Bible Strands
Isaiah 19:13
The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Yahweh speaks through Isaiah to Egypt’s leadership during a declared judgment, immediately after challenging the nation’s wise men in 19:12 and before describing the divine spirit of confusion in 19:14.
The words — נֽוֹאֲלוּ (no'alu) translates literally as "they have become fools," while נִשְּׁאוּ (nishe'u) means "they have been deceived," applied to the princes of Zoan and Memphis. The verb הִתְעוּ (hit'u) carries the literal sense "they have misled," describing how Egypt's tribal cornerstones guided the nation.
The thread — The verse's mention of Memphis aligns with judgment oracles in Jeremiah 2:16, Jeremiah 46:14, and Ezekiel 30:13. Ezekiel 30:14 specifically identifies Zoan as another focal point of Egypt's coming ruin.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept that political and intellectual foundations cannot avert divine judgment. It calls for a clear-eyed assessment of human authority's limits when confronted with God's sovereign decree.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 2:16 The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.
- 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.
- 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.’
- Jeremiah 46:19 Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited.
- Zechariah 10:4 The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.
- 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”?
- 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.
- 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.
- Ezekiel 30:16 I will set fire to Egypt, Pelusium will writhe in anguish, Thebes will be split open, and Memphis will face daily distress.
- Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,