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

ISAIAH 23:2KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 23:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:2 mean?

Isaiah 23:2 calls for the people living on the coastland to be silent, addressing those who have been supplied and enriched by the merchants from Zidon who travel across the sea. The verse highlights the impact of trade and commerce on these coastal inhabitants, who are now told to pause and take notice.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about the coming judgment on Tyre, a major trading city. The "inhabitants of the isle" refers to people living along the coast or on islands connected to Tyre’s trade network. The mention of Zidon, another important port city, and its merchants emphasizes how widespread and influential Tyre’s trading relationships were, and the silence called for suggests a time of shock or mourning as these prosperous connections are about to be disrupted.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:2

  • "Be still" (דֹּמּוּ, dommu; H1826) means to be silent or to cease activity. Here, it signals a sudden halt to the usual bustling trade and life, reflecting the seriousness of the coming judgment.
  • "Inhabitants" (יֹשְׁבֵי, yoshevei; H3427) refers to those who dwell or live in a place, making it clear that the message is for the everyday people affected by Tyre’s fate, not just leaders.
  • "Isle" (אִי, ’i; H339) often means a coastland or island, not just a small landmass in the sea. This widens the scope to all coastal peoples involved in Tyre’s trade.
  • "Merchants" (סֹחֲרֵי, soḥarei; H5503) points to professional traders, highlighting the economic focus of the prophecy and the reliance of these regions on maritime commerce.

Why Isaiah 23:2 matters

  • Isaiah 23:2 clarifies that the prophecy is not just about Tyre itself, but about the entire network of coastal peoples and cities connected by trade.
  • The verse emphasizes the suddenness and seriousness of the disruption, as even those who benefit from Tyre’s prosperity are told to be silent and pay attention.
  • By naming Zidon and the merchants, Isaiah shows how far-reaching Tyre’s influence was, helping readers understand the broader impact of its downfall in the ancient world.

Where else these words appear

“merchants” Hebrew H5503 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“Zidon” Hebrew H6721 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Judges 18:28 And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein.
  • Jeremiah 27:3 And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

“still” Hebrew H1826 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 15:16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
  • Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“isle” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.