The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

ISAIAH 23:9KJV
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Isaiah 23:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:9 mean?

Isaiah 23:9 says that the LORD of hosts has decided to humble the proud and bring down those who seem important or honored on earth. The verse makes clear that this is God’s deliberate plan, not a random event, and that He intends to show that human pride and worldly glory are not lasting.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about the downfall of Tyre, a wealthy and influential city. Isaiah explains that even the most powerful and honored people or places can be brought low by God’s purpose. The verse stresses that God is in control over nations and human achievements, and He can overturn pride and status whenever He chooses.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:9

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is Israel’s God who is acting, not just a generic deity.
  • hosts (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot): This word means “armies” or “heavenly forces,” highlighting God’s supreme authority and power to carry out His plans.
  • stain (חָלַל, chalal): This verb often means “to profane” or “to defile,” suggesting that God is not just lowering pride but actively showing that human glory can be made common or insignificant.
  • contempt (קָלַל, qalal): This word means “to make light of” or “to treat as insignificant,” underlining that those who are honored by the world can be made unimportant by God’s decision.

Why Isaiah 23:9 matters

  • Isaiah 23:9 clarifies that the fall of Tyre is not just political or economic—it is a direct result of God’s will, reminding readers that God is behind the rise and fall of nations.
  • The verse challenges the idea that human honor or achievement is secure or untouchable, showing that all status is subject to God’s judgment.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme in Isaiah that God opposes pride and exalts humility, a message repeated throughout the book and the rest of the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“glory” Hebrew H6643 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.
  • Song of Solomon 2:9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.
  • Isaiah 28:5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

“pride” Hebrew H1347 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
  • Ezekiel 24:21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

“purposed” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 22:4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.
  • Isaiah 1:26 And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

“contempt” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
  • Psalms 62:4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.