Isaiah 23:1

Authorized King James Version

The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַשָּׂ֖א

H4853

The burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

צֹ֑ר

H6865

of Tyre

tsor, a place in palestine

הֵילִ֣ילוּ׀

H3213

Howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

אֳנִיּ֣וֹת

H591

ye ships

a ship

תַּרְשִׁ֗ישׁ

H8659

of Tarshish

tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֻׁדַּ֤ד

H7703

for it is laid waste

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

מִבַּ֙יִת֙

H1004

so that there is no house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מִבּ֔וֹא

H935

no entering in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

from the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

כִּתִּ֖ים

H3794

of Chittim

a kittite or cypriote; hence, an islander in general, i.e., the greeks or romans on the shores opposite palestine

#12

נִגְלָה

H1540

it is revealed

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#13

לָֽמוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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