Isaiah 19:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellours of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, and the son of ancient kings?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Egypt's leadership and vaunted wisdom are revealed as folly; the wise counsel of Pharaoh's advisors is exposed as senseless.
The Context of Isaiah 19:11
Isaiah condemns the false wisdom of Egypt's rulers and their counselors.
What Does Isaiah 19:11 Mean?
Zoan (Tanis) was a major Egyptian city and administrative center. Its princes—Egypt's elite leadership—are called fools. Their 'wise counsel' is now 'brutish,' or stupid. The verse mocks the pretension of advisors claiming descent from ancient wisdom traditions. Despite inherited credentials and supposed expertise, their counsel fails when judgment comes.
The sarcastic rhetorical question—'how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise'—exposes the hollowness of human pride. Ancestry, credentials, and accumulated traditions mean nothing when divorced from true wisdom. The contrast between claimed wisdom and actual folly is stark.
Isaiah 19:11 in the Original Language
Zoan (צוֹעַן) — Egyptian Tanis, a major city and seat of power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 19:11
What does Isaiah 19:11 mean?
Egypt's leadership and vaunted wisdom are revealed as folly; the wise counsel of Pharaoh's advisors is exposed as senseless.
What is the context of Isaiah 19:11?
Isaiah condemns the false wisdom of Egypt's rulers and their counselors.