Isaiah 19:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And they shall turn the rivers far away; and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The irrigation system that sustained Egypt will be destroyed, causing vegetation to wither.
The Context of Isaiah 19:6
The drying of Egypt's irrigation system causes ecological collapse.
What Does Isaiah 19:6 Mean?
Egypt's engineering marvel was its system of canals and irrigation channels that distributed Nile water throughout the land. These will be 'turned far away' and emptied. The 'reeds and flags' (papyrus and similar plants) will wither without water. This describes ecological collapse following the drying of the river.
The loss of irrigation means the loss of agricultural surplus that fed Egypt's cities and supported its wealth. The image of withering vegetation emphasizes complete devastation. This is not merely economic hardship but the breakdown of the systems on which civilization depends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 19:6
What does Isaiah 19:6 mean?
The irrigation system that sustained Egypt will be destroyed, causing vegetation to wither.
What is the context of Isaiah 19:6?
The drying of Egypt's irrigation system causes ecological collapse.