Isaiah 19:11

KJV

Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely the princes {H8269} of Zoan {H6814} are fools {H191}, the counsel {H6098} of the wise {H2450} counsellors {H3289} of Pharaoh {H6547} is become brutish {H1197}: how say {H559} ye unto Pharaoh {H6547}, I am the son {H1121} of the wise {H2450}, the son {H1121} of ancient {H6924} kings {H4428}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The princes of Tzo'an are utter fools, Pharaoh's wisest counselors give stupid advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I'm a sage, descended from kings of old."

Berean Standard Bible

The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?

American Standard Version

The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:11 delivers a profound prophetic indictment against the supposed wisdom and leadership of ancient Egypt, specifically targeting the influential city of Zoan. The verse exposes the utter folly of Egypt's princes and the degradation of Pharaoh's esteemed counselors, whose advice has become "brutish." It powerfully challenges their arrogant self-proclamation of being "sons of the wise" and descendants of "ancient kings," revealing that human pride and intellect, when divorced from divine truth, lead only to confusion and disgrace in the face of God's sovereign judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt, spanning [the entirety of Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The chapter begins with a vivid depiction of the Lord riding on a swift cloud to Egypt, bringing about its desolation and internal strife, as detailed in [Isaiah 19:1-4](/isaiah/19-1-4 "Isaiah 19:1-4 - God's Judgment on Egypt"). The prophecy details the drying up of the Nile, the ruin of its industries, and the confusion of its leaders. Isaiah 19:11 specifically targets the intellectual and political elite, highlighting the failure of the very wisdom Egypt prided itself on. This section serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting not just the land and economy but also the very foundations of Egypt's societal pride and intellectual prowess. The subsequent verses continue to describe the utter collapse of their counsel and the terror that will seize the Egyptians due to the Lord's judgment, further elaborated in [Isaiah 19:12-17](/isaiah/19-12-17 "Isaiah 19:12-17 - The Lord's Terror on Egypt").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced civilization, sophisticated administrative structures, monumental architecture, and a long-standing tradition of wisdom literature and learned advisors. Pharaoh's court was considered a pinnacle of human intellect and strategic planning. Zoan (also known as Tanis) was a historically significant city in the Nile Delta, serving as a royal residence and administrative center, particularly during the Third Intermediate Period. Its "princes" and "counselors" would have been highly respected figures, embodying the nation's intellectual and political strength. The boast "I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings" reflects the deep reverence for lineage, tradition, and inherited wisdom that characterized Egyptian society, where wisdom was often seen as a legacy passed down through generations of rulers and sages. The prophecy directly confronts this self-sufficiency and pride, asserting that even the most esteemed human wisdom is fallible before the divine.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 19:11 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah's prophecy and the Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **The Folly of Human Wisdom** when it operates independently of or in opposition to God. Egypt's celebrated intellect is rendered useless, even "brutish," demonstrating that true wisdom originates from the Lord, and human understanding is inherently limited, as [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5-7 "Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart") advises. Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment** as an impartial and comprehensive force. God's judgment extends to the most powerful and seemingly unassailable nations, exposing the emptiness of their pride and self-reliance. This serves as a testament to His ultimate sovereignty over all of history and nations, a truth echoed in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Pride and Arrogance Humbled**. The boast of being "sons of the wise" and "ancient kings" reflects a deep-seated national and individual pride. God's judgment brings this arrogance to nothing, revealing their supposed wisdom as utterly useless in the face of His decree, serving as a timeless warning against self-exaltation, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fools (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be perverse," this term denotes not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual deficiency. An _ʼĕvîyl_ is someone who is silly, obstinate in their folly, and resistant to true wisdom, often implying a willful rejection of God's ways. In this context, it signifies the profound spiritual blindness and moral perversity of Egypt's elite, despite their worldly acclaim and intellectual prowess.
* **brutish (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "consume," it also functions as a denominative meaning "to be(come) brutish." This word implies a state of being animal-like in understanding, lacking discernment, behaving without reason, or acting with a dull, uncomprehending mind. The counsel of Pharaoh's wise counselors, once esteemed, is now described as having degenerated into something akin to the unthinking, irrational behavior of an animal, devoid of true insight or efficacy. It suggests a complete loss of the very intellectual capacity they prided themselves on.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be wise," this term describes someone who is intelligent, skillful, or artful. It refers to a person possessing practical wisdom, shrewdness, or intellectual acumen. The irony in Isaiah 19:11 is stark: those who are called _châkâm_ (wise) and claim lineage from the _châkâm_ are, in God's estimation, _ʼĕvîyl_ (fools) whose counsel has become _bâʻar_ (brutish). This highlights the vast chasm between human wisdom, which can be confounded, and divine wisdom, which is unassailable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools":** This opening declaration is a direct, emphatic pronouncement of divine judgment. The "princes of Zoan," representing the highest echelon of Egyptian leadership and intellect, are stripped of their esteemed status and labeled _ʼĕvîyl_ (fools). This is not a casual insult but a theological verdict, indicating their profound spiritual and practical incompetence in the face of God's plan, despite their worldly reputation. Their supposed wisdom is revealed as utterly inadequate and misguided.
* **"the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish":** This clause extends the indictment from the princes to Pharaoh's most trusted advisors. Their "counsel" (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh_), once considered sagacious and strategic, has now degenerated into something "brutish" (_bâʻar_). This signifies a complete loss of discernment, foresight, and effective judgment, rendering their once-celebrated wisdom utterly useless and even counterproductive. It implies a state of confusion and irrationality, a direct consequence of divine confounding, leaving Egypt without effective guidance.
* **"how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?":** This is a rhetorical question, dripping with **Irony** and **Sarcasm**. It exposes the deep-seated pride and arrogance of the Egyptian elite. Their boast about their lineage ("son of the wise," "son of ancient kings") was a claim to inherited wisdom, prestige, and an unbroken tradition of sagacity. The rhetorical question challenges the very foundation of this boast, implying that their current state of folly and brutish counsel utterly contradicts their self-proclaimed heritage. It highlights the stark contrast between their perception of themselves and God's reality, revealing their self-exaltation as hollow and baseless.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and the downfall of human pride. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the verse sharply contrasts Egypt's self-proclaimed status as a bastion of wisdom with God's declaration of their utter folly. The "princes of Zoan" are called "fools," and the "wise counsellors" are said to have "brutish" counsel, creating a profound ironic reversal. This is further amplified by the **Rhetorical Question**, "how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?" This question is not seeking an answer but rather serves to highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of their boast in light of their actual state. The term "brutish" itself functions as a potent **Metaphor** or **Simile**, likening the once-esteemed counsel to the irrational, unthinking behavior of animals, thereby emphasizing its complete degradation. The overall tone is one of **Sarcasm** and **Derision**, underscoring the divine contempt for human arrogance that presumes to operate independently of God's sovereign will, ultimately leading to self-inflicted confusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:11 serves as a timeless theological statement on the nature of true wisdom and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human affairs. It reveals that any wisdom, no matter how ancient, celebrated, or seemingly profound, is ultimately foolishness when it is not rooted in or submitted to the divine. God delights in confounding the proud and revealing the emptiness of human self-reliance, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by even the most astute human counsel. This passage underscores a recurring biblical theme: reliance on human strength, intellect, or lineage apart from God inevitably leads to confusion, failure, and disgrace. It is a powerful reminder that true security and effective counsel are found only in the Lord.

* [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Do not be wise in your own eyes")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God makes the wisdom of this world foolish")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, challenging us to examine the sources of our wisdom and where we place our ultimate trust. In a world that often elevates human intellect, technological advancement, and strategic planning, this verse serves as a sober reminder that true wisdom originates from God alone. It calls us to humility, recognizing the inherent limitations of our own understanding and the dangers of pride in our achievements, lineage, or perceived intelligence. When we rely solely on human ingenuity or political maneuvering without seeking divine guidance, we risk falling into the same "brutish" folly that befell Egypt's wise. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of dependence on God, whose counsel is unfailing and whose purposes will always prevail, even when human plans seem to crumble. It prompts us to consider whether our counsel, whether personal or corporate, is truly aligned with divine truth or merely a reflection of worldly shrewdness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or society do I see an over-reliance on human wisdom or self-sufficiency, similar to ancient Egypt?**
* **How does the concept of "brutish" counsel challenge my understanding of what truly constitutes effective or wise advice?**
* **Am I prone to pride in my own intellect, achievements, or background? How can I cultivate greater humility and dependence on God's wisdom?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust God's sovereignty, even when human leadership or plans appear to be failing?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "princes of Zoan" and why are they specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The "princes of Zoan" (also known as Tanis) were the leading officials, nobles, or rulers of this historically significant city in the Nile Delta. Zoan was a prominent administrative and royal center in ancient Egypt, particularly during the Third Intermediate Period. It was known for its antiquity and its connection to the royal court, making its leaders and advisors highly influential and representative of Egypt's intellectual and political might. Isaiah specifically mentions them to underscore that even the most esteemed and seemingly wise figures of Egypt, those at the very heart of its power and wisdom tradition, would be exposed as fools by divine judgment. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's indictment against Egypt's self-reliant pride and the universal reach of His sovereign hand.

**What does it mean for the "counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh" to become "brutish"?**

Answer: For the counsel to become "brutish" (Hebrew: _bâʻar_) means that it degenerated from being insightful and strategic into something irrational, dull, and devoid of true discernment, akin to the unthinking behavior of an animal. It implies a complete loss of effective judgment and foresight. This is a powerful statement about the consequence of human wisdom operating without God. The very advice that was once revered for its sagacity becomes utterly useless and even counterproductive, leading to confusion and self-destruction, rather than effective governance or problem-solving. It signifies a divine confounding of their intellect, rendering their boasted wisdom impotent in the face of God's sovereign plan, as seen in the subsequent questions posed in [Isaiah 19:12](/isaiah/19-12 "Isaiah 19:12 - Where are your wise men now?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:11, with its stark portrayal of human wisdom's folly and God's sovereign judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The boast of being "the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings" represents humanity's persistent tendency to trust in its own lineage, intellect, and earthly power structures rather than in God. Yet, the New Testament reveals that the true "wisdom of God" is not found in human philosophy or kingly might, but in Christ crucified, who is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). While the princes of Zoan were exposed as fools, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom")). He is the true "Son of the Wise," not through human lineage or ancient kings, but as the eternal Son of God, whose counsel is never "brutish" but perfectly righteous and eternally effective. The judgment on Egypt's pride foreshadows God's ongoing work to humble the proud and exalt the humble, a principle perfectly exemplified in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, as He declared in [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Jesus praises the Father for revealing truth to the humble"). Ultimately, all human wisdom and power will bow before the wisdom and authority of the Lamb of God, who reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Acts 7:22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

Isaiah 30:4

For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

1 Kings 4:30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

Psalms 78:43

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan:

Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?

Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]: