And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

ISAIAH 2:16KJV
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Isaiah 2:16 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 2:16 mean?

Isaiah 2:16 describes how God’s judgment will fall on all the ships of Tarshish and all beautiful images, showing that even the greatest symbols of wealth, trade, and human achievement will not escape. The verse points to the coming humbling of everything people take pride in or trust for security.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them that God will bring down everything that seems impressive or secure to them. In the larger context, Isaiah lists things that nations boast about—like powerful ships and attractive works of art—to show that God’s power is greater than any human accomplishment.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 2:16

  • ships (אֳנִיּוֹת, ʾoniyyot): This word refers to large sea-going vessels, often used for trade or transport. Mentioning these ships highlights the wealth and far-reaching influence of nations like Tarshish.
  • Tarshish (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish): Tarshish is often thought to be a distant, wealthy trading port—possibly in Spain or the western Mediterranean. Citing Tarshish underlines the idea of global commerce and riches.
  • pleasant (חֶמְדָּה, chemdah): This word means “desirable” or “precious.” It emphasizes the allure and value people place on these objects.
  • pictures (שִׂכְיוֹת, sikkiyot): This term is used for beautiful images, carvings, or artistic representations. Including these shows that even cultural or artistic achievements are not exempt from God’s judgment.

Why Isaiah 2:16 matters

  • Isaiah 2:16 helps clear up the idea that only obvious idols or evil things are judged; even good or impressive human achievements can become sources of pride that God will humble.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s judgment is thorough, reaching every area of human life—commerce, art, and culture.
  • Understanding the mention of Tarshish and “pleasant pictures” helps modern readers see how ancient people valued trade and beauty, making the warning about misplaced trust more relatable.

Where else these words appear

“Tarshish” Hebrew H8659 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 60:9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

“pleasant” Hebrew H2532 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 27:15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
  • Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
  • Daniel 11:8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

“ships” Hebrew H591 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.