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.