In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.
ISAIAH 19:16KJVWhat does Isaiah 19:16 mean?
Isaiah 19:16 describes a time when Egypt will be overcome with fear and lose its courage, reacting with alarm to God’s powerful actions against it. The verse uses the image of Egypt becoming "like unto women" to show that the nation will feel vulnerable and afraid because of the LORD’s (Yahweh’s) threatening gesture.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah about what will happen to Egypt, a powerful neighbor. In this context, God is pictured as raising His hand in judgment, and Egypt’s reaction is one of terror and weakness. The verse is part of a larger prophecy warning that Egypt’s strength and confidence will fail when faced with God’s intervention.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 19:16
- "women" (נָשִׁים, nashim): In ancient times, this word often symbolized vulnerability or lack of military strength, not a comment on gender itself. Here, it highlights Egypt’s sudden loss of courage.
- "afraid" (חָתַת, chatat) and "fear" (פָּחַד, pachad): Both words are used to emphasize the depth of Egypt’s terror. The doubling of these terms shows just how overwhelming their fear will be.
- "shaking" (תְּנוּפָה, tenuphah): This word refers to a dramatic waving or brandishing motion. The image is of God’s hand being waved over Egypt as a sign of impending judgment, not just a casual gesture.
Why Isaiah 19:16 matters
- The verse clears up that the fear described is not just emotional but a complete loss of confidence and power for a nation known for its strength.
- Isaiah 19:16 connects to the wider prophecy about Egypt’s downfall, showing that even the mightiest nations are subject to God’s authority.
- The vivid imagery of God’s "shaking hand" helps readers understand the seriousness of divine judgment and the helplessness of those who oppose it.