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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 19:15 There is nothing Egypt can do--head or tail, palm or reed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/19-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/23_Isa_19_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 19:15 - An Oracle Concerning Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is nothing Egypt can do--head or tail, palm or reed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/19-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/19-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm" title="Isaiah 19:14">◄</a> Isaiah 19:15 <a href="/isaiah/19-16.htm" title="Isaiah 19:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm branch or reed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There is nothing Egypt can do. All are helpless— the head and the tail, the noble palm branch and the lowly reed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And there will be nothing for Egypt that head or tail, palm branch or reed, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is nothing Egypt can do—head or tail, palm or reed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall there be <i>any</i> work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Neither will there be <i>any</i> work for Egypt, Which the head or tail, Palm branch or bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />There will be no work for Egypt Which <i>its</i> head or tail, <i>its</i> palm branch or bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There will be no work for Egypt Which its head or tail, its palm branch or bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And there will be no work for Egypt Which <i>its</i> head or tail, <i>its</i> palm branch or bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There will be no work for Egypt Which <i>its</i> head or tail, <i>its</i> palm branch or bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There will be no work for Egypt Which head or tail, [high] palm branch or [low] bulrush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No head or tail, palm or reed, will be able to do anything for Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No head or tail, palm or reed, will be able to do anything for Egypt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm-branch or rush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />No one in Egypt can do a thing, no matter who they are. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />No one-leaders or followers, important or unimportant- can do anything for Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No one in Egypt, rich or poor, important or unknown, can offer help. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, there will be nothing for Egypt that head or tail, palm branch or reed, can do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is nothing Egypt can do?head or tail, palm or reed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Egypt will not be able to do a thing, head or tail, shoots and stalk. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may perform.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And there is no work to Egypt, "" That head or tail, branch or reed, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And there is no work to Egypt, That head or tail, branch or reed, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And there shall not be to Egypt a work which shall make head and tail, branch and reed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And there shall be no work for Egypt, to make head or tail, him that bendeth down, or that holdeth back. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And there will be no work for Egypt that would produce a head or a tail, one who bows down or one who refrains from bowing down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Egypt shall accomplish nothing— neither head nor tail, palm branch nor reed, shall accomplish anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Neither head nor tail, palm branch or reed, will be able to do anything for Egypt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall there be any leader for the Egyptians who can make head or tail of it, or tail or head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Egyptian shall not have a man who will make head or tail or tail or head<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, Which head or tail, palm-branch or rush, may do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And there shall be no work to the Egyptians, which shall make head or tail, or beginning or end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/19-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=3970" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/19.htm">An Oracle Concerning Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>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. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">There is</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: lə·miṣ·ra·yim (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">can do—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4639.htm" title="4639: ma·‘ă·śeh (N-ms) -- A deed, work. From asah; an action; generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product or property."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">head</a> <a href="/hebrew/2180.htm" title="2180: wə·zā·nāḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Tail, end, stump. From zanab; the tail.">or tail,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3712.htm" title="3712: kip·pāh (N-fs) -- A branch, frond (of a palm tree). Feminine of kaph; a leaf of a palm-tree.">palm</a> <a href="/hebrew/100.htm" title="100: wə·’aḡ·mō·wn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A rush, bulrush. From the same as 'agam; a marshy pool; by implication a rush; collectively a rope of rushes.">or reed.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-11.htm">Jeremiah 46:11</a></span><br />Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/30-21.htm">Ezekiel 30:21-22</a></span><br />“Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break his arms, both the strong one and the one already broken, and will make the sword fall from his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-13.htm">Hosea 5:13</a></span><br />When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-7.htm">Isaiah 30:7</a></span><br />Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Isaiah 31:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-13.htm">Jeremiah 30:13</a></span><br />There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sores, no recovery for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/29-6.htm">Ezekiel 29:6-7</a></span><br />Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. / When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Isaiah 20:5-6</a></span><br />Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. / And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-3.htm">Isaiah 30:3</a></span><br />But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-5.htm">Isaiah 30:5</a></span><br />everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They bring neither help nor benefit, but only shame and disgrace.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">2 Kings 18:21</a></span><br />Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17</a></span><br />All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a></span><br />I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Neither shall there be any work for Egypt, which the head or tail, branch or rush, may do.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Isaiah 9:14,15</a></b></br> Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/128-2.htm">Psalm 128:2</a></b></br> For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy <i>shalt</i> thou <i>be</i>, and <i>it shall be</i> well with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a></b></br> In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips <i>tendeth</i> only to penury.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/17-9.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Bulrush</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-12.htm">High</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-8.htm">Low</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Palm</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Palm-Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-13.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-15.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/25-5.htm">Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Bulrush</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-16.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Head</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-15.htm">High</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-9.htm">Low</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Palm</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Palm-Branch</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-21.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-4.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-4.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-25.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">The confusion of Egypt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">The foolishness of their princes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/19-18.htm">The calling of Egypt into the church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/19-23.htm">The covenant of Egypt, Assyria, and Israel</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>There is nothing Egypt can do—</b><br>This phrase indicates a state of helplessness and futility. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation known for its military strength and cultural influence. However, this prophecy suggests a time when Egypt's power and wisdom would be rendered ineffective. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/isaiah/40-15.htm">Isaiah 40:15</a>, where nations are described as a drop in a bucket before God. The phrase underscores the idea that human strength and wisdom are ultimately powerless without divine support.<p><b>head or tail,</b><br>The terms "head" and "tail" symbolize the entirety of a nation, from its leaders (head) to its common people (tail). This imagery is used elsewhere in scripture, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13</a>, where Israel is promised to be the head and not the tail if they obey God. In this context, it emphasizes that no part of Egyptian society, whether the ruling class or the general populace, will be able to avert the judgment pronounced by God. It reflects a complete and total inability to respond effectively to the impending crisis.<p><b>palm or reed.</b><br>"Palm" and "reed" further illustrate the comprehensive nature of Egypt's impotence. The palm tree, often associated with strength and victory, contrasts with the reed, which is fragile and easily swayed. This juxtaposition highlights that both the strong and the weak elements of Egyptian society will be equally ineffective. The imagery of the reed is reminiscent of <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Isaiah 36:6</a>, where Egypt is described as a broken reed of a staff, unreliable and unable to support those who lean on it. This serves as a metaphor for the futility of relying on human power and wisdom instead of trusting in God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>A significant nation in biblical history, often representing worldly power and opposition to God's people. In <a href="/bsb/isaiah/19.htm">Isaiah 19</a>, Egypt is under judgment from God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's prophecies often include messages of judgment and hope, addressing both Israel and surrounding nations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a></b><br>The context of <a href="/bsb/isaiah/19.htm">Isaiah 19</a> is a prophecy of judgment against Egypt, highlighting their helplessness and the futility of their efforts apart from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_effort.htm">The Futility of Human Effort</a></b><br><a href="/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15</a> illustrates the complete inability of Egypt to save itself, symbolized by "head or tail, palm branch or reed." This serves as a reminder that human efforts, apart from God, are ultimately futile.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>The prophecy against Egypt underscores God's control over all nations. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty rather than in worldly powers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>The judgment on Egypt serves as a warning and a call to repentance. It reminds us that turning away from God leads to helplessness and judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Just as Egypt could do nothing without God, we are reminded of our need to depend on Him in all aspects of life, seeking His guidance and strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_isaiah_19_differ_from_ezekiel_29.htm">Why does Isaiah 19's prophecy differ from other prophetic passages about Egypt (e.g., Ezekiel 29) if they both claim divine judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_texts_suggest_mercy,_not_judgment.htm">If Obadiah 1:15 predicts universal judgment, why do some other biblical texts suggest mercy and restoration for nations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_isaiah_19_16-25_fit_modern_views.htm">Can the miraculous elements in Isaiah 19:16-25 be reconciled with modern historical or scientific understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaiah_19_1-4_match_egyptian_history.htm">Does Isaiah 19:1-4 align with known Egyptian history regarding civil strife and political upheaval?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">The head or tail, branch or rush.</span>--For this figurative description of all classes of the people, see Note on <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm" title="Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.">Isaiah 9:14</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Neither shall there be</span>, etc. <span class="accented">Translate</span>, <span class="accented">And there shall be for Egypt no work in which both the head and the tail</span>, <span class="accented">both the palm branch and the rush</span>, <span class="accented">may</span> (<span class="accented">conjointly</span>) <span class="accented">work</span>. The general spirit of perverseness shall prevent all union of high with low, rich with poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/19-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">There is</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְיֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Egypt</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִצְרַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miṣ·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can do—</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשֶׂ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">head</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֥אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or tail,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזָנָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·zā·nāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2180.htm">Strong's 2180: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tail, end, stump</span><br /><br /><span class="word">palm</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּפָּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(kip·pāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3712.htm">Strong's 3712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A branch, frond (of a palm tree)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or reed.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַגְמֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aḡ·mō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_100.htm">Strong's 100: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bulrush, a rope of bulrushes</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/19-15.htm">Isaiah 19:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/19-15.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 19:15 Neither shall there be for Egypt any (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/19-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 19:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 19:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/19-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 19:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 19:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>