Isaiah 31:3

KJV

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the Egyptians {H4714} are men {H120}, and not God {H410}; and their horses {H5483} flesh {H1320}, and not spirit {H7307}. When the LORD {H3068} shall stretch out {H5186} his hand {H3027}, both he that helpeth {H5826} shall fall {H3782}, and he that is holpen {H5826} shall fall down {H5307}, and they all shall fail {H3615} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the Egyptians are men and not God, and their horses flesh and not spirit. So when ADONAI stretches out his hand, both he who helps will stumble, and he who is helped will fall; both will perish together.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.

American Standard Version

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit: and when Jehovah shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall stumble, and he that is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 31:3 serves as a stark prophetic warning to Judah against relying on human alliances and military might, specifically Egypt's famed cavalry, rather than the sovereign power of the Lord. The verse powerfully contrasts the finite, mortal nature of human strength ("men" and "flesh") with the infinite, divine power of God ("God" and "spirit"), declaring that any trust placed in earthly resources apart from divine guidance is futile and will inevitably lead to collective downfall when the Lord intervenes. It underscores God's absolute supremacy and the certainty of His judgment against those who forsake Him for worldly security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of oracles (Isaiah 28-33) where the prophet Isaiah vehemently denounces Judah's reliance on foreign alliances, particularly with Egypt, to counter the looming threat of Assyria. Chapters 30 and 31 specifically condemn Judah's "rebellious children" for seeking help from Egypt without consulting the Lord, piling up sin upon sin ([Isaiah 30:1](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Isaiah consistently portrays such alliances as a source of shame and disgrace, emphasizing that true strength and salvation lie only in returning to God in repentance and quiet trust ([Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")). The immediate verses leading up to Isaiah 31:3 describe those who "go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots" ([Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")), setting the stage for the direct contrast between human and divine power presented in this verse. The subsequent verses in chapter 31 continue to affirm God's protection over Jerusalem and His ultimate destruction of Assyria, demonstrating the futility of Judah's misplaced trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the late 8th century BCE, the Judean kingdom faced an existential threat from the rapidly expanding and brutal Assyrian Empire. King Hezekiah of Judah, like many rulers in the region, was caught in a geopolitical dilemma, weighing options for survival. Egypt, a traditional regional power, was known for its formidable cavalry and military resources, making it an attractive potential ally against Assyrian aggression. However, prophets like Isaiah saw such alliances as a profound theological misstep, a betrayal of Judah's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The historical backdrop is one of political maneuvering, fear, and a desperate search for security in a volatile world. Judah's temptation to align with Egypt reflected a common ancient Near Eastern practice of forming strategic pacts, yet for Israel, it meant relying on "flesh" rather than the living God, a recurring theme of prophetic condemnation.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 31:3 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** of Yahweh, asserting His absolute control over human affairs and the ultimate impotence of human strength when pitted against Him. The stark contrast between "men, and not God" and "flesh, and not spirit" underscores the infinite qualitative difference between the Creator and His creation. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Futility of Worldly Alliances and Human Reliance**, particularly when they supplant trust in God. Isaiah consistently warns that any security sought apart from God is illusory and will lead to ruin, a message echoed in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots") which states, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Similarly, [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man") pronounces a curse on those who trust in man. Lastly, the verse showcases **God's Unstoppable Hand of Judgment and Deliverance**. The phrase "When the LORD shall stretch out his hand" is a powerful idiom signifying decisive divine intervention, whether for judgment upon the wicked or deliverance for His people, demonstrating that no human force can withstand His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, this term refers to human beings in general, often emphasizing their mortality, weakness, and earthly nature, in contrast to the divine. Here, it highlights the inherent limitation and frailty of the Egyptians, despite their military prowess, as mere mortals incapable of delivering ultimate salvation or standing against God.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, "flesh" denotes the physical, mortal, and transient aspect of living beings. In a theological context, it often signifies weakness, sinfulness, and dependence, standing in opposition to the divine "spirit." When applied to the horses, it emphasizes their natural, created limitation, incapable of possessing the power or enduring nature of the divine.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, "hand" is a primitive word with a vast range of applications, often signifying power, means, direction, or agency. In this context, "stretch out his hand" (H5186 + H3027) is a powerful anthropomorphism, representing God's direct, forceful, and decisive action, whether in judgment or deliverance. It conveys the irresistible and sovereign power of God.
* **Fail (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3615, this root means "to end," "to cease," "to perish," or "to consume." It implies a complete and utter cessation or destruction. In Isaiah 31:3, it underscores the inevitable and total collapse of both the helper (Egypt) and the helped (Judah) when confronted by God's intervention, emphasizing the finality of their defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God;":** This opening clause immediately establishes a fundamental contrast. It asserts the inherent limitation and mortality of the Egyptians, despite their formidable reputation. They are merely human, subject to the same weaknesses and finite power as any other created being, fundamentally different from the omnipotent and eternal God. This sets the stage for the futility of trusting in them.
* **"and their horses flesh, and not spirit.":** This clause extends the contrast to Egypt's military strength, specifically their renowned cavalry. "Horses flesh" emphasizes their natural, physical, and therefore limited nature, incapable of possessing the divine, life-giving, or all-powerful "spirit." This parallelism reinforces the idea that even the most impressive human military assets are ultimately weak and ineffective when compared to divine power.
* **"When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, ":** This introduces the pivotal moment of divine intervention. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal One. The idiom "stretch out his hand" signifies His active, decisive, and irresistible power. It implies a direct, forceful act of judgment or deliverance that no human force can withstand or avert.
* **"both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.":** This final clause vividly describes the inevitable outcome of God's intervention. "He that helpeth" refers to Egypt, and "he that is holpen" refers to Judah. The repetition of "fall" (H3782, H5307) and the strong declaration that "they all shall fail together" (H3615, H3162) emphasizes the comprehensive and collective destruction awaiting those who rely on human strength instead of God. Their combined efforts will be utterly consumed and brought to an end by the Lord's power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning. The prophet starkly juxtaposes "men" with "God" and "flesh" with "spirit," highlighting the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human power and infinite divine omnipotence. This contrast serves to expose the foolishness of Judah's misplaced trust. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure of the first two clauses ("Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit"), where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration. Furthermore, the phrase "When the LORD shall stretch out his hand" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (stretching out a hand) to God. This device makes God's power and direct intervention more tangible and comprehensible to the audience, underscoring His active role in human history and His decisive judgment. The repetition of "fall" and "fail" in the final clause also creates a sense of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, driving home the certainty and comprehensiveness of the impending collapse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:3 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that true security and deliverance are found exclusively in God, not in human strength, military might, or political alliances. It underscores the Creator-creature distinction, reminding humanity of its inherent limitations and dependence on the divine. Theologically, it challenges any form of idolatry that elevates human wisdom, power, or resources above the sovereign will and provision of Yahweh. This verse serves as a timeless call to radical trust in God alone, asserting that His intervention is decisive and irresistible, rendering all human efforts futile when they oppose or attempt to circumvent His purposes. It's a foundational statement on divine omnipotence and the folly of self-reliance or reliance on finite entities.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army") - Emphasizes that no king is saved by the size of his army, nor a warrior by great strength, and a horse is a false hope for salvation.
* [Hosea 14:3](/hosea/14-3 "Hosea 14:3 - We Will Not Ride on Horses") - A call to repentance, where Israel declares, "Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses."
* [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Asa's Reliance on Syria") - The prophet Hanani rebukes King Asa for relying on the king of Syria instead of the Lord, stating that the Lord's eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 31:3 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to critically examine the objects of our ultimate trust. In a world fraught with anxieties—economic instability, political turmoil, health crises, and personal struggles—it is tempting to place our confidence in human solutions: financial portfolios, career achievements, influential connections, or even our own intellect and strength. This verse serves as a potent reminder that all such "flesh" is inherently limited and will ultimately "fail" when confronted by the sovereign hand of God. True and lasting security, peace, and deliverance are found only in leaning wholeheartedly on the infinite strength, wisdom, and provision of the Lord. It calls us to a posture of humble dependence, recognizing that our greatest help comes not from what we can accumulate or control, but from the One who is "God, and not men," "spirit, and not flesh." This spiritual reliance fosters a deeper faith, freeing us from the anxieties of self-sufficiency and the disappointment of misplaced hopes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I instinctively turn for help and security when faced with significant challenges in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on "flesh" (my own abilities, resources, or human systems) rather than "spirit" (God's power and guidance)?**
* **How does understanding God's "stretched out hand" impact my prayer life and my willingness to surrender control?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally shift my reliance from worldly strengths to God's unfailing power?**

### FAQ

**What does the contrast between "men, and not God" and "flesh, and not spirit" truly signify?**

Answer: This stark contrast is central to the verse's message. "Men" (H120, _ʼâdâm'_) and "flesh" (H1320, _bâsâr'_) refer to human beings and their physical nature, emphasizing their inherent weakness, mortality, and finite capabilities. They are created beings, subject to limitations. In contrast, "God" (H410, _ʼêl'_) and "spirit" (H7307, _rûwach'_) refer to the divine, emphasizing infinite power, life, and transcendence. The spirit, particularly God's Spirit, is associated with omnipotence, life-giving power, and the supernatural. The verse thus highlights the vast, unbridgeable qualitative difference between the Creator and His creation, asserting that human strength, no matter how impressive, is utterly insignificant compared to God's divine power. It's a theological statement on the futility of trusting in anything less than the infinite God.

**Why was Judah so tempted to ally with Egypt, and what was God's consistent message about such alliances?**

Answer: Judah was tempted to ally with Egypt out of geopolitical necessity and fear, facing the overwhelming military might of the Assyrian Empire. Egypt was a regional superpower with a renowned cavalry, making them seem like a logical and powerful ally. From a purely human strategic perspective, it made sense. However, God's consistent message through His prophets, especially Isaiah, was that such alliances were a profound act of faithlessness. They demonstrated a lack of trust in Yahweh, who had historically proven Himself as Israel's deliverer. God repeatedly warned that relying on foreign nations or military strength instead of Him would lead to shame, defeat, and judgment. For example, [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go to Egypt for Help") explicitly condemns this alliance, calling it a "rebellious plan" that would bring only "disgrace." God desired His people to trust in His covenant faithfulness and power alone, promising that in "quietness and in trust shall be your strength" ([Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 31:3, with its stark contrast between human weakness and divine power, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse exposes the futility of relying on "flesh" for salvation, a truth profoundly echoed in the New Testament. Humanity, in its fallen "flesh," is utterly incapable of saving itself or overcoming the power of sin and death ([Romans 7:18](/romans/7-18 "Romans 7:18 - In My Flesh Dwells No Good Thing")). Jesus, however, is not "men, and not God," but rather the incarnate God, fully divine and fully human, the very "spirit" of God made manifest in "flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the "stretch[ing] out of His hand" in a way that utterly defeats the powers of darkness and offers true salvation, something no human alliance or military might could ever achieve. Where Judah sought help from earthly chariots and horses, believers now find their ultimate help in the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "flesh" of human effort and self-righteousness "falls" and "fails" in the face of God's perfect standard, but Christ's sacrifice provides the righteousness we lack ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Who Knew No Sin Became Sin")). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's unstoppable hand, raising Him from the dead and guaranteeing the victory of all who trust in Him ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")). Thus, Isaiah's warning against trusting in "flesh" points us to the absolute necessity of trusting in Christ alone, who is the divine "spirit" that gives life and the only one who can truly deliver us from our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil. He is the divine helper who will never fall, and in whom all who are "holpen" will stand secure for eternity ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "He Is Able to Save Completely")).

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 20:33

¶ [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

Ezekiel 20:34

And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

Isaiah 9:17

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one [is] an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Ezekiel 28:9

Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.

Psalms 9:20

Put them in fear, O LORD: [that] the nations may know themselves [to be but] men. Selah.

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

Jeremiah 15:6

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.