Isaiah 19:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The princes {H8269} of Zoan {H6814} are become fools {H2973}, the princes {H8269} of Noph {H5297} are deceived {H5377}; they have also seduced {H8582} Egypt {H4714}, even they that are the stay {H6438} of the tribes {H7626} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The princes of Tzo'an have been fooled, the princes of Nof have been duped, Egypt's clan chiefs have led her astray.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:13 delivers a profound indictment against the leadership of ancient Egypt, specifically targeting the princes of Zoan and Noph, two of its most significant cities. These once-esteemed figures, who represented the pinnacle of Egyptian wisdom and counsel, are declared by divine decree to have become utterly foolish and profoundly deceived. Their misguided and self-serving counsel has not only led them astray but has also catastrophically "seduced" the entire nation, undermining the very foundations and stability they were meant to uphold as the "stay of the tribes thereof." This verse powerfully underscores the utter futility of human wisdom and self-reliance when it stands in opposition to God's sovereign will, highlighting the severe consequences of prideful leadership and national apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 19:13 is intricately woven into a comprehensive prophetic oracle against Egypt, which spans the entirety of [Isaiah chapter 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The chapter commences with a vivid portrayal of the Lord's swift and decisive judgment descending upon Egypt, leading to internal civil strife, economic collapse, and the profound failure of its renowned wisdom traditions ([Isaiah 19:1-4](/isaiah/19-1-4 "Isaiah 19:1-4 - God's Judgment on Egypt")). Prior to verse 13, the prophecy details the drying up of the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, and the subsequent ruin of its vital industries, such as linen production and fishing, plunging the populace into despair ([Isaiah 19:5-10](/isaiah/19-5-10 "Isaiah 19:5-10 - Economic Ruin of Egypt")). The immediate preceding verses directly challenge the supposed wisdom of Pharaoh's counselors and the princes of Zoan and Noph, exposing their intellectual bankruptcy and lack of foresight ([Isaiah 19:11-12](/isaiah/19-11-12 "Isaiah 19:11-12 - Failure of Egyptian Wisdom")). Verse 13 then precisely articulates the nature of their failure—their foolishness and deception leading the nation astray—thereby setting the stage for the complete desolation of Egypt's leadership and its subsequent terror before the Lord of Hosts ([Isaiah 19:14-17](/isaiah/19-14-17 "Isaiah 19:14-17 - Egypt's Desolation and Fear")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt stood as a formidable global power, celebrated for its advanced civilization, sophisticated administrative structures, and deeply ingrained wisdom traditions. Its strategic location along the fertile Nile River made it a vibrant hub of trade, culture, and intellectual pursuits, with its pharaohs revered as divine rulers. Zoan (also known as Tanis) and Noph (Memphis) were not merely cities; they functioned as ancient capitals and pivotal centers of political, religious, and intellectual life within the Nile Delta. The "princes" or leaders of these cities represented the apex of Egyptian counsel, embodying the nation's accumulated knowledge, strategic acumen, and administrative prowess. For Isaiah to declare these highly revered figures "fools" and "deceived" constituted a direct challenge to Egypt's self-perception and a profound divine indictment of its human-centered wisdom. Historically, the kingdom of Judah frequently looked to Egypt for military and political alliances against encroaching regional powers like Assyria, a reliance that Isaiah consistently condemned, urging Judah instead to place its trust solely in the Lord ([Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **futility of human wisdom** when it either opposes or ignores divine will. The "princes" of Egypt, despite their esteemed status and worldly erudition, are rendered foolish by God's decree, demonstrating that [God's wisdom is supreme and often confounds the wisdom of the world](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser Than Human Wisdom"). Secondly, it underscores **divine judgment on national pride and self-reliance**. Egypt's reliance on its own strength, intellect, and alliances, rather than seeking divine guidance, inevitably leads to its downfall, illustrating the timeless biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the profound **accountability of leadership**. Those who were intended to be the "stay" or foundational support of the nation instead become instruments of its deception and ruin. This serves as a potent reminder of the heavy responsibility incumbent upon those in positions of power to lead righteously and with divine discernment, a theme echoed in scriptural warnings to leaders, such as those found throughout [Ezekiel chapter 34](/ekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fools (Hebrew, _yâʼal'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be slack," this term figuratively denotes being foolish, acting absurdly, or doting. In this context, it signifies a profound intellectual and moral failure, where the esteemed princes, despite their worldly wisdom, have become utterly devoid of sound judgment. Their actions are self-destructive and irrational from a divine perspective, indicating that their celebrated wisdom has devolved into utter folly.
* **deceived (Hebrew, _nâshâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to lead astray," "to delude," or "to seduce." It indicates that the princes of Noph are not merely mistaken in their judgment but have been actively led into error. This deception could stem from their own hubris, external influences, or even divine allowance as a form of judgment. The term implies a comprehensive misleading that affects their strategic thinking and moral compass, causing them to stray from truth and effective governance.
* **stay (Hebrew, _pinnâh'_):** Feminine of a word meaning "an angle," this term implies a pinnacle, a bulwark, a chief, a corner, or a tower. It powerfully symbolizes a foundational support, a cornerstone, or a pillar—the very structural stability of a building or, metaphorically, a nation. In this verse, it refers to the leaders as the essential support and stability for the tribes of Egypt. The profound irony is that those who were meant to be the nation's strong, foundational "stay" have instead become the primary agents of its undoing, leading it into instability and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The princes of Zoan are become fools,"**: This initial clause delivers a direct and damning indictment. The leaders of Zoan, a city renowned for its ancient wisdom and political significance, are declared to have utterly lost their discernment. Their once-celebrated counsel has devolved into profound folly, signifying a complete intellectual and strategic bankruptcy, which is presented as a direct consequence of divine judgment upon their human-centered wisdom.
* **"the princes of Noph are deceived;"**: Parallel to the first clause, this extends the judgment to the leaders of Noph (Memphis), another major Egyptian capital. The use of "deceived" suggests not merely a lack of wisdom but an active misleading, whether self-inflicted through pride or divinely orchestrated. This highlights the pervasive nature of the intellectual and spiritual blindness affecting Egypt's highest echelons, leading them down a path of error and destruction.
* **"they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof."**: This final, climactic clause reveals the catastrophic societal consequence of the leaders' foolishness and deception. Their misguided counsel has not been confined to themselves but has actively "seduced" or led the entire nation astray, causing widespread error and instability. The phrase "the stay of the tribes thereof" is deeply ironic and tragic; those who were meant to be the foundational pillars, the cornerstones of national stability and strength, have instead become the very instruments of Egypt's downfall, undermining its societal and political fabric.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and profound irony. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the very leaders who are supposed to embody wisdom and serve as the "stay" or cornerstone of the nation are precisely the ones who have become "fools" and "deceived," actively "seducing" Egypt into ruin. This stark reversal of roles underscores the inherent futility of human wisdom when divorced from divine truth. The term "stay" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the leaders as the foundational support and stability of the nation. By declaring that these very "stays" have seduced Egypt, Isaiah employs a striking **Paradox**, highlighting the self-destructive nature of leadership that relies on human pride rather than divine guidance. Furthermore, the parallel structure of "princes of Zoan are become fools" and "the princes of Noph are deceived" demonstrates clear **Parallelism**, a common Hebrew poetic device that reinforces the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the judgment against Egypt's leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over human wisdom and power. It serves as a stark and timeless reminder that even the most esteemed, intelligent, and influential human leaders, when they operate outside of divine wisdom or in defiance of God's revealed will, are ultimately rendered foolish and ineffective. This verse highlights a recurring motif throughout scripture: the humbling of the proud and the exalting of God's wisdom above all human ingenuity. It teaches that true stability, lasting prosperity, and righteous guidance for any nation or people come not from human counsel, however brilliant or sophisticated, but from humble alignment with the divine plan and trust in the Lord. The spectacular failure of Egypt's princes underscores the inherent danger of relying on earthly alliances, human strength, or self-derived wisdom rather than placing unwavering trust in the Lord, a crucial message consistently delivered by the prophets to Israel.

* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes the Wisdom of the World Foolish")
* [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5-7 "Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:13 offers timeless and profound lessons for individuals and leaders across all generations. For us today, it serves as a powerful caution against placing our ultimate trust in human intellect, worldly strategies, or the counsel of those who do not acknowledge or submit to divine wisdom. In a contemporary world that often elevates human achievement, self-reliance, and technological prowess as the highest virtues, this verse calls us to profound humility, reminding us that true discernment, lasting stability, and genuine flourishing flow solely from God. It challenges us to critically evaluate the sources of our counsel, both personally and corporately, prompting us to ask whether we are leaning on our own limited understanding or diligently seeking the wisdom that comes from above. For those in positions of leadership—whether in families, communities, businesses, or government—this passage is a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility to lead with integrity, humility, and a deep, prayerful reliance on God. The "stay" or foundational support of any group, organization, or nation should be comprised of those who faithfully seek and embody divine truth, not those who, through pride, self-deception, or worldly ambition, inadvertently lead others astray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to rely more on human wisdom or my own understanding rather than on God's revealed guidance?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper and more consistent dependence on divine wisdom in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**
* **If I am in a leadership position, what practical steps can I take to ensure that my counsel and decisions are firmly rooted in biblical principles and not in worldly folly or self-deception?**
* **What are some contemporary "princes of Zoan and Noph"—influential voices, cultural narratives, or institutional philosophies—whose counsel might be subtly or overtly leading people astray, and how should I discern their advice biblically?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Zoan and Noph in ancient Egypt?**

Answer: Zoan (ancient Tanis) and Noph (ancient Memphis) were two of the most important and historically significant cities in ancient Egypt. Zoan, located in the eastern Nile Delta, served as a royal residence and a major administrative and religious center, particularly prominent during the Third Intermediate Period. Noph, or Memphis, situated near modern Cairo, was one of the oldest and most enduring capitals of ancient Egypt, functioning as a political and religious hub for millennia. The "princes" or leaders of these cities represented the pinnacle of Egyptian wisdom, strategic planning, and national leadership. Their failure, as described in [Isaiah 19:13](/isaiah/19-13 "Isaiah 19:13 - The Princes of Zoan and Noph"), therefore symbolized the complete and utter collapse of Egypt's intellectual, political, and spiritual strength.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment on nations?**

Answer: This verse is a prime and powerful example of God's absolute sovereign judgment over all nations, not just Israel. Throughout the prophetic books, God consistently demonstrates His supreme authority over world powers, often using them as instruments of His will or judging them for their pride, idolatry, and oppression. In [Isaiah chapter 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), God's judgment on Egypt serves multiple profound purposes: to humble a proud and self-reliant nation, to demonstrate His unparalleled power and faithfulness to Judah (who often foolishly relied on Egypt for help), and to unequivocally show that no earthly power, however mighty, wise, or ancient, can ultimately stand against His divine decree. The collapse of Egypt's renowned wisdom and leadership underscores the profound truth that ultimate authority, true wisdom, and lasting stability reside with God alone, as seen in passages like [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 19:13, with its lament over the profound foolishness and deception of Egypt's esteemed leaders, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark and transformative contrast between the inherent inadequacy of human wisdom and the perfect, divine wisdom embodied in Jesus Christ. The "princes of Zoan and Noph" represented the pinnacle of worldly counsel and strategic acumen, yet their pride and self-reliance ultimately led their nation to ruin, demonstrating the inherent inadequacy of human ingenuity apart from God. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the very **Wisdom of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), the one 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 Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). While Egypt's leaders were the supposed "stay" or cornerstone that ultimately failed and seduced their people, Christ is the true, unfailing, and eternal **Cornerstone** ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself Being the Chief Cornerstone")), the immovable foundation upon which God's people are securely built, never to be led astray. The judgment on Egypt's foolish leaders foreshadows the ultimate revelation that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God ([1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes the Wisdom of the World Foolish")), and that salvation, true guidance, and lasting life come only through faith in Christ, who became for us "wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). He is the faithful leader who never deceives but always guides His people into truth and abundant life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Ezekiel 30:13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 2:16

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.

Zechariah 10:4

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Jeremiah 46:19

O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

Isaiah 19:11

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?

1 Samuel 14:38

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.