Isaiah 19:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Textile workers—a major industry in Egypt—will be confused and dismayed by the disruption of their trade.
The Context of Isaiah 19:9
Linen workers and textile craftspeople face economic ruin.
What Does Isaiah 19:9 Mean?
Flax processing and linen weaving were hallmarks of Egyptian industry and trade. The workers will be 'confounded'—overwhelmed, bewildered, unable to function. The collapse of water disrupts the flax-retting process, stops the transportation of goods, and eliminates markets. Economic chaos follows environmental collapse.
This verse extends the judgment beyond farming and fishing to include manufacturing and commerce. Every sector of Egyptian society suffers. The breadth of devastation—touching every kind of work—emphasizes the totality of God's judgment and the interconnectedness of any civilization's systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 19:9
What does Isaiah 19:9 mean?
Textile workers—a major industry in Egypt—will be confused and dismayed by the disruption of their trade.
What is the context of Isaiah 19:9?
Linen workers and textile craftspeople face economic ruin.