Isaiah 23:14
Isaiah 23:14 in Multiple Translations
Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for your stronghold is laid waste.
Let a cry of sorrow go up, O ships of Tarshish: because your strong place is made waste.
Howl, people on the ships of Tarshish because your fortress is destroyed!
Howle yee shippes of Tarshish, for your strength is destroyed.
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish, For your strength hath been destroyed.
Howl, you ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is laid waste!
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
Howl, O ye ships of the sea, for your strength is laid waste.
So wail, you sailors on the ships of Tarshish, because the harbor in Tyre where your ships stop is destroyed!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵילִ֖ילוּ
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
כִּ֥י
שֻׁדַּ֖ד
מָעֻזְּ/כֶֽן
הֵילִ֖ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
to wail
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
fleet
N-fp
תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
Tarshîysh
H8659
Tarshish
N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֻׁדַּ֖ד
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
מָעֻזְּ/כֶֽן
mâʻôwz
H4581
security
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:14
הֵילִ֖ילוּ
yâlal
H3213
"to wail"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This word means to wail or howl, expressing strong emotions like sadness or pain, used to describe a loud, mournful cry.
Definition: (Hiphil) to howl, wail, make a howling
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make to) howl, be howling. See also: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 48:31; Isaiah 14:31.
אֳנִיּ֣וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
"fleet"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for ship or fleet is used in the Bible to describe a vessel that sails on the water. It appears in Numbers 24:24 and Proverbs 30:19, often referring to the men who sail on these ships, known as seamen.
Definition: 1) ship 1a) men of ships, seamen
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: ship(-men). See also: Genesis 49:13; Proverbs 30:19; Psalms 48:8.
תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
Tarshîysh
H8659
"Tarshish"
N-proper
Tarshish was a place on the Mediterranean, also the name of a Persian and an Israelite, and a term for a merchant vessel, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:10.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.10; son of: Bilhan (H1092H); brother of: Jeush (H3266H), Benjamin (H1144H), Ehud (H0164H), Chenaanah (H3668H), Zethan (H2133) and Ahishahar (H0300) § Tarshish or Tharshish = "yellow jasper" 1) son of Javan 2) a Benjamite, son of Bilhan 3) one of the wise men close to king Ahasuerus of Persia 4) a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea to which the prophet Jonah was trying to flee 1a) perhaps in Cyprus or Spain 5) a city somewhere near and accessible to the Red Sea to which ships constructed at Ezion-geber on the Elanitic Gulf on the Red Sea were to sail
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Tarshish, Tharshish. See also: Genesis 10:4; Isaiah 23:1; Psalms 48:8.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֻׁדַּ֖ד
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
מָעֻזְּ/כֶֽן
mâʻôwz
H4581
"security"
N-ms | Suff
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 23:14
Context — The Burden against Tyre
12He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus— even there you will find no rest.”
13Look at the land of the Chaldeans — a people now of no account. The Assyrians destined it for the desert creatures; they set up their siege towers and stripped its palaces. They brought it to ruin.
14Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!
15At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years—the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot: 16“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 23:1 | This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. |
| 2 | Isaiah 23:6 | Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland! |
| 3 | Ezekiel 27:25–30 | The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall. The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out. All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. |
| 4 | Isaiah 2:16 | against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel. |
| 5 | Revelation 18:11–19 | And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men. And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again.” The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.” |
Isaiah 23:14 Summary
This verse is saying that the ships that come to the harbor of Tyre are in trouble because their safe haven has been destroyed. This is a picture of how God can bring judgment on nations and cities that have turned away from Him, as seen in Isaiah 13:19 and Revelation 18:11-13. Just like the ships need a safe harbor to dock and trade, we need a safe and secure relationship with God to navigate the ups and downs of life, as mentioned in Psalm 16:8 and Matthew 7:24-25. As we read this verse, we can reflect on our own need for a secure relationship with God and how we can trust in Him even when our world is shaken, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3 and Hebrews 12:26-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ships of Tarshish in Isaiah 23:14?
The ships of Tarshish were likely merchant vessels that traveled to and from the port city of Tarshish, which was an important center of trade and commerce in the ancient world, as seen in Psalm 72:10 and Ezekiel 27:12-25.
What is the harbor that has been destroyed in this verse?
The harbor that has been destroyed is likely the port of Tyre, which was a major city and trading center in the region, as mentioned in Isaiah 23:1 and Ezekiel 26:3-5.
Why are the ships of Tarshish wailing in this verse?
The ships of Tarshish are wailing because their harbor, or port, has been destroyed, which means they have lost their safe haven and place of trade and commerce, much like the destruction of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19 and Revelation 18:11-13.
What does this verse reveal about God's judgment on nations?
This verse reveals that God is sovereign over all nations and can bring judgment upon them, as seen in Isaiah 13:6-16 and Jeremiah 25:12-14, and that He is concerned with the economic and social welfare of nations, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:1 and Acts 17:26.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when my own 'harbor' or sense of security is threatened or destroyed, and what does this reveal about my trust in God?
- What are some ways that God might be calling me to 'wail' or mourn over the spiritual or moral decay of my own community or nation, as seen in Jeremiah 9:1 and Ezekiel 9:4?
- In what ways can I be a voice of warning or a messenger of God's judgment, like the prophet Isaiah, and what does 2 Timothy 4:2 and 1 Corinthians 9:16 say about this role?
- How can I find comfort and hope in the midst of chaos and destruction, like the ships of Tarshish, and what does Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28 say about God's presence and care?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:14
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish,.... As in Isaiah 23:1. [See comments on Isaiah 23:1]: for your strength is laid waste; meaning Tyre, a strong seaport, where their ships were safe, and always found vent
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:14
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste. Your strength is laid waste - your stronghold (cf. Ezekiel 26:15-18).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
Your strength; the city of Tyre, where you found safety and wealth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.Ver. 14. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish.] He concludeth this prophecy of Tyre’ s downfall as he began. The inhabitants of Tarshish, or Tarsus in Cilicia, were great ship masters; they sent a navy of a hundred ships to Xerxes when he went against Greece.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
(14) Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your Strength is laid waste.—The prophecy of woe ends as it began in Isaiah 23:1. The “strength” is the fortress of Tyre.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
Verse 14. Howl, ye ships] The Prophet Ezekiel hath enlarged upon this part of the same subject with great force and elegance: - "Thus saith the Lord JEHOVAH concerning Tyre: - At the sound of thy fall, at the cry of the wounded, At the great slaughter in the midst of thee, shall not the islands tremble? And shall not all the princes of the sea descend from their thrones, And lay aside their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments? They shall clothe themselves with trembling, they shall sit on the ground; They shall tremble every moment, they shall be astonished at thee. And they shall utter a lamentation over thee, and shall say unto thee: How art thou lost, thou that wast inhabited from the seas! The renowned city, that was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants! That struck with terror all her neighbours! Now shall the coasts tremble in the day of thy fall, And the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure." Ezekiel 26:15-18.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:14
14. The poem closes as it began with an apostrophe to the ships of Tarshish. your strength) your strong-hold (R.V. as in Isaiah 23:4).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:14
“Howl ... Isaiah 23:1. For your strength - That which has been your support and strength; to wit, Tyre (compare Ezekiel 26:15-18).
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:14
14, 15. Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years — Shall be of comparatively no account as an object for re-conquest.
Sermons on Isaiah 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 23:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video begins by discussing the importance of family and the breakdown of the family unit in society. It introduces Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a res |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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The Latent Power of the Soul by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee delivers a profound message on 'The Latent Power of the Soul,' emphasizing the distinction between the spirit, soul, and body, and how the fall of Adam has confined th |