Isaiah 30:7
New International Version
to Egypt, whose help is utterly useless. Therefore I call her Rahab the Do-Nothing.

New Living Translation
Egypt’s promises are worthless! Therefore, I call her Rahab— the Harmless Dragon.

English Standard Version
Egypt’s help is worthless and empty; therefore I have called her “Rahab who sits still.”

Berean Standard Bible
Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.

King James Bible
For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

New King James Version
For the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose. Therefore I have called her Rahab-Hem-Shebeth.

New American Standard Bible
Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab who has been exterminated.”

NASB 1995
Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab who has been exterminated.”

NASB 1977
Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab who has been exterminated.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Even Egypt, whose help is vain and empty. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab who has ceased.”

Amplified Bible
For Egypt’s help is worthless and good for nothing. Therefore, I have called her “Rahab Who Has Been Exterminated.”

Christian Standard Bible
Egypt’s help is completely worthless; therefore, I call her: Rahab Who Just Sits.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Egypt’s help is completely worthless; therefore, I call her: Rahab Who Just Sits.

American Standard Version
For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.

Contemporary English Version
Egypt can't help you! That's why I call that nation a helpless monster."

English Revised Version
For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I called her Rahab that sitteth still.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Egypt's help is completely useless. That is why I call it, 'Rahab who sits still.'

Good News Translation
The help that Egypt gives is useless. So I have nicknamed Egypt, 'The Harmless Dragon.'"

International Standard Version
to Egypt, which gives help that is worthless and useless. Therefore I call her, 'Rahab, who just sits still.'"

Majority Standard Bible
Egypt?s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.

NET Bible
Egypt is totally incapable of helping. For this reason I call her 'Proud one who is silenced.'"

New Heart English Bible
For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called her Rahab who sits still.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the Egyptian shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

World English Bible
For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore I have called her Rahab who sits still.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Indeed, Egyptians [are] vanity, and help in vain, "" Therefore I have cried concerning this: “Their strength [is] to sit still.”

Young's Literal Translation
Yea, Egyptians are vanity, and in vain do help, Therefore I have cried concerning this: 'Their strength is to sit still.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose; therefore I called to this their violence ceased.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For Egypt shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this: It is pride only, sit still.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Egypt will offer assistance, but without purpose or success. Therefore, concerning this, I cried out: “It is only arrogance! Remain calm.”

New American Bible
to Egypt whose help is futile and vain. Therefore I call her “Rahab Sit-still.”

New Revised Standard Version
For Egypt’s help is worthless and empty, therefore I have called her, “Rahab who sits still.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the Egyptians shall help in vain and in falsehood; therefore I have warned them, for this their trust is in vain.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Egyptians help in futility and in falsehood; because of this I cried to them that this their trust is empty
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For Egypt helpeth in vain, and to no purpose; Therefore have I called her arrogancy that sitteth still.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The Egyptians shall help you utterly in vain: tell them, This your consolation is vain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
6This is the burden against the beasts of the Negev: Through a land of hardship and distress, of lioness and lion, of viper and flying serpent, they carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels, to a people of no profit to them. 7Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still. 8Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever.…

Cross References
Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Jeremiah 2:36-37
How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria. / Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.”

Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Hosea 7:11-12
So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. / As they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air. I will chastise them when I hear them flocking together.

2 Kings 18:21
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.

Ezekiel 29:6-7
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.

Lamentations 4:17
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.

Isaiah 31:1-3
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. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / 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.

Isaiah 36:6
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.

Isaiah 20:5-6
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?’”

Isaiah 31:8-9
“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. / Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:15
For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.”

Isaiah 1:31
The strong man will become tinder and his work will be a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the flames.

Isaiah 2:22
Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

Isaiah 8:9-10
Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”


Treasury of Scripture

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.

the Egyptians

Isaiah 31:1-5
Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! …

Jeremiah 37:7
Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to inquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

concerning this.

Isaiah 30:15
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Isaiah 2:22
Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Isaiah 7:4
And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

Jump to Previous
Arrogance Arrogancy Cried Egypt Egyptian Egyptians Egypt's Empty End Exterminated Help Helpeth Helps Purpose Rahab Sit Sits Sitteth Strength Use Useless Utterly Vain Worthless
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Arrogance Arrogancy Cried Egypt Egyptian Egyptians Egypt's Empty End Exterminated Help Helpeth Helps Purpose Rahab Sit Sits Sitteth Strength Use Useless Utterly Vain Worthless
Isaiah 30
1. The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt
8. And contempt of God's word
18. God's mercies toward his church
27. God's wrath and the people's joy, in the destruction of Assyria














Egypt’s help
The phrase "Egypt’s help" refers to the reliance of the Israelites on Egypt for military and political support. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, often seen as a potential ally against Assyrian aggression. However, from a theological perspective, this reliance is seen as misplaced trust in human power rather than in God. The Hebrew root for "help" (עֶזְרָה, 'ezrah) implies assistance or support, but here it is depicted as unreliable and ineffective.

is futile and empty
The words "futile and empty" underscore the ineffectiveness of relying on Egypt. The Hebrew word for "futile" (הֶבֶל, hebel) often conveys the idea of vanity or breath, something transient and insubstantial. "Empty" (רִיק, riq) further emphasizes the lack of substance or value. Together, these words highlight the futility of seeking security in anything other than God, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.

therefore I have called her
This phrase indicates God's judgment and pronouncement over Egypt. The act of naming or calling in the Hebrew tradition often signifies authority and insight into the true nature of the person or entity. Here, God is declaring His perspective on Egypt's role and reliability.

Rahab Who Sits Still
"Rahab" is a symbolic name for Egypt, derived from the Hebrew word (רַהַב, rahab), which can mean "proud" or "arrogant." In other contexts, it is used to describe chaos or a sea monster, symbolizing Egypt's perceived strength and pride. "Who Sits Still" (שָׁבֶת, shevet) suggests inactivity or impotence. This phrase paints a picture of Egypt as a once-proud nation now rendered ineffective and passive. The imagery serves as a warning against placing trust in worldly powers that appear formidable but are ultimately powerless against God's will.

(7) Concerning this.--Better, it, or her--i.e., Egypt.

Their strength is to sit still.--The Authorised version fairly gives the meaning: "Their boasted strength will be found absolute inaction." but the words, as Isaiah wrote or spoke them, had a more epigrammatic point--"Rahab, they are sitting still." He uses the poetical name for Egypt which we find in Isaiah 51:9; Job 26:12; Psalm 87:4; Psalm 89:10, and which conveyed the idea of haughty and inflated arrogance. "Rahab sitting still" was one of those mots which stamp themselves upon a nation's memory, just as in modern times the Bourbons have been characterised as "learning nothing, forgetting nothing," or Bismarck's policy as one of "blood and iron." It was, so to speak, almost a political caricature.

Verse 7. - Therefore have I cried concerning this. Their strength is to sit still. No modern critic accepts this interpretation. Most translate, "Wherefore I name it" (i.e. Egypt) "Rahab, that sits still;" or "Arrogance, that 'sits still." Rahab, "pride" or 'arrogance," would seem to have been an old name for Egypt (Job 26:12; Psalm 87:4; Psalm 89:10; Isaiah 51:9), not one given at this time by Isaiah. What he means to say is, "Proud as thou art, thou doest nothing to maintain thy pride, but art content with sitting still." This he "cries" or "proclaims" concerning Egypt, as the most important thing for other nations to know about her.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Egypt’s
וּמִצְרַ֕יִם (ū·miṣ·ra·yim)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

help
יַעְזֹ֑רוּ (ya‘·zō·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

is vain
הֶ֥בֶל (he·ḇel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory

and empty;
וָרִ֖יק (wā·rîq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7385: Emptiness, a worthless thing, in vain

therefore
לָכֵן֙ (lā·ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

I have called
קָרָ֣אתִי (qā·rā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

her,
לָזֹ֔את (lā·zōṯ)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

‘Rahab
רַ֥הַב (ra·haḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7293: Rahab -- 'storm', a sea monster

Who
הֵ֖ם (hêm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1992: They

Just Sits Still.’
שָֽׁבֶת׃ (šā·ḇeṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7674: Rest, interruption, cessation


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:7 For Egypt helps in vain (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 30:6
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