Isaiah 23:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בּ֣וֹשִׁי

H954

Be thou ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

צִיד֔וֹן

H6721

O Zidon

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

כִּֽי

H3588

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

hath spoken

to say (used with great latitude)

הַיָּ֖ם

H3220

for the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

מָע֥וֹז

H4581

even the strength

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

הַיָּ֖ם

H3220

for the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

hath spoken

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

חַ֣לְתִּי

H2342

I travail

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

#11

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

יָלַ֗דְתִּי

H3205

not nor bring forth children

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#13

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

גִדַּ֛לְתִּי

H1431

neither do I nourish up

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#15

בַּחוּרִ֖ים

H970

young men

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

#16

רוֹמַ֥מְתִּי

H7311

nor bring up

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#17

בְתוּלֽוֹת׃

H1330

virgins

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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