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 23:1KJV
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Isaiah 23:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:1 mean?

Isaiah 23:1 announces a message of judgment against the city of Tyre, declaring that it will be devastated and that ships from Tarshish should mourn because Tyre, once a bustling port, is now ruined and inaccessible. The news of Tyre’s downfall reaches sailors and traders from distant places like Chittim, showing the wide impact of its destruction.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of his time, specifically addressing those connected to Tyre’s trading network, such as sailors and merchants. Tyre was a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city known for its commerce, so its fall would have been shocking news for the ancient world. The verse sets the stage for a prophecy about the collapse of a major economic and cultural center, affecting not just locals but distant nations tied to its trade.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:1

  • "burden" (מַשָּׂא, massa) often means a heavy message or prophecy of judgment. Here, it signals that what follows is a serious pronouncement against Tyre.
  • "Tyre" (צֹר, tsor) refers to the famous Phoenician port city, known for its wealth and influence through sea trade.
  • "Howl" (הֵילִילוּ, heililu) is a strong word for wailing or lamenting, showing the depth of loss felt by those who depended on Tyre.
  • "ships" (אֳנִיּוֹת, oniyyot) and "Tarshish" (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish) point to distant trading partners, emphasizing that Tyre’s destruction would disrupt international commerce.
  • "Chittim" (כִּתִּים, Kittim) refers to lands in the western Mediterranean, often identified with Cyprus, showing how far the news of Tyre’s fall would spread.

Why Isaiah 23:1 matters

  • Isaiah 23:1 highlights the far-reaching consequences of Tyre’s fall, reminding readers that the fate of one city can affect many nations economically and emotionally.
  • The verse introduces a prophecy that will unfold over the chapter, showing God’s concern with the pride and influence of powerful cities, not just Israel.
  • By mentioning places like Tarshish and Chittim, Isaiah 23:1 shows the interconnectedness of the ancient world and how news of disaster travels widely, affecting people far beyond the immediate region.

Where else these words appear

“Chittim” Hebrew H3794 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • Jeremiah 2:10 For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

“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.

“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.

“Howl” Hebrew H3213 · used in 29 verses

  • Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
  • Isaiah 65:14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
  • Ezekiel 21:12 Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.