Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray. New Living Translation The officials of Zoan are fools, and the officials of Memphis are deluded. The leaders of the people have led Egypt astray. English Standard Version The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are the cornerstones of her tribes have made Egypt stagger. Berean Standard Bible The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. King James Bible The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof. New King James Version The princes of Zoan have become fools; The princes of Noph are deceived; They have also deluded Egypt, Those who are the mainstay of its tribes. New American Standard Bible The officials of Zoan have turned out to be fools, The officials of Memphis are deluded; Those who are the cornerstone of her tribes Have led Egypt astray. NASB 1995 The princes of Zoan have acted foolishly, The princes of Memphis are deluded; Those who are the cornerstone of her tribes Have led Egypt astray. NASB 1977 The princes of Zoan have acted foolishly, The princes of Memphis are deluded; Those who are the cornerstone of her tribes Have led Egypt astray. Legacy Standard Bible The princes of Zoan have acted as ignorant fools, The princes of Memphis are deluded; Those who are the cornerstone of her tribes Have led Egypt astray. Amplified Bible The princes of Zoan have acted like fools, The princes of Memphis are deluded [and entertain false hope]; Those who are the cornerstone of her tribes Have led Egypt astray. Christian Standard Bible The princes of Zoan have been fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. Her tribal chieftains have led Egypt astray. Holman Christian Standard Bible The princes of Zoan have been fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. Her tribal chieftains have led Egypt astray. American Standard Version The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Memphis are deceived; they have caused Egypt to go astray, that are the corner-stone of her tribes. Contemporary English Version The royal officials in Zoan and in Memphis are foolish and deceived. The leaders in every state have given bad advice to the nation. English Revised Version The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have caused Egypt to go astray, that are the corner stone of her tribes. GOD'S WORD® Translation The leaders of Zoan are acting foolishly. The leaders of Memphis are led astray. The leaders who are the cornerstones of its tribes mislead the Egyptians. Good News Translation The leaders of Zoan and Memphis are fools. They were supposed to lead the nation, but they have misled it. International Standard Version The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis deluded; the leaders of its tribes have led Egypt astray. NET Bible The officials of Zoan are fools, the officials of Memphis are misled; the rulers of her tribes lead Egypt astray. New Heart English Bible The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, who are the cornerstone of her tribes. Webster's Bible Translation The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the support of its tribes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. World English Bible The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, those who are the cornerstone of her tribes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionPrinces of Zoan have been foolish, "" Princes of Noph have been lifted up, "" And they have caused Egypt to err, "" The chief of her tribes. Young's Literal Translation Foolish have been princes of Zoan, Lifted up have been princes of Noph, And they have caused Egypt to err, The chief of her tribes. Smith's Literal Translation The chiefs of Zoan were foolish, the chiefs of Noph were deceived; and they caused Egypt to wander, the pinnacles of its tribes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe princes of Tanis are become fools, the princes of Memphis are gone astray, they have deceived Egypt, the stay of the people thereof. Catholic Public Domain Version The leaders of Tanis have become foolish. The leaders of Memphis have decayed. They have deceived Egypt, the corner of its people. New American Bible The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Memphis have been deceived. The chiefs of its tribes have led Egypt astray. New Revised Standard Version The princes of Zoan have become fools, and the princes of Memphis are deluded; those who are the cornerstones of its tribes have led Egypt astray. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Memphis have become haughty and have deceived Egypt, even the foundation of her families. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The Princes of Zoan became insane! The Princes of Mephes were lifted up and they have led Egypt astray in the corners of its tribes OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The princes of Zoan are become fools, The princes of Noph are deceived; They have caused Egypt to go astray, That are the corner-stone of her tribes. Brenton Septuagint Translation The princes of Tanis have failed, and the princes of Memphis are lifted up with pride, and they shall cause Egypt to wander by tribes. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context An Oracle Concerning Egypt…12Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. 13The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. 14The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit.… Cross References Jeremiah 8:9 The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? Ezekiel 30:13 This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. 1 Kings 4:30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. Job 5:13 He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. Jeremiah 4:22 “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” 1 Corinthians 1:19-20 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” Isaiah 29:14 Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” Jeremiah 10:7-8 Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. / But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! Ezekiel 28:3-4 Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! / By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. Treasury of Scripture The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof. princes of Zoan Isaiah 19:11 Romans 1:22 Noph Jeremiah 2:16 Jeremiah 46:14,19 Ezekiel 30:13 stay. Numbers 24:17 1 Samuel 14:38 Zechariah 10:4 Jump to Previous Acted Astray Cause Caused Chief Chiefs Cornerstone Corner-Stone Corner-Stones Deceived Deluded Egypt Egypt's Err Foolish Foolishly Fools Heads Led Memphis Noph Peoples Princes Seduced Support Thereof Tribes Tricked Wandering Way ZoanJump to Next Acted Astray Cause Caused Chief Chiefs Cornerstone Corner-Stone Corner-Stones Deceived Deluded Egypt Egypt's Err Foolish Foolishly Fools Heads Led Memphis Noph Peoples Princes Seduced Support Thereof Tribes Tricked Wandering Way ZoanIsaiah 19 1. The confusion of Egypt11. The foolishness of their princes 18. The calling of Egypt into the church 23. The covenant of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel The princes of Zoan have become fools; Zoan, also known as Tanis, was an ancient city in the northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. It was a significant political and religious center, often associated with wisdom and counsel. The reference to the princes of Zoan becoming fools indicates a failure of leadership and wisdom. This aligns with the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God, and without it, even the most esteemed leaders can fall into folly. The foolishness of these princes can be seen as a judgment from God, reflecting the broader theme of divine retribution against those who oppose His will. the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. Persons / Places / Events 1. Princes of ZoanZoan, also known as Tanis, was an ancient city in Egypt. The princes here represent the leadership and wisdom of Egypt, which has become foolish. 2. Princes of Memphis Memphis was another significant city in ancient Egypt, serving as a political and religious center. The leaders here are described as being deceived. 3. Cornerstones of her tribes This phrase refers to the foundational leaders or influential figures in Egypt who have misguided the nation. 4. Egypt A powerful and historically significant nation in the Bible, often representing worldly power and opposition to God's people. 5. Isaiah The prophet who delivered this message, warning of God's judgment on Egypt due to their reliance on human wisdom and idolatry. Teaching Points The Folly of Human WisdomHuman wisdom, apart from God, leads to foolishness and deception. We must seek divine wisdom through prayer and Scripture. The Consequences of Misleading Leadership Leaders have a significant impact on their followers. When leaders stray from God's truth, they can lead entire nations or communities astray. God's Sovereignty Over Nations God is sovereign over all nations, and His plans will prevail despite human attempts to rely on their own strength and wisdom. The Importance of Godly Leadership As Christians, we should pray for and support leaders who seek God's guidance and wisdom, recognizing the impact of their decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 19:13?2. How does Isaiah 19:13 illustrate the consequences of poor leadership choices? 3. What can we learn about wisdom from the "princes of Zoan" in Isaiah 19:13? 4. How does Isaiah 19:13 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wise counsel? 5. How can we apply Isaiah 19:13 to discernment in our leadership today? 6. What role does godly wisdom play in avoiding the pitfalls described in Isaiah 19:13? 7. What does Isaiah 19:13 reveal about the wisdom of Egypt's leaders? 8. How does Isaiah 19:13 challenge the reliability of human leadership? 9. Why does Isaiah 19:13 emphasize the folly of Egypt's princes? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 19? 11. How do the references in Isaiah 19:13–14 to “confusion” and “drunkenness” align with archaeological or historical accounts of Egyptian culture? 12. Why does Isaiah 19's prophecy differ from other prophetic passages about Egypt (e.g., Ezekiel 29) if they both claim divine judgment? 13. Exodus 13:19 - Is there any archeological or historical record confirming that Joseph's bones were transported out of Egypt? 14. If Ezekiel 30 as a whole is taken literally, why do we not see conclusive archeological or historical confirmation of these catastrophic outcomes across Egypt and the surrounding nations? What Does Isaiah 19:13 Mean The princes of Zoan have become foolsZoan (also called Tanis) was one of Egypt’s royal seats (Numbers 13:22). When God says its princes “have become fools,” He is declaring that the brightest minds in Egypt have lost the ability to think and lead rightly. • Numbers 13:22 locates Zoan’s ancient prominence; Egypt’s leadership had centuries of prestige, yet “the LORD frustrates the plans of the peoples” (Psalm 33:10). • Their folly is moral and spiritual, not merely political. Like the nations in Psalm 2:1–2 who “plot in vain,” the princes reject the true God and are handed over to empty reasoning (Romans 1:21–22). • Isaiah has just said, “The spirit of Egypt will be emptied out in its midst” (Isaiah 19:3). Foolish leaders are the first evidence of that judgment. God often begins national discipline by withdrawing sound wisdom (Proverbs 11:14). the princes of Memphis are deceived Memphis (Noph) lay farther south and housed another royal court (Jeremiah 44:1). Its rulers are “deceived,” literally wandering off the true path. • Deception comes from trusting idols and alliances instead of the LORD. Earlier Isaiah warned Judah, “Therefore the strength of Pharaoh shall become your shame” (Isaiah 30:1–5). The same misplaced trust now devours Egypt itself. • Jeremiah later echoes this word: “The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head” (Jeremiah 2:16), picturing humiliation brought by leaders who mislead. • God’s character shines by contrast: “It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). When rulers abandon Him, deception fills the vacuum. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray “Cornerstones” points to the chief architects of national life—the counselors, priests, and nobles who set direction for every clan. • Cornerstones are meant for stability (Job 38:6). Yet these “cornerstones” misalign the whole structure, just as “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). • Their influence is pictured spreading through “her tribes,” so the entire nation follows the same crooked line (1 Kings 12:30 illustrates how one leader’s sin becomes “a sin to the people”). • By contrast, the ultimate Cornerstone is Christ (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6). Egypt’s leaders foreshadow the tragedy of rejecting Him: when a nation builds on any other foundation, wandering is inevitable (Matthew 7:26–27). summary Isaiah 19:13 shows God dismantling Egypt’s proud wisdom. Zoan’s thinkers become fools, Memphis’ rulers embrace deception, and the very “cornerstones” turn the nation off course. Leadership that ignores the LORD—whether ancient Egypt’s or today’s—cannot escape this pattern. True stability comes only when a people ground themselves on the living Cornerstone God provides. (13) The princes of Noph.--Probably, as in the LXX., Noph is the same as Memphis. The name has been derived (1) from Ma-m-pthah ("the house of Pthah," an Egyptian deity of the Hephaestos, or Yulcan type); or (2), and more correctly, from Men-nepher ("place of the good"). This also was, as in Hosea 9:6 (where we have the form Moph), one of the chief royal cities of Lower Egypt, and the seat of the Ethiopian dynasty then ruling.Even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.--Better, the corner-stone of the castes. The word is the same as the "corner" of Zechariah 10:4, the "chief" of Judges 20:2; 1Samuel 14:38, and describes the position of superiority among the Egyptian castes claimed by the priest-rulers of Zoan and Noph. Verse 13. - The princes of Noph. There are no grounds for changing "Noph" into "Moph." "Noph" is probably "Napata," known as "Nap" in the hieroglyphic inscriptions - the original capital of the Ethiopian kings, and, when Memphis had become their capital, still probably regarded as the second city of the empire. The "princes of Noph" would be Tirhakah's counselors. They have also, etc. Translate, Even they have led Egypt astray, who are the corner-stone of her tribes. Strictly speaking, there were no "tribes" in Egypt, much less "castes," but only classes, marked out by strong lines of demarcation the one from the other. Herodotus gives seven of them (2. 164) - priests, soldiers, herdsmen, swineherds, tradesmen, interpreters, and boatmen. But there were several others also, e.g., agricultural laborers, fishermen, artisans, official employee, etc.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The princesשָׂ֣רֵי (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of Zoan צֹ֔עַן (ṣō·‘an) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6814: Zoan -- a place in Egypt have become fools; נֽוֹאֲלוּ֙ (nō·w·’ă·lū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2973: To be slack, to be foolish the princes שָׂ֣רֵי (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of Memphis נֹ֑ף (nōp̄) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5297: Memphis -- a city in Egypt are deceived. נִשְּׁא֖וּ (niš·šə·’ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5377: To lead astray, to delude, to seduce The cornerstones פִּנַּ֥ת (pin·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6438: An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftain of her tribes שְׁבָטֶֽיהָ׃ (šə·ḇā·ṭe·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe have led Egypt מִצְרַ֖יִם (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa astray. הִתְע֥וּ (hiṯ·‘ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8582: To vacillate, reel, stray Links Isaiah 19:13 NIVIsaiah 19:13 NLT Isaiah 19:13 ESV Isaiah 19:13 NASB Isaiah 19:13 KJV Isaiah 19:13 BibleApps.com Isaiah 19:13 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 19:13 Chinese Bible Isaiah 19:13 French Bible Isaiah 19:13 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 19:13 The princes of Zoan have become fools (Isa Isi Is) |
    |