Isaiah 19:13

Egypt Memphis Zoan

¹¹ 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”?

¹² Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.

The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.

¹⁴ The 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.

¹⁵ There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm or reed.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.
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.
WEB: 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.
ASV: 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.
DARBY: The princes of Zoan are become foolish, the princes of Noph are deceived; and the corner-stones of its tribes have caused Egypt to err.
BLB: The princes of Zoan have become fools, the princes of Memphis are deceived; they have led Egypt astray—the cornerstone of her tribes.

ÅB: Soans høvdinger er blitt dårer, Nofs høvdinger er blitt narret, og overhodene for stammene har ført Egypt vill.
OTB: Embetsmennene i Soan har blitt dårer, lederne i Memfis er bedratt; hjørnesteinene i hennes stammer har ført Egypt på villspor.
B1930: Soans høvdinger er blitt dårer, Nofs høvdinger er blitt narret, og overhodene for stammene har ført Egypten vill.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

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.
Read in context
Jeremiah 2:16
The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head.
Read in context
Jeremiah 46:19
Pack your bags for exile, O daughter dwelling in Egypt! For Memphis will be laid waste, destroyed and uninhabited.
Read in context
Zechariah 10:4
The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.
Read in context
Jeremiah 46:14
“Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’
Read in context
Isaiah 19:11
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”?
Read in context
1 Samuel 14:38
Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today.
Read in context
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
Read in context