Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.

ISAIAH 23:4KJV
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Isaiah 23:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:4 mean?

Isaiah 23:4 is a message of shame directed at Zidon (Sidon), saying that the sea—representing the source of Sidon's strength and prosperity—now declares it has not produced or nurtured any children. The verse uses the image of the sea as a mother who has failed to give birth or raise the next generation, highlighting Sidon's coming loss and emptiness.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks a warning to Zidon, a major Phoenician city known for its seafaring and trade. The "sea" refers to the Mediterranean, which was central to Sidon's wealth and identity. By personifying the sea as saying it has not given birth or raised children, Isaiah is describing the downfall of Sidon: its people and future generations will be cut off, and its proud legacy will be brought to shame.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:4

  • ashamed (בּוֹשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced. Here, it is a direct call for Zidon to feel deep humiliation because of what is about to happen.
  • Zidon (צִידוֹן, tsidon): This is the Hebrew name for Sidon, a key Phoenician city. Mentioning Zidon by name makes the prophecy very specific and personal.
  • sea (יָם, yam): The sea is personified as speaking, which is unusual and emphasizes how central the sea was to Sidon's life and economy.
  • strength (מָעוֹז, ma'oz): This word means a stronghold or source of strength. The verse highlights that even the very foundation of Sidon's power (the sea) now denies nurturing life, underlining the depth of the coming judgment.

Why Isaiah 23:4 matters

  • Isaiah 23:4 clarifies that Sidon's downfall is not just political or military but strikes at the heart of its identity and future, using the powerful image of a mother unable to bear or raise children.
  • The verse connects to the larger prophecy against Tyre and Sidon, showing that their famed maritime power and prosperity cannot protect them from judgment.
  • By personifying the sea, Isaiah emphasizes that even nature itself seems to turn against Sidon, making the warning more vivid and memorable for listeners.

Where else these words appear

“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;

“strength” Hebrew H4581 · used in 35 verses

  • Judges 6:26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
  • Psalms 108:8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
  • Ezekiel 24:25 Also, thou son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their minds, their sons and their daughters,

“men” Hebrew H970 · used in 44 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
  • Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
  • Lamentations 1:15 The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.

“virgins” Hebrew H1330 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.
  • Esther 2:2 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
  • Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.