King James Version

What Does Isaiah 33:23 Mean?

Isaiah 33:23 in the King James Version says “Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. Thy: or, They have forsaken thy tacklings”

Isaiah 33:23 · KJV

Context

21

But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. of: Heb. broad of spaces, or, hands

22

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. lawgiver: Heb. statutemaker

23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. Thy: or, They have forsaken thy tacklings

24

And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

Read Isaiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail (נִטְּשׁוּ חֲבָלָיִךְ בַּל־יְחַזְּקוּ־כֵן תָּרְנָם בַּל־פָרְשׂוּ נֵס, nitteshu chavalayikh bal-yechazzequ-khen tornam bal-parsesu nes)—your ropes (חֶבֶל, chevel) are loosened (נָטַשׁ, natash), they can't strengthen (חָזַק, chazaq) the mast (תֹּרֶן, toren), can't spread (פָּרַשׂ, paras) the sail (נֵס, nes). Then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey (אָז חֻלַּק עַד שָׁלָל מַרְבֶּה פִּסְחִים בָּזְזוּ בַז, az chullaq ad shalal marbeh pischim bazzu vaz)—even פִּסֵּחַ (pisseach, lame) plunder (בָּזַז, bazaz) the spoil (שָׁלָל, shalal).

This addresses Assyria (or any enemy) in defeat—their ship disabled, ropes loose, mast unsecured, sail unspreadable. The nautical metaphor depicts complete incapacitation. Then even the lame can plunder them—those normally disadvantaged in battle easily overcome the paralyzed enemy. This fulfills verse 4's locust imagery. God so thoroughly defeats enemies that the weakest Judeans can gather spoils. David, before fighting Goliath, declared: 'the battle is the LORD's' (1 Samuel 17:47). When God fights, even the weak triumph.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Though Assyria was a land power, nautical imagery depicts their helplessness. Ancient ships with loosened rigging were uncontrollable—dead in water, unable to escape or fight. Assyria's mighty army, reduced to corpses (Isaiah 37:36), became helpless prey. The 'lame' plundering them shows complete reversal—normally excluded from warfare (2 Samuel 5:8), now even they participate in victory spoils. God's deliverance is so complete it includes the marginalized.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes disable enemies so thoroughly that even the weak can overcome them?
  2. What 'loose tacklings'—areas of incapacity and failure—characterize those who oppose God?
  3. When have you, in weakness, experienced victory because God fought for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
נִטְּשׁ֖וּ1 of 17

“are loosed”

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

חֲבָלָ֑יִךְ2 of 17

“Thy tacklings”

H2256

ruin

בַּל3 of 17
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יְחַזְּק֤וּ4 of 17

“strengthen”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

כֵן5 of 17

“they could not well”

H3653

a stand, i.e., pedestal or station

תָּרְנָם֙6 of 17

“their mast”

H8650

a pole (as a mast or flagstaff)

בַּל7 of 17
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

פָּ֣רְשׂוּ8 of 17

“they could not spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

נֵ֔ס9 of 17

“the sail”

H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

אָ֣ז10 of 17
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

חֻלַּ֤ק11 of 17

“divided”

H2505

to be smooth (figuratively)

עַֽד12 of 17

“then is the prey”

H5706

booty

שָׁלָל֙13 of 17

“spoil”

H7998

booty

מַרְבֶּ֔ה14 of 17

“of a great”

H4766

properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or (adverbially) greatly

פִּסְחִ֖ים15 of 17

“the lame”

H6455

lame

בָּ֥זְזוּ16 of 17

“take”

H962

to plunder

בַֽז׃17 of 17

“the prey”

H957

plunder

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 33:23 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 33:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 7:8Psalms 68:121 Corinthians 1:27Isaiah 33:41 Samuel 30:10Ezekiel 27:26-34

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