The people of Judah rely on Egypt, but this will lead to their humiliation since Egypt will not be able to protect them. The connector Therefore (literally “And”) introduces this verse as a result of God’s judgment of Judah in the previous two verses. Good News Translation restructures verses 1-2, so it begins with the connector “But” to show the contrast between what Judah expected and what will actually happen. This is an acceptable model.

Shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame: Pharaoh will not be able to fulfill his promise of protection to the people of Judah, so this will lead to their downfall, causing them shame. Bible en français courant has “the protection by Pharaoh will only bring you disappointment,” and Revised English Bible says “Pharaoh’s protection will lead to humiliation.” Translators should render the protection of Pharaoh in the same way as in verse 2. The pronoun your refers to the rebellious people of Judah. Since they are referred to in the third person in verses 1-2, Good News Translation also does it here with the pronoun “them.” Other languages may find this helpful.

And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation: This line is parallel and synonymous with the previous one. It lacks a verb, so some languages may need to provide one by saying “the shelter … will bring you humiliation.” For the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, see Isa 30.2.

For the translation of this verse we suggest the following examples:

• Therefore the protection you expect from the king of Egypt will lead to your humiliation,
your shelter in Egypt’s shadow will be your downfall.

• So Pharaoh’s protection will bring about your humiliation,
your shelter in Egypt’s shadow will be your disgrace.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .