King James Version

What Does Isaiah 23:1 Mean?

Isaiah 23:1 in the King James Version says “The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.”

Isaiah 23:1 · KJV

Context

1

The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

2

Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished. still: Heb. silent

3

And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.' Tyre, ancient Phoenician maritime power and trading empire, receives judgment. The 'ships of Tarshish' (large merchant vessels, possibly named for Tartessos in Spain, representing long-distance trade) are called to mourn—Tyre's destruction ends their profitable trade. 'No house, no entering in' indicates complete destruction—no port facilities, no market, no commercial infrastructure. The news comes 'from the land of Chittim' (Cyprus, Phoenician colony), showing how interconnected the ancient trade network was. Tyre's fall affects entire Mediterranean commercial system. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over economic systems—He can dismantle even mighty trading empires. Earthly prosperity divorced from covenant faithfulness ultimately fails.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre was ancient world's greatest commercial power—Phoenician shipping dominated Mediterranean trade for centuries. Located on island offshore (Old Tyre on mainland, New Tyre on island), it seemed impregnable. Yet Isaiah prophesies its fall. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre for 13 years (585-572 BCE), though island portion survived. Complete fulfillment came through Alexander the Great (332 BCE), who built a causeway to the island and conquered it utterly, fulfilling Ezekiel 26's detailed prophecy. Modern archaeological site shows the causeway, now a peninsula. Tyre never regained ancient glory—a minor town today. This demonstrates that seemingly impregnable economic powers can fall when God decrees it. Modern parallels include economic empires that seemed permanent yet collapsed—divine sovereignty extends over economies and commerce.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Tyre's fall teach about God's sovereignty over economic systems?
  2. How did Tyre's seemingly impregnable position prove insufficient against divine judgment?
  3. What modern economic powers might face similar divine judgments for pride and oppression?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מַשָּׂ֖א1 of 13

“The burden”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

צֹ֑ר2 of 13

“of Tyre”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

הֵילִ֣ילוּ׀3 of 13

“Howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת4 of 13

“ye ships”

H591

a ship

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ5 of 13

“of Tarshish”

H8659

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

כִּֽי6 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֻׁדַּ֤ד7 of 13

“for it is laid waste”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

מִבַּ֙יִת֙8 of 13

“so that there is no house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִבּ֔וֹא9 of 13

“no entering in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ10 of 13

“from the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּתִּ֖ים11 of 13

“of Chittim”

H3794

a kittite or cypriote; hence, an islander in general, i.e., the greeks or romans on the shores opposite palestine

נִגְלָה12 of 13

“it is revealed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

לָֽמוֹ׃13 of 13
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 23:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 3:4-8Amos 1:9-10Genesis 10:4Jeremiah 47:4Isaiah 2:16Jeremiah 25:22

Places in This Verse

CyprusIsland · Modern: Cyprus · 35.00°N, 33.00°E12 verses across 4 books
Tarshish 1Settlement · Modern: Huelva · 37.27°N, -6.94°E16 verses across 6 books
TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 23 →

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