. The preacher then discusse
	Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who
	The Spirit of Egypt - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon reflects on a time of imminent danger during the Japanese invasion of Madras, where the speaker's father used the opportunity to preach the gospel. It emphasizes seekin
	Gone Down Into Egypt by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores Abram's journey into Egypt during a famine in Canaan, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who separate themselves for God's purpose. He highlights the imp