Old Testament
Isaiah 36:6
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Look — you're leaning on Egypt, and Egypt is nothing but a splintered walking stick. If you lean on it, it stabs right through your hand. That's exactly what Pharaoh king of Egypt does to everyone who trusts in him.
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Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.
What Isaiah 36:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 36:6, the prophet Isaiah uses a metaphor to illustrate the futility of relying on Egypt for support. He compares Egypt to a broken reed, which is weak and unreliable. If someone leans on it for support, it will not only fail them but also cause injury, as it can pierce their hand. This imagery emphasizes that trusting in Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is just as dangerous. The verse warns that those who place their faith in human powers or alliances, rather than in God, will ultimately be disappointed and harmed. The message is clear: reliance on anything other than God is precarious and can lead to pain and suffering.
How to apply Isaiah 36:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we place our trust. Instead of relying on unstable human systems or leaders, we should seek our strength and support from God. Trusting in Him provides true security and protection, unlike the unreliable support of the world.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 36:6 mean?
Isaiah 36:6 uses the metaphor of a broken reed to illustrate the unreliability of trusting in Egypt for support. It warns that relying on human powers, like Pharaoh, can lead to disappointment and harm.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'broken reed' in Isaiah 36:6?
The phrase 'broken reed' symbolizes something weak and unreliable. In this context, it represents Egypt's inability to provide true support, highlighting the danger of misplaced trust.
How does Isaiah 36:6 relate to trusting in God?
Isaiah 36:6 contrasts the dangers of trusting in human leaders with the security found in God. It encourages believers to seek strength from God instead of unstable human systems.
What lesson can we learn from Isaiah 36:6?
The lesson from Isaiah 36:6 is to evaluate where we place our trust. It teaches that reliance on anything other than God can lead to pain and disappointment.
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