Isaiah 30:5
New International Version
everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them, who bring neither help nor advantage, but only shame and disgrace.”

New Living Translation
all who trust in him will be ashamed. He will not help you. Instead, he will disgrace you.”

English Standard Version
everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace.”

Berean Standard Bible
everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They bring neither help nor benefit, but only shame and disgrace.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
They were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them, Or be help or benefit, But a shame and also a reproach.”

New American Standard Bible
“Everyone will be ashamed because of a people who do not benefit them, Who are not a help or benefit, but a source of shame and also disgrace.”

NASB 1995
“Everyone will be ashamed because of a people who cannot profit them, Who are not for help or profit, but for shame and also for reproach.”

NASB 1977
“Everyone will be ashamed because of a people who cannot profit them, Who are not for help or profit, but for shame and also for reproach.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Everyone will be ashamed because of a people who cannot profit them, Who are not for help or profit, but for shame and also for reproach.”

Amplified Bible
“All will be ashamed because of a people (the Egyptians) who cannot benefit them, Who are not a help or benefit, but a shame and also a disgrace.”

Christian Standard Bible
everyone will be ashamed because of a people who can’t help. They are of no benefit, they are no help; they are good for nothing but shame and disgrace.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
everyone will be ashamed because of a people who can’t help. They are of no benefit, they are no help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.

American Standard Version
They shall all be ashamed because of a people that cannot profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Contemporary English Version
But Egypt can't protect you, and to trust that nation is useless and foolish."

English Revised Version
They shall all be ashamed of a people that cannot profit them, that are not an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
the people of Judah will be put to shame because that nation can't help them. That nation can't give aid or help to them. It can only offer shame and disgrace."

Good News Translation
the people of Judah will regret that they ever trusted that unreliable nation, a nation that fails them when they expect help."

International Standard Version
There is only loathsome destruction through a people that cannot benefit them, who bring neither help nor profit, but only shame and disgrace."

Majority Standard Bible
everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They bring neither help nor benefit, but only shame and disgrace.?

NET Bible
all will be put to shame because of a nation that cannot help them, who cannot give them aid or help, but only shame and disgrace."

New Heart English Bible
They shall all be ashamed because of a people that can't profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach."

Webster's Bible Translation
They were all ashamed of a people that could not profit them, nor be a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

World English Bible
They shall all be ashamed because of a people that can’t profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He made all ashamed of a people that do not profit, "" Not for help, and not for profit, "" But for shame, and also for reproach!

Young's Literal Translation
All he made ashamed of a people that profit not, Neither for help, not for profit, But for shame, and also for reproach!

Smith's Literal Translation
All acted wickedly for a people who will not profit them, not for help and not for profiting, but for shame and also for a reproach.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They were all confounded at a people that could not profit them: they were no help, nor to any profit, but to confusion and to reproach.

Catholic Public Domain Version
They have all been confounded because of a people who were not able to offer profit to them, who were not of assistance, nor of other usefulness, except to offer confusion and reproach.

New American Bible
All shall be ashamed of a people that gain them nothing, Neither help nor benefit, but only shame and reproach.

New Revised Standard Version
everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They go to a people that cannot profit them, neither be a help nor a profit, but shame and reproach.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
With a people that does not profit them, not for help and not for a profit, but for shame and for reproach
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
They shall all be ashamed of a people that cannot profit them, That are not a help nor profit, But a shame, and also a reproach.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In vain shall they labour in seeking to a people, which shall not profit them for help, but shall be for a shame and reproach.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Worthless Treaty with Egypt
4For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, 5everyone will be put to shame because of a people useless to them. They cannot be of help; they are good for nothing but shame and reproach.” 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.…

Cross References
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.”

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.

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.

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.

Hosea 7:11
So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.

2 Kings 17:4
But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.

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?’”

Jeremiah 37:5-7
Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. / Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: / “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.

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.

2 Chronicles 28:16
At that time King Ahaz sent for help from the king of 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?

Isaiah 19:11-13
The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.


Treasury of Scripture

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 30:16
But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Isaiah 20:5,6
And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory…

Isaiah 31:1-3
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! …

Jump to Previous
Advantage Ashamed Bad Disgrace Help Offerings Profit Reproach Shame Use Useless
Jump to Next
Advantage Ashamed Bad Disgrace Help Offerings Profit Reproach Shame Use Useless
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














everyone will be put to shame
This phrase highlights the inevitable outcome of relying on human alliances rather than trusting in God. In the context of Isaiah 30, the people of Judah sought help from Egypt against the Assyrian threat, ignoring God's warnings. This reflects a broader biblical theme where reliance on worldly powers leads to disappointment and shame (Psalm 146:3). The shame here is both personal and national, as turning away from God results in public disgrace.

because of a people useless to them
Egypt, the nation Judah turned to for help, is described as "useless." Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, but in this instance, it was unable to provide the necessary support. This underscores the futility of trusting in human strength over divine power. The Bible often contrasts the reliability of God with the unreliability of human allies (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Egypt's inability to assist Judah serves as a reminder of the limitations of earthly powers.

They bring neither help nor benefit
This phrase emphasizes the ineffectiveness of Egypt's support. Despite Judah's expectations, Egypt could not deliver any tangible assistance. This mirrors other biblical narratives where reliance on foreign powers leads to failure (2 Kings 18:21). The lack of help or benefit from Egypt serves as a cautionary tale about misplaced trust and the importance of seeking God's guidance and provision.

but only shame and disgrace.”
The outcome of Judah's alliance with Egypt is not just shame but also disgrace. This reflects the deeper spiritual and moral failure of turning away from God. The disgrace is not only a result of military failure but also a spiritual consequence of disobedience. This aligns with the biblical principle that true honor and security come from faithfulness to God (Proverbs 3:5-6). The dual mention of shame and disgrace underscores the severity of the consequences when God's people forsake His counsel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which sought alliances with foreign nations like Egypt instead of relying on God.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation at the time, often seen as a potential ally by smaller nations like Judah, but ultimately unable to provide the help and security they promised.

3. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered God's message to Judah, warning them against relying on Egypt and urging them to trust in the Lord.

4. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during Isaiah's time, who faced the temptation to seek help from Egypt against Assyrian threats.

5. Assyria
The dominant empire threatening Judah, prompting the temptation to seek alliances with other nations.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Misplaced Trust
Trusting in human alliances or worldly powers instead of God leads to disappointment and shame. We must evaluate where we place our trust and ensure it is in God alone.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's guidance and seeking security in worldly solutions can lead to disgrace. Obedience to God is paramount for true security and peace.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their affairs. Our security should be rooted in His sovereignty rather than in the shifting powers of the world.

The Importance of Seeking God's Counsel
Before making decisions, especially in times of crisis, we should seek God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human advice or alliances.

Learning from History
The historical context of Judah's reliance on Egypt serves as a lesson for us today. We should learn from past mistakes and choose to trust in God's provision and protection.(5) They were all ashamed . . .--Better, are: historic present, as before. The prophet paints the dreary disappointment of the embassy. They found Egypt at once weak and false, without the will or power to help them. So Rabshakeh compares that power to a "broken reed," which does but pierce the hand of him who leans on it. So Sargon (Smith, Assyrian Canon, p. 133, quoted by Cheyne), describing the resistance of his foes, says that they "carried presents, seeking his alliance, to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, a monarch who could not help them."

Verse 5. - They were all ashamed; rather, all are ashamed. The reference is not to the ambassadors, who felt no shame in their embassy, and probably returned elated by the promises made them; but to the subsequent feelings of the Jewish nation, when it was discovered by sad experience that no reliance was to be placed on "the strength of Pharaoh." A people that could not profit them. Mr. Cheyne compares, very pertinently, an inscription of Sargon's, where he says of the people of Philistia, Judah, Edom, and Moab, that "they and their evil chiefs, to fight against me, unto Pharaoh, King of Egypt, a monarch who could not save them, their presents carried, and besought his alliance" (G. Smith, 'Eponym Canon,' p. 130, II. 35-39). Egypt was, in fact, quite unable to cope with Assyria, and knew it. A shame, and also a reproach. A matter of which they would themselves be "ashamed," and with which the Assyrians would "reproach" them (as they did, 2 Kings 18:21, 24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
everyone
כֹּ֣ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

will be put to shame
הֹבִ֔ישׁ (hō·ḇîš)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 887: To smell bad, to be offensive

because of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a people
עַ֖ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

useless
יוֹעִ֣ילוּ (yō·w·‘î·lū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3276: To confer or gain profit or benefit

to them.
לָ֑מוֹ (lā·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

They cannot
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be of help;
לְעֵ֙זֶר֙ (lə·‘ê·zer)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5828: A help, helper

they are good
לְהוֹעִ֔יל (lə·hō·w·‘îl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3276: To confer or gain profit or benefit

for nothing
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

but
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

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

and reproach.
לְחֶרְפָּֽה׃ (lə·ḥer·pāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:5 They shall all be ashamed because (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 30:4
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