Isaiah 23:9
Isaiah 23:9 in Multiple Translations
The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth.
The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.
Jehovah of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
It was the purpose of the Lord of armies to put pride to shame, to make sport of the glory of those who are honoured in the earth.
The Lord Almighty planned it, to humble its pride in all its glory, and to bring down all who receive worldly honor.
The Lord of hostes hath decreed this, to staine the pride of all glorie, and to bring to contempt all them that be glorious in the earth.
Jehovah of Hosts hath counselled it, To pollute the excellency of all beauty, To make light all the honoured of earth.
The LORD of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
The Lord of hosts hath designed it, to pull down the pride of all glory, and bring to disgrace all the glorious ones of the earth.
It was the Commander of the armies of angels who did it; he did it in order to cause you people in Tyre not to be proud any more, to humiliate you men who are honored all over the world.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָא֖וֹת
יְעָצָ֑/הּ
לְ/חַלֵּל֙
גְּא֣וֹן
כָּל
צְבִ֔י
לְ/הָקֵ֖ל
כָּל
נִכְבַּדֵּי
אָֽרֶץ
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
יְעָצָ֑/הּ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
לְ/חַלֵּל֙
châlal
H2490
to bore
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
גְּא֣וֹן
gâʼôwn
H1347
pride
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
צְבִ֔י
tsᵉbîy
H6643
beauty
N-ms
לְ/הָקֵ֖ל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
נִכְבַּדֵּי
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Niphal
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:9
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָא֖וֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
יְעָצָ֑/הּ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
לְ/חַלֵּל֙
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
גְּא֣וֹן
gâʼôwn
H1347
"pride"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means pride or majesty, describing something excellent or arrogant, like nations or God's power, as seen in the KJV translations of Isaiah and Psalms.
Definition: 1) exaltation, majesty, pride 1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence 1a1) of nations 1a2) of God 1a3) of the Jordan 1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. See also: Exodus 15:7; Jeremiah 13:9; Psalms 47:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צְבִ֔י
tsᵉbîy
H6643
"beauty"
N-ms
A gazelle is a beautiful animal, known for its splendor and speed, described in the Bible as a symbol of beauty and glory. The word also means something or someone that is pleasant and lovely to look at.
Definition: 1) beauty, glory, honour 1a) beauty, decoration 1b) honour
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: beautiful(-ty), glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck). See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Isaiah 13:19; Proverbs 6:5.
לְ/הָקֵ֖ל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נִכְבַּדֵּי
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Niphal
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 23:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:9
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
- Sermons on Isaiah 23:9
Context — The Burden against Tyre
7Is this your jubilant city, whose origin is from antiquity, whose feet have taken her to settle far away?
8Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth?
9The LORD of Hosts planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth.
10Cultivate your land like the Nile, O Daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer a harbor. 11The LORD has stretched out His hand over the sea; He has made kingdoms tremble. He has given a command that the strongholds of Canaan be destroyed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:11 | I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. |
| 3 | Job 40:11–12 | Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. |
| 4 | Isaiah 2:11 | The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. |
| 5 | Daniel 4:37 | Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride. |
| 6 | Ephesians 3:11 | according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 7 | Psalms 107:40 | He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. |
| 8 | Malachi 4:1 | “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” |
| 9 | Isaiah 9:15 | The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. |
| 10 | Isaiah 5:15–16 | So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes. But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. |
Isaiah 23:9 Summary
This verse tells us that God Himself planned the downfall of the beautiful and powerful city of Tyre. He did this to show that He is more powerful than any earthly glory, and to teach us not to trust in earthly things (as seen in 1 John 2:15-17). God wants us to know that He is the one who gives and takes away power and beauty, and we should always remember to trust and honor Him above all else (Psalm 37:3-4). By understanding this, we can learn to put our faith in God's sovereignty rather than in the fleeting glories of this world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD of Hosts planned to defile the glorious beauty of Tyre?
This means that God Himself ordained the downfall of Tyre, a city known for its beauty and wealth, as a judgment for its sins, similar to what is written in Ezekiel 28:7, where God judges Tyre for its pride.
Why would God want to disgrace the renowned of the earth?
God's desire is not to shame for its own sake, but to humble those who have lifted themselves up against Him, as seen in Isaiah 2:11, where the lofty will be brought low.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a spiritual principle?
While this verse is set in the context of a historical prophecy against Tyre, it also speaks to the broader spiritual principle that God opposes the proud, as stated in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5.
How does this apply to my life today?
This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and beauty, and we should not put our trust in earthly glory, but in God alone, as encouraged in Psalm 20:7 and Psalm 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have elevated earthly beauty or renown above God's glory in my own life?
- How can I apply the lesson of Tyre's downfall to my own heart, recognizing the danger of pride and self-exaltation?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when earthly powers seem strong and unshakeable?
- What does it mean for me to 'defile' or set aside the 'glorious beauty' that the world offers, in order to follow God more closely?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:9
The Lord of hosts hath purposed it,.... To destroy Tyre; who is wonderful in counsel, capable of forming a wise scheme, and able to put it in execution; being the Lord of armies in heaven and in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:9
The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth. The Lord of hosts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
The Lord of hosts hath purposed it; this is the Lord’ s own doing; therefore do not doubt it, nor wonder at it. God’ s design is by this one example to abate and abase the pride of all the potentates of the earth, that they may see and know what weak and wretched creatures they are, when God leaves them, and sets himself against them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
Isaiah 23:9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.Ver. 9. The Lord of hosts hath purposed it.] Here the prophet sets forth both who had decreed the downfall of this famous and flourishing city; and why? See Ezekiel 27:5-7. To stain the pride of all glory.] Ut faedet fastum omnis gloriae; to bring down the height of all haughtiness. This hath God Almighty decreed, and it shall stand. "Let us, therefore, have grace, whereby we may serve him with reverence and godly fear."
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
(9) The Lord of hosts hath purposed . . .—This is the prophet’s answer. The kings of Assyria were but instruments in the hand of Jehovah Sabaoth, working out what He had planned. To stain the pride . . .—The primary meaning of the verb is to pollute or desecrate, possibly in reference to the destruction of the temples of Tyre, such e.g. as that of Melkarth, which was reported to be one of the most ancient in the world.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:9
9. Jehovah has purposed it in accordance with a fixed principle of His government. to stain (render to desecrate) the pride of all glory] The thought is the same as in ch. Isaiah 2:12 ff. For this use of the verb “desecrate,” cf. Ezekiel 28:7.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:9
The Lord of hosts hath purposed it - (see the note at Isaiah 1:9). It is not by human counsel that it has been done.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:9
8, 9. Who hath taken… counsel — Of whose purpose come results such as these upon great Tyre? Is it possible any one can bring such things about? The irony is withering, yet solemn and stately.
Sermons on Isaiah 23:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Tumor and Swelling in the Mind by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, describing it as the root of many vices and a significant danger to the soul. He illustrates pride as a 'gilded misery' an |
|
Epistle 92 by George Fox | George Fox encourages all believers who are imprisoned for their faith to surrender to the truth, which will ultimately set them free. He emphasizes the importance of relying on th |
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The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord |
|
Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th |
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If My People by Curtis Hutson | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of approaching the platform with confidence and faith. He encourages the congregation to start a fire in |
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(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He |
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Humility vs Pride by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's r |