And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom;
English Standard Version (ESV)
God declares, "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians." This isn't just a prediction of war; it highlights God's direct involvement in orchestrating internal conflict, turning neighbors and even family against each other. It shows how God can use division and discord within a nation as a form of judgment.
And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy begins by declaring that the Lord will bring judgment upon Egypt, stirring up internal conflict. This civil strife will manifest as Egyptians fighting against one another, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, and city against city, leading to widespread chaos and division within the nation. This internal turmoil is presented as a prelude to further calamities and a sign of Egypt's impending downfall.
Ever feel like the world's chaos is random? This verse paints a different picture, showing God directly involved in stirring up conflict.
Isaiah 19:2 declares, "And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians." This isn't just a passive observation of human sin; it's a divine action. The Hebrew word used here, 'siksakti,' implies more than just allowing conflict; it suggests actively bringing about discord, like weaving or intermingling elements to create strife.
This is a profound theological concept found throughout Scripture:
From neighbors to kingdoms, this prophecy details a terrifying societal collapse. What does it reveal about the nature of brokenness?
The verse doesn't just speak of abstract conflict; it zooms in on the disintegration of human relationships and societal structures:
Ask a follow-up
This breakdown illustrates a profound truth: when people turn from God, the natural order of love, unity, and peace is replaced by chaos, suspicion, and violence. The internal divisions become a prelude to greater vulnerability and eventual subjugation.
This prophecy points to a period of severe internal division and civil war within Egypt, likely stemming from the breakdown of centralized authority after foreign invasions or disruptions. The text describes a chaotic state where cities and factions fight each other, highlighting God's judgment on a nation that had relied on its own strength and idols.
c. 720 BC
Assyrian Overthrow of Ethiopian Dynasty
Sargon II of Assyria defeats the Kushite (Ethiopian) dynasty that had ruled Egypt, disrupting centralized authority.
c. 715-660 BC
The Dodekarchy
Following the Assyrian invasion, Egypt fragmented into twelve ruling chiefdoms, leading to internal conflict and instability.
c. 664 BC— this verse
Psamtik I Reunites Egypt
Psamtik I, one of the twelve rulers, eventually defeats his rivals and reunites Egypt, establishing the Saite Dynasty. This period follows the prophecy's prediction of internal strife.
589-573 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion and Siege of Tyre
Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II invades Egypt, leading to significant conflict and contributing to internal Egyptian instability and civil wars, such as between Apries and Amasis.
343 BC
Persian Conquest of Egypt
The Persian Empire, under Artaxerxes III, conquers Egypt, ending the last native Egyptian dynasty and leading to further internal divisions and turmoil before foreign domination.
This verse describes a similar divine orchestration of conflict, where God gives nations a cup of wrath to drink, leading to their destruction and devastation.
Judges 7:22This passage illustrates God's method of causing internal strife among enemies, where the Midianites turned against each other and fought themselves.
2 Chronicles 20:23Similar to Isaiah's prophecy, this event shows a large invading army being turned against itself by God, leading to mutual destruction.
Ezekiel 38:21This prophecy against Gog also depicts God calling forth a sword against his own allies, leading to internal conflict and judgment.
Luke 11:17Jesus speaks of a divided kingdom or household being unable to stand, highlighting the destructive nature of internal conflict, a principle that applies here to Egypt.
barnesIsaiah 19:2: "And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom."
And I will set - (סכסכתי sı̂ksaketı̂y). This word (from סכך sākak) means properly "to cover," to spread over, to hide, conceal, to protect. Another signification of the verb is, to weave, to intermingle. It may mean here, 'I will arm the Egyptians against each other' (Gesenius); or, as in ou…
bensonIsaiah 19:2: "And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom."
Isaiah 19:2-3 . I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians — Two principal calamities to befall Egypt are foretold in this prophecy; the first of which is here described: civil wars should arise among them. They shall fight every one against his brother and neighbour — Whom he ought to love…
God declares, "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians." This isn't just a prediction of war; it highlights God's direct involvement in orchestrating internal conflict, turning neighbors and even family against each other. It shows how God can use division and discord within a nation as a form of judgment.
The prophecy begins by declaring that the Lord will bring judgment upon Egypt, stirring up internal conflict. This civil strife will manifest as Egyptians fighting against one another, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, and city against city, leading to widespread chaos and division within the nation. This internal turmoil is presented as a prelude to further calamities and a sign of Egypt's impending downfall.
The prophecy begins by declaring that the Lord will bring judgment upon Egypt, stirring up internal conflict. This civil strife will manifest as Egyptians fighting against one another, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, and city against city, leading to widespread chaos and division within the nation. This internal turmoil is presented as a prelude to further calamities and a sign of Egypt's impending downfall.
"And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they will fight, each against another and each against his neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom;" — God declares, "I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians." This isn't just a prediction of war; it highlights God's direct involvement in orchestrating internal conflict, turning neighbors and even…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026