Isaiah 23:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:6 mean?

Isaiah 23:6 calls for people to flee to Tarshish and for the inhabitants of the island to mourn. The verse pictures a time of distress and upheaval, urging those affected to seek refuge far away and to express their grief.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy port city. The command to "pass over to Tarshish" refers to escaping to a distant place, likely in the western Mediterranean, while the call to "howl" addresses the people living on the coast or island, warning them of coming disaster. The verse captures the shock and sorrow that will follow Tyre’s destruction.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:6

• "over" (עָבַר, avar): This word means to cross over or pass through, emphasizing the action of leaving one’s homeland for safety elsewhere.
• "Tarshish" (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish): This place name often refers to a distant trading partner, possibly in Spain, highlighting how far people would have to go to escape.
• "howl" (יָלַל, yalal): This verb means to wail or lament loudly, showing the depth of grief expected from those left behind.
• "inhabitants" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word refers to those who dwell or live in a place, specifically the people of the island or coastland.
• "isle" (אִי, i): This term can mean island or coastland, pointing to the maritime setting of Tyre and its neighboring communities.

Why Isaiah 23:6 matters

• Isaiah 23:6 highlights the far-reaching impact of Tyre’s fall, showing that its influence and connections extended well beyond its immediate region.
• The verse clarifies that the judgment is not just local but affects international trade and distant communities, like Tarshish.
• Understanding the original words helps readers see the emotional intensity and the scale of displacement and mourning that Isaiah is describing.