Isaiah 23:4
Isaiah 23:4 in Multiple Translations
Be ashamed, O Sidon, the stronghold of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have not been in labor or given birth. I have not raised young men or brought up young women.”
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.
Be thou ashamed, O Sidon; for the sea hath spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, I have not travailed, nor brought forth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins.
Be shamed, O Zidon: for the sea, the strong place of the sea has said, I have not been with child, or given birth; I have not taken care of young men, or kept watch over the growth of virgins.
Feel the shame, Sidon! For the fortress of the sea says, “I have no children, having never been in labor or given birth. I have not brought up young men or brought up young women.”
Be ashamed, thou Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, euen the strength of the sea, saying, I haue not trauailed, nor brought forth children, neither nourished yong men, nor brought vp virgins.
Be ashamed, O Zidon; for the sea spake, The strength of the sea, saying: 'I have not been pained, nor have I brought forth, Nor have I nourished young men, [nor] brought up virgins.'
Be ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, “I have not travailed, nor given birth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins.”
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish young men, nor bring up virgins.
Be thou ashamed, O Sidon: for the sea speaketh, even the strength of the sea, saying: I have not been in labour, nor have I brought forth, nor have I nourished up young men, nor brought up virgins.
But now you people in Sidon should be ashamed, because you trusted in Tyre, which has been a strong fortress on an island in the sea. Tyre is like a woman who is saying, “Now it is as though I have not given birth to any children, or raised any sons or daughters.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:4
BAB
Word Study
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Isaiah 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בּ֣וֹשִׁי
צִיד֔וֹן
כִּֽי
אָמַ֣ר
יָ֔ם
מָע֥וֹז
הַ/יָּ֖ם
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
לֹֽא
חַ֣לְתִּי
וְ/לֹֽא
יָלַ֗דְתִּי
וְ/לֹ֥א
גִדַּ֛לְתִּי
בַּחוּרִ֖ים
רוֹמַ֥מְתִּי
בְתוּלֽוֹת
בּ֣וֹשִׁי
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
צִיד֔וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
Sidon
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יָ֔ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
מָע֥וֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
security
N-ms
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חַ֣לְתִּי
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָלַ֗דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
גִדַּ֛לְתִּי
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
בַּחוּרִ֖ים
bâchûwr
H970
youth
N-mp
רוֹמַ֥מְתִּי
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-o-Perf-1cs
בְתוּלֽוֹת
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:4
בּ֣וֹשִׁי
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
צִיד֔וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
"Sidon"
N-proper
Sidon was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, named after a son of Canaan, and is mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city.
Definition: Sidon = "hunting" ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre Another name of tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Sidon, Zidon. See also: Genesis 10:15; Isaiah 23:2; Isaiah 23:4.
כִּֽי
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.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יָ֔ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
מָע֥וֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
"security"
N-ms
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.
הַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חַ֣לְתִּי
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָלַ֗דְתִּי
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גִדַּ֛לְתִּי
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
בַּחוּרִ֖ים
bâchûwr
H970
"youth"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a young person, often a chosen or select individual, like a young man in his prime. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of young soldiers. The term emphasizes the idea of being selected or set apart.
Definition: youth, young man
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (choice) young (man), chosen, [idiom] hole. See also: Deuteronomy 32:25; Jeremiah 18:21; Psalms 78:31.
רוֹמַ֥מְתִּי
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-o-Perf-1cs
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
בְתוּלֽוֹת
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fp
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 23:4
Context — The Burden against Tyre
2Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea.
3On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations.
4Be ashamed, O Sidon, the stronghold of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have not been in labor or given birth. I have not raised young men or brought up young women.”
5When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre. 6Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coastland!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 18:23 | The light of a lamp will never shine in you again, and the voices of a bride and bridegroom will never call out in you again. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery.” |
| 2 | Genesis 10:15 | And Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, |
| 3 | Jeremiah 47:3–4 | at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp. For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 26:3–6 | therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock. She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. She will become plunder for the nations, and the villages on her mainland will be slain by the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’ |
| 5 | Genesis 10:19 | and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. |
| 6 | Hosea 9:11–14 | Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception. Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them! I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a meadow. But Ephraim will bring out his children for slaughter. Give them, O LORD— what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up! |
Isaiah 23:4 Summary
Isaiah 23:4 is a call to humility, as the city of Sidon is told to be ashamed of its pride and reliance on its own strength. The sea speaks, saying it has not produced anything of significance, highlighting the idea that our accomplishments are not our own, but are a result of God's providence, as seen in Psalm 127:1-2. This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than in our own abilities, and to recognize the fleeting nature of human power, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:12. By surrendering our pride and self-reliance to God, we can find true strength and guidance, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Sidon being called the stronghold of the sea in Isaiah 23:4?
Sidon is referred to as the stronghold of the sea because of its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast and its importance as a major port city, as seen in Isaiah 23:2, where its merchants are mentioned as having crossed the sea, similar to the port city of Tyre in Ezekiel 26:17.
Why does the sea say it has not been in labor or given birth in Isaiah 23:4?
The sea is speaking metaphorically, saying it has not produced or brought forth anything of significance, much like a woman who has not given birth, highlighting the idea that Sidon's power and influence are waning, as prophesied in Isaiah 23:1-6, and echoed in Revelation 18:11-13 where the fall of Babylon is described.
What is the relationship between Sidon and Tyre in Isaiah 23:4?
Sidon and Tyre were both major cities in the region of Phoenicia, with Tyre being mentioned in Isaiah 23:1 and Ezekiel 26:2 as a city that has been prideful, and Sidon's shame in Isaiah 23:4 is related to the downfall of Tyre, as seen in the surrounding verses, Isaiah 23:1-6, where the news of Tyre's fall affects Egypt in Isaiah 23:5.
How does Isaiah 23:4 relate to the idea of pride and humility in the Bible?
Isaiah 23:4 illustrates the idea that pride and arrogance can lead to shame and downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, where it is written that pride goes before destruction, and in 1 Peter 5:6, where believers are called to humble themselves before God, highlighting the importance of humility in the Christian life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which we can become like Sidon, relying on our own strength and power rather than on God's provision and guidance?
- How can we apply the lesson of Isaiah 23:4 to our own lives, recognizing the fleeting nature of human power and the importance of humility?
- What are some areas in our lives where we may be tempted to trust in our own abilities rather than in God's sovereignty, and how can we surrender these areas to Him?
- In what ways can we, like the sea in Isaiah 23:4, recognize our own limitations and weaknesses, and turn to God for strength and guidance?
- How does the message of Isaiah 23:4 relate to the idea of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:7, and what are the implications of this for our daily lives?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:4
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon,.... A city near to Tyre, about twenty five miles from it; Jarchi says it was within a day's walk of it; these two cities, as they were near to each other, so they were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:4
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon; for Zidon was a great city near Tyre, and strongly united to her by commerce and league, and called by some the mother of Tyre, which they say was built and first inhabited by a colony of the Sidonians; and therefore she must needs be greatly concerned in the destruction of Tyrus. The sea; that part of the sea in which Tyrus was, and from which ships and men were sent into all countries. The strength of the sea: this is added to explain what he meant by the sea, even Tyrus, who might be called the strength of the sea, either actively, because it defended that part of the sea from piracies and injuries; or passively, because it was defended and strengthened by the sea, which encompassed it. And this title is here given to Tyrus, to show what great cause of confusion and fear Zidon had from this example, which for strength was much inferior to Tyrus. I travail not, nor bring forth children, & c.; I, who was so exceeding fruitful and populous, that I sent forth colonies into other countries, (of which the famous city of Carthage was one,) am now become barren and desolate.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins.Ver. 4. Be ashamed, O Zidon,] sc., Of Tyre, thy daughter and confederate. For the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea.] Or, The seaport. By the sea and seaport we are to understand Tyre, who sat in the sea, as now Venice doth, and sovereigned it. I travail not, nor bring forth children.] I send forth no colonies, as sometimes I have done. Pliny saith of Tyre, Olim partu clara urbibus genitis, Lepti, Utica, Carthagine, etiam Gadibus extra orbem conditis. But now it was past that time of day with her. Plin., lib. v. cap. 19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
(4) Be thou ashamed, O Zidon . . .—Zidon is addressed as the mother-city of Tyre. The “strength” (or fortress) of the sea is the rock-island on which the new Tyre was built. She sits as a widow bereaved of her children, with no power to renew the population which once crowded her streets. (Comp. Lamentations 1:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
Verse 4. Be thou ashamed, O Zidon] Tyre is called Isaiah 23:12, the daughter of Sidon. "The Sidonians," says Justin, xviii. 3, "when their city was taken by the king of Ascalon, betook themselves to their ships, and landed, and built by Tyre." Sidon, as the mother city is supposed to be deeply affected with the calamity of her daughter. Nor bring up virgins - "Nor educated virgins."] ורוממתי veromamti; so an ancient MS. Of Dr. Kennicott's prefixing the ו vau, which refers to the negative preceding, and is equivalent to ולא velo. See Deuteronomy 23:6; Proverbs 30:3. Two of my own MSS. have ו vau in the margin.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:4
4. even the strength of the sea] Better as R.V. the stronghold of the sea. The fine figure of the lonely sea denying that she ever had children is somewhat marred by the introduction of this clause, as if the poet had corrected himself by an afterthought, and changed the subject of personification from the sea to Tyre. One is tempted to remove the words as a gloss. I travail not, nor bring forth, &c.] Render with R.V. I have not travailed, nor brought forth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up (cf. ch. Isaiah 1:2) virgins.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:4
Be thou ashamed, O Zidon - Tyre was a colony of Sidon. Sidon is here addressed as the mother of Tyre, and is called on to lament over her daughter that was destroyed.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:4
4. Ashamed — Zidon, or the whole Zidonian coast, is called to be confounded, mortified, because the sea… the strength of the sea, or Tyre — the rock fortress of the sea, the sea’s objective point in
Sermons on Isaiah 23:4
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The History of Free Masonry - Part 2 by John Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of video games on the minds of young people. He argues that these games teach them how to kill easily and desensitize the |
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Identifying Some Signs of the Last Days by William Crews | This sermon delves into the dangers of false prophets and teachers, emphasizing their deceptive tactics, the rise of false doctrines, and the impact on individuals and society. It |
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Casting Witchcraft Out of the Church by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need to cast out witchcraft from the church, identifying it as a work of the flesh that leads to disobedience to God's truth. He explains that |
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A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
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Ezekiel 26:3 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 26:3, emphasizing the prophecy against Tyre and its eventual downfall at the hands of multiple nations, starting with Nebuchadnezz |
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Ezekiel 26 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophecy of the destruction of Tyre as foretold by Ezekiel, emphasizing the involvement of multiple nations and the eventual siege by Nebuchadnezzar. He h |