Isaiah 19:8

KJV

The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fishers {H1771} also shall mourn {H578}, and all they that cast {H7993} angle {H2443} into the brooks {H2975} shall lament {H56}, and they that spread {H6566} nets {H4365} upon {H6440} the waters {H4325} shall languish {H535}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Fishermen too will lament, all who cast hooks in the Nile will mourn, those who spread nets on the water lose heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the fishermen will mourn, all who cast a hook into the Nile will lament, and those who spread nets on the waters will pine away.

American Standard Version

And the fishers shall lament, and all they that cast angle into the Nile shall mourn, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 19:8 vividly portrays the profound economic and emotional devastation that will befall ancient Egypt, specifically targeting its vital fishing industry. This verse, following prophecies of the Nile River's desiccation, illustrates the direct and widespread consequences of divine judgment, as the livelihoods of those dependent on the river's bounty are utterly destroyed, leading to widespread mourning, lamentation, and languishing. It underscores the fragility of human enterprise when confronted by the sovereign will of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Burden against Egypt" found in [Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), a significant prophetic oracle detailing God's judgment upon this powerful ancient nation. It immediately follows the pronouncements in [Isaiah 19:5-7](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5-7 - The Drying of the Nile"), which describe the catastrophic drying up of the Nile River and its associated waterways. The economic collapse depicted in verse 8 is a direct and inevitable consequence of this environmental disaster, demonstrating the cascading effects of divine intervention. The passage moves from the general desolation of the land to the specific impact on key sectors of the Egyptian economy, highlighting the thoroughness of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was profoundly reliant on the Nile River, which served as its primary source of water for agriculture, transportation, and sustenance. The Nile's annual inundation was the lifeblood of the nation, making it one of the most fertile lands in the ancient world. Fishing was a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy, providing a crucial food source for its populace and a significant industry for many. The "brooks" and "waters" mentioned refer to the various channels, canals, and lakes fed by the Nile. For the Nile, the very symbol of Egypt's prosperity and even its deified status, to dry up would be an unimaginable calamity, signaling not just economic ruin but also a profound spiritual crisis for a nation that often boasted of its self-sufficiency and relied on its natural resources and idols.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 19:8](/isaiah/19-8 "Isaiah 19:8 - The Mourning Fishers of Egypt") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations, their economies, and even the natural elements that sustain them. He can raise up or bring down, revealing His power and justice over all creation, as seen in [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereign Rule"). Secondly, it illustrates the theme of **Economic Devastation as Judgment**, where the removal of foundational resources leads to widespread suffering and loss of livelihood, a common prophetic motif (cf. [Haggai 1:9-11](/haggai/1-9 "Haggai 1:9-11 - Consequences of Neglecting God's House")). Thirdly, it highlights the **Vulnerability of Human Enterprise**, showing that despite human ingenuity and reliance on seemingly stable natural resources, humanity is ultimately dependent on God's provision. When He withdraws His blessing, even established industries "languish," underscoring the futility of trusting in worldly security. Finally, the repeated use of terms like "mourn," "lament," and "languish" underscores the theme of **Profound Despair and Mourning**, depicting the deep sorrow and hopelessness that would grip a people whose very means of survival had been eradicated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mourn (Hebrew, _ʼânâh'_):** From H578, this verb signifies to "groan" or "lament." It conveys a deep, guttural expression of grief and distress, often associated with a profound sense of loss or suffering. In this context, it describes the initial, visceral reaction of the fishers to the devastating loss of their livelihood.
* **Lament (Hebrew, _ʼâbal'_):** From H56, this term means "to bewail" or "mourn." It suggests a more formal or public expression of sorrow, often accompanied by outward signs of grief. While similar to "mourn," it can imply a sustained period of grieving, reflecting the ongoing and pervasive nature of the economic collapse.
* **Languish (Hebrew, _ʼâmal'_):** From H535, this word describes the act of "drooping," "being sick," or "waxing feeble." It paints a picture of a slow, debilitating decline, like a plant withering without water. Applied to the fishers, it conveys not just immediate sorrow but a prolonged state of weakness, despair, and the gradual loss of vitality and hope as their industry fades away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fishers also shall mourn":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary victims of the impending disaster – the professional fishers. Their "mourning" signifies a deep, personal grief, indicating that the impact is not merely economic but strikes at the very heart of their identity and security. It sets a somber tone for the entire verse.
* **"and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament":** This expands the scope of the judgment, specifying a particular method of fishing ("cast angle") and location ("into the brooks," referring to smaller waterways connected to the Nile). The use of "all they" emphasizes the widespread nature of the calamity, affecting every segment of the fishing community. "Lament" reinforces the theme of profound sorrow, suggesting a more vocal and perhaps collective expression of distress.
* **"and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish":** This final clause further broadens the scope to include another common fishing method ("spread nets") and a more general location ("upon the waters," encompassing larger bodies of water). The verb "languish" provides the ultimate outcome, depicting a slow, debilitating decline. It suggests a loss of strength, vitality, and hope, as their entire industry and way of life slowly wither away, leaving them in a state of prolonged despair.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 19:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of despair and devastation. **Parallelism** is prominent, with the three clauses mirroring each other in structure ("The fishers... shall mourn, and all they that cast angle... shall lament, and they that spread nets... shall languish"). This synonymous and progressive parallelism emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the calamity, affecting every type of fisher and deepening the sense of despair with each successive verb. **Metonymy** is used where "fishers" represents the entire fishing industry and, by extension, a significant portion of the Egyptian economy and its people. The specific tools ("angle," "nets") and locations ("brooks," "waters") serve as **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the once-thriving industry now brought to ruin. The progression of verbs – "mourn," "lament," "languish" – creates a powerful emotional arc, moving from immediate grief to public sorrow and finally to a prolonged, debilitating despair, effectively using **Climax** to underscore the severity of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 19:8 serves as a potent theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the rise and fall of nations and their economies. It reveals that no nation, however mighty or self-sufficient, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile and its pantheon of gods, is shown to be utterly dependent on the true God for its very existence. The drying of the Nile and the subsequent collapse of its fishing industry are not random acts of nature but deliberate instruments of God's will, designed to humble a proud nation and demonstrate that true security is found not in natural resources or human ingenuity, but in the Lord alone. This passage foreshadows a time when Egypt will acknowledge the Lord, albeit through severe chastisement.

* [Ezekiel 29:10-12](/ezekiel/29-10 "Prophecy of Egypt's Desolation") also prophesies judgment against Egypt, specifically mentioning the desolation and drying up of its rivers, reinforcing the theme of the Nile's vital role and its vulnerability to divine will.
* [Hosea 4:3](/hosea/4-3 "The Land Mourns") describes the land mourning and its inhabitants languishing due to divine judgment, echoing the theme of widespread environmental and human suffering resulting from sin and disobedience, similar to the plight of the fishers in Isaiah.
* [Jeremiah 14:2](/jeremiah/14-2 "Judah Mourns") speaks of Judah mourning and its gates languishing, further illustrating the prophetic motif of national despair and economic hardship as a consequence of divine displeasure.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 19:8 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging our misplaced trusts and calling us to a deeper reliance on God. In a world often defined by economic indicators, market stability, and material prosperity, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly securities are ultimately fragile and subject to the sovereign will of God. It compels us to examine where our ultimate hope and trust truly lie—is it in our jobs, our investments, our national economy, or in the unfailing provision of the Almighty? When economic downturns, natural disasters, or unforeseen crises strike, this passage calls us to respond not with despair, but with a renewed commitment to seeking God's face and recognizing His hand in all circumstances. Furthermore, it cultivates empathy within us, prompting us to feel compassion for those whose livelihoods are shattered by forces beyond their control, whether through economic shifts, environmental calamities, or other hardships, and to consider how we might extend practical and spiritual support.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust for security and provision: in my own efforts, material resources, or God alone?**
* **How does this passage challenge my perspective on economic stability and the transient nature of worldly wealth?**
* **What is my immediate reaction when faced with personal or national economic uncertainty, and how can I cultivate a more God-centered response?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate empathy and practical care for those in my community or globally who are experiencing significant economic hardship and loss of livelihood?**

### FAQ
**Why did God target Egypt's fishing industry specifically in this prophecy?**

Answer: God targeted Egypt's fishing industry specifically because it was a cornerstone of their economy and a symbol of their self-sufficiency and prosperity, heavily reliant on the Nile River. By drying up the Nile and destroying the fishing industry, God directly attacked the source of Egypt's pride and material security. This specific judgment served to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over their most vital resource and to humble a nation that often saw itself as powerful and independent, highlighting their utter reliance on the Creator, even for their daily bread. The detailed description of the fishers' despair underscores the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment, impacting every level of society.

**Does this prophecy have relevance for believers today, or is it merely a historical account?**

Answer: While [Isaiah 19:8](/isaiah/19-8 "Isaiah 19:8 - The Mourning Fishers of Egypt") is a historical prophecy concerning ancient Egypt, its underlying principles hold profound relevance for believers today. It serves as a timeless reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and economies, demonstrating that He can raise up and bring down according to His divine will. It challenges us not to place our ultimate trust in material wealth, natural resources, or economic stability, but in God alone. Furthermore, it illustrates the consequences of national pride and idolatry, urging us to seek righteousness and justice in our own societies. The human experience of despair and loss, as depicted by the mourning fishers, remains universally relatable, fostering empathy and calling us to compassion for those facing hardship in our contemporary world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 19:8 directly addresses the judgment upon ancient Egypt, its themes of divine sovereignty over creation and the fragility of earthly security find their ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very waters that brought life to Egypt, and whose withdrawal brought despair, are subject to the command of Christ, who famously calmed the storm with a word, demonstrating His divine authority over nature (cf. [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Just as the fishers of Egypt mourned the loss of their livelihood, humanity mourns the spiritual poverty and separation from God caused by sin. However, Jesus came not to bring economic ruin but spiritual abundance, inviting ordinary fishers to become "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Fishers of Men")), transforming their earthly vocation into a heavenly mission. He is the ultimate provider, miraculously feeding thousands (cf. [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")), showing that true sustenance comes from Him, not from the fleeting resources of this world. In Christ, the despair of languishing is replaced by the living hope of eternal life, and the ultimate security is found not in a prosperous economy, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), offering a peace that transcends all earthly circumstances (cf. [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

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 47:10

And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Habakkuk 1:15

They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.

Numbers 11:5

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

Exodus 7:21

And the fish that [was] in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.