Isaiah 30:3
New International Version
But Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame, Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace.

New Living Translation
But by trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated, and by depending on him, you will be disgraced.

English Standard Version
Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation.

Berean Standard Bible
But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

King James Bible
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

New King James Version
Therefore the strength of Pharaoh Shall be your shame, And trust in the shadow of Egypt Shall be your humiliation.

New American Standard Bible
“Therefore the safety of Pharaoh will be your shame, And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation.

NASB 1995
“Therefore the safety of Pharaoh will be your shame And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation.

NASB 1977
“Therefore the safety of Pharaoh will be your shame, And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore the strong defense of Pharaoh will be your shame And the refuge in the shadow of Egypt, your dishonor.

Amplified Bible
“Therefore the safety and protection of Pharaoh will be your shame And the refuge in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation and disgrace.

Christian Standard Bible
But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and refuge in Egypt’s shadow your humiliation.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and refuge in Egypt’s shadow your disgrace.

American Standard Version
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

Contemporary English Version
"You will be disappointed, completely disgraced for trusting Egypt.

English Revised Version
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Pharaoh's protection will be their shame, and the refuge in Egypt's shadow will be their disgrace.

Good News Translation
But the king will be powerless to help them, and Egypt's protection will end in disaster.

International Standard Version
But Pharaoh's protection will become your shame, and sheltering in Egypt's shadow your longing.

NET Bible
But Pharaoh's protection will bring you nothing but shame, and the safety of Egypt's protective shade nothing but humiliation.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shade of Egypt your confusion.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

World English Bible
Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the strength of Pharaoh "" Has been to you for shame, "" And the trust in the shadow of Egypt confusion,

Young's Literal Translation
And the strength of Pharaoh Hath been to you for shame, And the trust in the shadow of Egypt confusion,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the strength of Pharaoh was to you for shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt for reproach.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the- strength of Pharao shall be to your confusion, and the confidence of the shadow of Egypt to your shame.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, the strength of Pharaoh will be your confusion, and trust in the shadow of Egypt will be your disgrace.

New American Bible
Pharaoh’s protection shall become your shame, refuge in Egypt’s shadow your disgrace.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore the protection of Pharaoh shall become your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt your humiliation.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be to your shame, and the shelter of the shadow of Egypt to your confusion.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The strength of Pharaoh shall be shame to you, and the shelter of the shadow of Egypt for a covering
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore shall the stronghold of Pharaoh turn to your shame, And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your confusion.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the protection of Pharaoh shall be to you a disgrace, and there shall be a reproach to them that trust in Egypt.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
2They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. 3But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. 4For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes,…

Cross References
Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

Hosea 5:13
When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound.

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.

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.

Isaiah 31:1
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.

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?’”

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 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.

Jeremiah 2:36
How impulsive you are, constantly changing your ways! You will be disappointed by Egypt just as you were by Assyria.

Isaiah 31:3
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 36:9
For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

2 Chronicles 28:16-21
At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of Assyria. / The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives. / The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages. ...

Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”

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.”


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

the strength

Isaiah 30:5-7
They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach…

Isaiah 20:5
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

Jeremiah 37:5-10
Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem…

your confusion

Isaiah 45:16,17
They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols…

Jeremiah 17:5,6
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD…

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Jump to Previous
Confusion Disgrace Egypt Egypt's Hope Humiliation Pharaoh Pharaoh's Protection Refuge Safety Shade Shadow Shame Shelter Strength Stronghold Trust Turn
Jump to Next
Confusion Disgrace Egypt Egypt's Hope Humiliation Pharaoh Pharaoh's Protection Refuge Safety Shade Shadow Shame Shelter Strength Stronghold Trust Turn
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














But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame
In the context of Isaiah 30, the Israelites were seeking an alliance with Egypt to protect themselves from the Assyrian threat. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, often seen as a potential ally against other empires. However, relying on Pharaoh's protection instead of trusting in God was a significant error. This phrase highlights the futility of seeking security in human powers rather than divine guidance. The shame comes from misplaced trust, as Egypt would ultimately fail to provide the expected support. This reflects a broader biblical theme where reliance on worldly powers leads to disappointment and shame (Psalm 146:3).

and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace
The imagery of "shade" suggests a place of rest and protection, common in the hot, arid climate of the Near East. Egypt, with its resources and military might, seemed like a safe haven. However, this refuge would turn into disgrace because it was not aligned with God's will. The Israelites' decision to seek shelter under Egypt's "shade" instead of God's protection is a recurring theme of misplaced trust. This disgrace is a consequence of ignoring prophetic warnings and serves as a lesson on the importance of faithfulness to God. The failure of Egypt to provide refuge is echoed in other scriptures, such as Ezekiel 29:6-7, where Egypt is described as a broken reed.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The title for the king of Egypt, representing worldly power and authority. In this context, Pharaoh symbolizes reliance on human strength rather than God.

2. Egypt
A nation often seen as a place of refuge and strength in the ancient Near East. Here, it represents a false sense of security and misplaced trust.

3. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is delivering God's message to the people of Judah, warning them against seeking alliances with foreign powers instead of trusting in God.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is being warned by Isaiah. They are tempted to seek help from Egypt against the Assyrian threat.

5. Assyria
The dominant empire at the time, posing a significant threat to Judah. The fear of Assyria drives Judah to consider alliances with Egypt.
Teaching Points
Misplaced Trust
Trusting in worldly powers or human strength leads to shame and disgrace. True security is found in God alone.

Historical Lessons
The history of Israel and Judah serves as a warning against repeating the mistakes of seeking help from sources other than God.

Spiritual Dependence
Believers are called to depend on God for protection and guidance, rather than seeking refuge in worldly solutions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's warnings and instructions can lead to negative consequences, as seen in Judah's experience.

Faith Over Fear
In times of fear and uncertainty, faith in God should override the temptation to seek quick fixes or alliances that compromise spiritual integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 30:3?

2. How does Isaiah 30:3 warn against relying on worldly powers for security?

3. What consequences does Isaiah 30:3 describe for seeking refuge outside God's protection?

4. How can Isaiah 30:3 guide us in trusting God over earthly solutions?

5. What other scriptures emphasize the futility of trusting in human strength over God?

6. How can we apply Isaiah 30:3 to modern challenges in our faith journey?

7. How does Isaiah 30:3 reflect on reliance on worldly powers versus divine trust?

8. What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 30:3?

9. How does Isaiah 30:3 challenge modern views on political alliances?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 30?

11. Why does Isaiah 19's prophecy differ from other prophetic passages about Egypt (e.g., Ezekiel 29) if they both claim divine judgment?

12. In Isaiah 30:1–7, is there historical or archaeological evidence that conclusively supports or disputes Judah’s alliance with Egypt?

13. Given Ezekiel 30:20-21's emphasis on the timing of events near the Pharaoh's fall, how do we reconcile the prophecy's sequence with the reported chronology from extrabiblical sources?

14. Isaiah 31:3 mentions Egypt's mortal nature--why then does archaeological evidence show Egyptian influence persisting long after this prophecy implied vulnerability?
What Does Isaiah 30:3 Mean
But Pharaoh’s protection

“Pharaoh’s protection” zeroes in on Judah’s decision to seek military alliance with Egypt instead of relying on the Lord. Scripture treats this choice as a stark act of misplaced trust, because God had repeatedly proven Himself the sole deliverer of His people (Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 20:7). Isaiah 31:1 spells it out: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.”

• Egypt looked powerful—its chariots impressed (2 Kings 18:21), its wealth dazzled—but every past deliverance of Israel had come from God alone (Deuteronomy 20:4).

• Turning to Pharaoh signaled not just political expediency but spiritual compromise, much like the warning in Jeremiah 17:5: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind… and whose heart turns away from the LORD.”

God’s Word is clear and literal here: any protection sought apart from Him will ultimately fail.


Will become your shame

Shame is the inevitable fruit of trusting the wrong savior. When Egypt collapses, Judah will stand exposed—humiliated for having snubbed the God who never fails (Isaiah 45:16-17).

Proverbs 11:2 links misplaced confidence to disgrace: “When pride comes, then comes shame.”

Psalm 25:3 comforts those who wait on the LORD, promising they “will not be put to shame,” underscoring that shame is a consequence of unbelief, not of faithful dependence.

God does not merely predict political disappointment; He warns of personal humiliation for abandoning covenant loyalty.


And the refuge of Egypt’s shade

Ancient travelers treasured shade in the desert, so “Egypt’s shade” pictures apparent relief—cool, inviting, but ultimately flimsy. The psalmist contrasts this with the sure shelter of God: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

• Shade that comes from human strength is unreliable; it fades when the sun shifts. Isaiah 25:4 praises God as “a shade from the heat.”

Ezekiel 31:6-9 recalls how even the greatest earthly “cedar” can be cut down. Relying on Egypt’s shade instead of God’s shadow sets Judah up for collapse.

The verse presses a simple truth—only one refuge is solid, and it is the Lord Himself.


Your disgrace

Disgrace caps the warning: Judah’s gamble will backfire publicly. Allies will mock, enemies will gloat, and the nation will taste the bitterness of defeat (Lamentations 1:1-2).

• Isaiah had already foretold that those who looked to carved images would be “put to shame” (Isaiah 42:17). The pattern repeats whenever trust is misplaced.

Romans 10:11 applies the same principle positively: “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” Disgrace is avoidable—trust the right Deliverer.

This closing word drives home the seriousness of spiritual adultery: what looks like savvy politics becomes open humiliation when God is sidelined.


summary

Isaiah 30:3 teaches, in plain terms, that leaning on human power—no matter how imposing—invites personal and national ruin. Pharaoh’s promised protection is a mirage; it brings shame, not safety. Egypt’s shade feels cool for a moment but ends in disgrace. The Lord alone offers protection that never fails, shelter that never fades, and honor that never ends.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But Pharaoh’s
פַּרְעֹ֖ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

protection
מָע֥וֹז (mā·‘ō·wz)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

will become
וְהָיָ֥ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

your shame,
לְבֹ֑שֶׁת (lə·ḇō·šeṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1322: Shame, shameful thing

and the refuge
וְהֶחָס֥וּת (wə·he·ḥā·sūṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2622: Confidence

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

shadow
בְּצֵל־ (bə·ṣêl-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6738: A shadow

your disgrace.
לִכְלִמָּֽה׃ (liḵ·lim·māh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3639: Insult, reproach, ignominy


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 30:2
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