Isaiah 19:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Egypt's lifeline—the Nile River and its waters—will dry up and fail.
The Context of Isaiah 19:5
The physical devastation of Egypt begins with the failure of the Nile River.
What Does Isaiah 19:5 Mean?
Egypt's survival depended entirely on the Nile's annual flooding. This verse describes the catastrophic drying of the river—a blow to agriculture, transportation, and commerce. The imagery is both literal (describing actual drought) and symbolic of the loss of all resources the nation relied upon for prosperity and security.
When water fails in the desert, civilization fails. This judgment strikes at Egypt's foundation, not through military defeat alone but through environmental collapse. It demonstrates that all natural resources and prosperity are ultimately under God's control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 19:5
What does Isaiah 19:5 mean?
Egypt's lifeline—the Nile River and its waters—will dry up and fail.
What is the context of Isaiah 19:5?
The physical devastation of Egypt begins with the failure of the Nile River.