Isaiah 33:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 33:23 mean?

Isaiah 33:23 uses the image of a ship in disrepair—its ropes loose, its mast unstable, and its sail unusable—to show that a once-powerful enemy is now helpless and unable to defend its wealth, so even the weakest people can take the spoils. The verse describes a dramatic reversal, where those who were powerless now share in the victory and the riches.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem during a time of threat from foreign nations, especially the Assyrians. The verse paints a picture of the enemy as a broken ship, unable to function, and then shifts to the aftermath: the "prey" or spoils are divided, and even the "lame"—those least likely to fight—are able to take part. This highlights how completely God has overturned the situation, turning defeat into triumph for His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 33:23

• "Tacklings" (תֹּרֶן, toren): This word refers to the ship's ropes or rigging. The image of these being "loosed" (נָטַשׁ, natash) shows total loss of control and order, emphasizing the enemy's helplessness.
• "Mast" (תֹּרֶן, toren): The mast is the central support for the sail. The verse says it cannot be "strengthened" (חָזַק, chazaq), meaning the enemy cannot recover or make themselves strong again.
• "Prey" (עֵדֶר, eder) and "spoil" (שָׁלָל, shalal): These words refer to the goods or wealth taken from a defeated foe. The dividing of the spoil shows a complete victory, and the fact that even the "lame" (פִּסֵּחַ, pisseach) take part underlines how total the enemy’s defeat is.

Why Isaiah 33:23 matters

• Isaiah 33:23 clarifies that the victory is so complete that even those who are weak or marginalized benefit, not just the strong or able-bodied.
• The verse uses vivid shipwreck imagery to show the utter collapse of Jerusalem’s enemies, which would have been a powerful reassurance to people facing invasion.
• This verse connects to the wider chapter’s theme of God’s deliverance and the reversal of fortunes, showing that God’s salvation reaches everyone, even those who seem least likely to share in it.