Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

ISAIAH 36:6KJV
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Isaiah 36:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 36:6 mean?

Isaiah 36:6 warns that relying on Egypt for help is dangerous and unreliable, comparing Egypt to a broken reed that will injure anyone who leans on it. The verse says that trusting Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, will only bring harm to those who depend on him.

In this verse, the Assyrian envoy is speaking to the people of Judah during a siege, trying to convince them not to trust Egypt for military support against Assyria. The image of a "broken reed" is used to show that Egypt appears strong but is actually weak and will fail anyone who depends on it, making the situation even worse.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 36:6

  • "trustest" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to put confidence or hope in something or someone. Here, it highlights the misplaced confidence Judah has in Egypt’s help.
  • "staff" (מִשְׁעֶנֶת, mish'enet): This word refers to a support or walking stick. The verse uses it as a metaphor for something people lean on for support, showing that Egypt is not a true support.
  • "broken" (רָצוּץ, ratzutz) and "reed" (קָנֶה, qaneh): Together, these words describe Egypt as a damaged and fragile plant stalk, emphasizing its inability to provide real help.
  • "pierce" (נָקַב, naqav): This word means to puncture or wound. The verse warns that leaning on Egypt will not only fail to support, but will actually cause harm.

Why Isaiah 36:6 matters

  • Isaiah 36:6 clears up the illusion that Egypt was a reliable ally for Judah, showing that appearances of strength can be deceiving.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of misplaced trust, especially in political or military alliances, which is a key theme in Isaiah’s warnings.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative, where Judah is pressured to choose between trusting foreign powers or relying on God, setting up the tension for the rest of the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“staff” Hebrew H4938 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 21:19 If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.
  • 2 Kings 4:29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
  • Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

“broken” Hebrew H7533 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 12:4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.
  • Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

“pierce” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Job 40:24 He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.

“reed” Hebrew H7070 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
  • Exodus 37:22 Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.
  • Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.