Isaiah 19:15

Authorized King James Version

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Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.

Original Language Analysis

וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמִצְרַ֖יִם for Egypt H4714
לְמִצְרַ֖יִם for Egypt
Strong's: H4714
Word #: 3 of 10
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה Neither shall there be any work H4639
מַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה Neither shall there be any work
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 4 of 10
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁ֧ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה may do H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה may do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
רֹ֥אשׁ which the head H7218
רֹ֥אשׁ which the head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 7 of 10
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְזָנָ֖ב or tail H2180
וְזָנָ֖ב or tail
Strong's: H2180
Word #: 8 of 10
the tail (literally or figuratively)
כִּפָּ֥ה branch H3712
כִּפָּ֥ה branch
Strong's: H3712
Word #: 9 of 10
a leaf of a palmtree
וְאַגְמֽוֹן׃ or rush H100
וְאַגְמֽוֹן׃ or rush
Strong's: H100
Word #: 10 of 10
a rush (as growing there); collectively a rope of rushes

Analysis & Commentary

'Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.' Complete paralysis—no work for anyone, regardless of position. 'Head or tail' represents leadership versus lowest classes. 'Branch or rush' represents strong versus weak. Normally societies function through differentiated roles, but under divine judgment, everyone is equally helpless. This describes totalitarian paralysis when entire social systems collapse. Neither high nor low, strong nor weak can accomplish anything. This demonstrates divine judgment's equalizing effect—normal social distinctions proving meaningless under comprehensive disaster. All human hierarchies are contingent; when God removes blessing, even the greatest fall and the strong become weak. This anticipates eschatological judgment where earthly status won't matter—only relationship with God determines destiny.

Historical Context

Egypt's historical collapses indeed saw this pattern—periods when neither pharaoh nor peasant could function effectively. Intermediate periods between dynasties show comprehensive social breakdown: central authority collapsed, provinces feuding, economy failing, civilization reduced to survival mode. Neither skill, position, wealth, nor strength provided security. Archaeological evidence shows civilization's material decline during such periods—fewer monuments built, cruder artifacts, population loss. Modern examples include societies collapsing under war, famine, or tyranny, where normal social functions cease and everyone, regardless of former status, struggles merely to survive. God's judgments can reduce proud civilizations to such states.

Questions for Reflection

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