And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.

ISAIAH 19:22KJV
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Isaiah 19:22 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 19:22 mean?

Isaiah 19:22 says that the LORD will strike Egypt with a blow, but then will also heal Egypt, so that the Egyptians will turn back to the LORD, pray to Him, and He will respond by healing them. The verse describes both judgment and restoration coming from the LORD toward Egypt.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah about what will happen to Egypt, a powerful neighbor and sometimes enemy. The verse shows that God’s actions are not only about punishment; after striking Egypt, God also offers healing and a chance for Egypt to seek Him. This highlights a pattern in Isaiah where judgment is followed by mercy and restoration, even for foreign nations.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 19:22

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that it is Israel’s God who acts in Egypt’s history, not an unknown or local deity.
  • "smite" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or hit, often with the sense of a decisive or severe blow. It makes clear that the suffering Egypt experiences is direct and purposeful.
  • "heal" (רָפָא, rāpā’): This word means to restore to health or wholeness. Its use here shows that God’s intention is not only to punish but also to bring about recovery and reconciliation.
  • "return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or repent. It suggests that Egypt’s response is a genuine turning toward the LORD, not just a temporary reaction to trouble.
  • "intreated" (עָתַר, ‘ātar): This word means to be moved by prayer or to respond favorably to a plea. It shows that God is willing to listen and respond when Egypt seeks Him.

Why Isaiah 19:22 matters

  • Isaiah 19:22 clears up the idea that God’s relationship is only with Israel; it shows that God cares about other nations and is willing to heal them if they turn to Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s judgment is not the end of the story—restoration is possible, even for those who have been enemies.
  • In the wider passage, this verse is part of a prophecy showing a future where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel are all included in God’s blessing, highlighting a vision of peace and unity beyond Israel’s borders.

Where else these words appear

“intreated” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD(for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

“smite” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

“heal” Hebrew H7495 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:17 So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
  • Jeremiah 6:14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.