Isaiah 18:2
Isaiah 18:2 in Multiple Translations
which sends couriers by sea, in papyrus vessels on the waters. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people widely feared, to a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!
Which sends its representatives by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters. Go back quickly, O representatives, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people causing fear through all their history; a strong nation, crushing down its haters, whose land is cut through by rivers.
They send messengers downriver in papyrus boats. Swift messengers, go and take a message to a tall and smooth-skinned people, to a people feared by everyone, to a very powerful nation of conquerors, whose land is washed away by rivers.
Sending ambassadours by the Sea, euen in vessels of reedes vpon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, vnto a terrible people from their beginning euen hitherto: a nation by litle and litle, euen troden vnder foote, whose land the floods haue spoyled.
That is sending by sea ambassadors, Even with implements of reed on the face of the waters, — Go, ye light messengers, Unto a nation drawn out and peeled, Unto a people fearful from its beginning and onwards, A nation meeting out by line, and treading down, Whose land floods have spoiled.
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, “Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!”
That sendeth embassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying , Go, ye swift messengers to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation measured by line and trodden down, whose land the rivers have laid waste.
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, and in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters. Go, ye swift angels, to a nation rent and torn in pieces: to a terrible people, after which there is no other: to a nation expecting and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled.
Your rulers send ambassadors that sail quickly down the river in papyrus boats. You messengers to Ethiopia, go quickly! Go up the river to people who are tall and who have smooth skin. People everywhere are afraid of those people, because they conquer and destroy other nations; they live in a land that is divided by branches of one large river.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 18:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/שֹּׁלֵ֨חַ
בַּ/יָּ֜ם
צִירִ֗ים
וּ/בִ/כְלֵי
גֹמֶא֮
עַל
פְּנֵי
מַיִם֒
לְכ֣וּ
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
קַלִּ֗ים
אֶל
גּוֹי֙
מְמֻשָּׁ֣ךְ
וּ/מוֹרָ֔ט
אֶל
עַ֥ם
נוֹרָ֖א
מִן
ה֣וּא
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
גּ֚וֹי
קַו
קָ֣ו
וּ/מְבוּסָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
בָּזְא֥וּ
נְהָרִ֖ים
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
הַ/שֹּׁלֵ֨חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Art | V-Qal
בַּ/יָּ֜ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
צִירִ֗ים
tsîyr
H6735
envoy
N-mp
וּ/בִ/כְלֵי
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Conj | Prep | N-mp
גֹמֶא֮
gômeʼ
H1573
reed
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מַיִם֒
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp
קַלִּ֗ים
qal
H7031
swift
Adj
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
גּוֹי֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
מְמֻשָּׁ֣ךְ
mâshak
H4900
to draw
V-Pual-Inf-c
וּ/מוֹרָ֔ט
môwrâṭ
H4178
to peel
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
נוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Niphal
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
further
Conj | Adv
גּ֚וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
קַו
qav-qav
H6978
might
N-ms
קָ֣ו
qav-qav
H6978
might
N-ms
וּ/מְבוּסָ֔ה
mᵉbûwçâh
H4001
subjugation
Conj | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּזְא֥וּ
bâzâʼ
H958
to divide
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נְהָרִ֖ים
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-mp
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 18:2
הַ/שֹּׁלֵ֨חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Art | V-Qal
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בַּ/יָּ֜ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
צִירִ֗ים
tsîyr
H6735
"envoy"
N-mp
A pang refers to a sharp feeling of pain or distress, like the sorrow felt by King David in Psalm 55:4. It can also mean a messenger or ambassador, like the ones sent by King Solomon in 1 Kings 5:8.
Definition: envoy, messenger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, hinge, messenger, pain, pang, sorrow. Compare H6736 (צִיר). See also: 1 Samuel 4:19; Isaiah 18:2; Proverbs 13:17.
וּ/בִ/כְלֵי
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
גֹמֶא֮
gômeʼ
H1573
"reed"
N-ms
This word refers to a type of reed or papyrus plant, known for being absorbent. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the plants that grew in the Nile River. The KJV translates it as rush or reed.
Definition: rush, reed, papyrus
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (bul-) rush. See also: Exodus 2:3; Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 35:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מַיִם֒
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לְכ֣וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
קַלִּ֗ים
qal
H7031
"swift"
Adj
This word means swift or light, describing something or someone that moves quickly, like the swift horses in Solomon's chariots in 1 Kings 4:26.
Definition: 1) swift, light, fleet 1a) swift 1b) one who is swift
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: light, swift(-ly). See also: 2 Samuel 2:18; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 5:26.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גּוֹי֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
מְמֻשָּׁ֣ךְ
mâshak
H4900
"to draw"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To draw can mean many things in the Bible, such as to pull or lead something, to sow seeds, or to make music. It is used in various contexts, including war, farming, and worship. The word is used in different forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to draw, drag, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down 1a2) to draw (the bow) 1a3) to proceed, march 1a4) to draw out or give (a sound) 1a5) to draw out, prolong, continue 1a6) to trail (seed in sowing) 1a7) to cheer, draw, attract, gratify 1b) (Niphal) to be drawn out 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be drawn out, be postponed, be deferred 1c2) to be tall
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: draw (along, out), continue, defer, extend, forbear, [idiom] give, handle, make (pro-, sound) long, [idiom] sow, scatter, stretch out. See also: Genesis 37:28; Psalms 85:6; Psalms 10:9.
וּ/מוֹרָ֔ט
môwrâṭ
H4178
"to peel"
Conj | V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to be stubborn or independent, and is also related to being smooth or polished, like a peeled surface. It appears in a form that means scoured or refined. In the Bible, it is translated as peeled.
Definition: (Pual) scoured, polished, smooth A grammatical form of ma.rat (מָרַט "to smooth" H4803)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: peeled. See also: Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 18:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
נוֹרָ֖א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וָ/הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
"further"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means going further or to a distance, like moving beyond a place or time. It appears in the Bible to show progression or movement. In Genesis, it's used to describe God's people moving forward.
Definition: 1) out there, onwards, further 1a) yonder, beyond (of place) 1b) onwards (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: back, beyond, (hence,-) forward, hitherto, thence, forth, yonder. See also: Genesis 19:9; 1 Samuel 20:22; Isaiah 18:2.
גּ֚וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
קַו
qav-qav
H6978
"might"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means great strength or might, used to describe something or someone powerful. It appears in the Bible as an idiom for measuring out or portioning something. The KJV translates it as 'meted out'.
Definition: might
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] meted out. See also: Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 18:7.
קָ֣ו
qav-qav
H6978
"might"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means great strength or might, used to describe something or someone powerful. It appears in the Bible as an idiom for measuring out or portioning something. The KJV translates it as 'meted out'.
Definition: might
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] meted out. See also: Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 18:7.
וּ/מְבוּסָ֔ה
mᵉbûwçâh
H4001
"subjugation"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be trampled or subjugated, like being walked all over. It appears in the Bible when God's people are oppressed. The KJV translates it as treading down.
Definition: downtreading, subjugation
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: treading (trodden) down (under foot). See also: Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 18:7; Isaiah 22:5.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּזְא֥וּ
bâzâʼ
H958
"to divide"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Refers to the act of dividing or cleaving something, like cutting through an object. This idea is seen in the context of spoiling or taking control of something, as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: (Qal) to divide, cleave, cut through
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: spoil. See also: Isaiah 18:2; Isaiah 18:7.
נְהָרִ֖ים
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-mp
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
אַרְצֽ/וֹ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Isaiah 18:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 18:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 18:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 18:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 18:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 18:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 18:2
Context — A Message to Cush
1Woe to the land of whirring wings, along the rivers of Cush,
2which sends couriers by sea, in papyrus vessels on the waters. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people widely feared, to a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.
3All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it. 4For this is what the LORD has told me: “I will quietly look on from My dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 18:7 | At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts— from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people widely feared, from a powerful nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers— to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 2 | Genesis 10:8–9 | Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.” |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 16:8 | Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 14:9 | Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 12:2–4 | In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Isaiah 30:2–4 | They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace. For though their princes are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived in Hanes, |
| 7 | Ezekiel 30:9 | On that day messengers will go out from Me in ships to frighten Cush out of complacency. Anguish will come upon them on the day of Egypt’s doom. For it is indeed coming. |
| 8 | Exodus 2:3 | But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. |
| 9 | Isaiah 19:5–7 | The waters of the Nile will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will trickle and dry up; the reeds and rushes will wither. The bulrushes by the Nile, by the mouth of the river, and all the fields sown along the Nile, will wither, blow away, and be no more. |
Isaiah 18:2 Summary
This verse is talking about a group of people who are sending messengers to another nation, likely Egypt, to announce a message from God. The people being sent to are described as powerful and feared, but also as having a strange language and a land divided by rivers. This verse reminds us that God is in control of all nations and people, and that He can use anyone to spread His message, just like He used prophets like Isaiah to speak to His people (Isaiah 6:1-13). We can trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when things seem uncertain or scary, and we can be faithful messengers of His love and truth to those around us (Matthew 28:18-20).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the people being described in Isaiah 18:2?
The people being described are likely the Egyptians, given the reference to papyrus vessels and the land being divided by rivers, which is consistent with the description of Egypt in Isaiah 19:6 and other passages like Ezekiel 29:3.
What is the significance of the messengers being sent to this people?
The messengers are being sent to a powerful and feared nation, likely as a call to repentance or to announce God's judgment, as seen in other prophetic passages like Jeremiah 25:17-26 and Isaiah 13:1-3.
What does it mean that the people are 'tall and smooth-skinned'?
The description of the people as 'tall and smooth-skinned' may be referring to their physical appearance or their cultural practices, but it is also possible that it is a metaphorical description of their spiritual state, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 28:1-14 where physical blessings are tied to spiritual obedience.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger oracle of judgment against various nations, including Cush and Egypt, and serves as a call to the people of God to recognize His power and sovereignty over all nations, as seen in Isaiah 18:1 and Isaiah 18:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'swift messenger' for God, and how can I fulfill that role in my own life?
- How do I respond to the call to repentance or announcement of judgment, and what does that look like in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can be a witness to a 'people widely feared' or to those who seem powerful and intimidating?
- How can I trust in God's power and sovereignty over all nations, even when it seems like the world is chaotic and uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea,.... The Red Sea, which washed the coasts of Egypt and Ethiopia, and which were united into one kingdom under Sabacus, or So the Ethiopian, called king of Egypt, 2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors; that at this time are sending ambassadors, after their manner, to strengthen themselves with leagues and alliances, whereby they think to prevent those judgments and calamities which, notwithstanding all their endeavours, I will bring upon them. The first part of this verse seems to contain a further description of the people of the land, mentioned in the foregoing verse. By the sea; either by the Midland Sea, or by the Red Sea, or by great lakes which were both in and near the land of Egypt; it being usual among the Hebrews to give the title of seas to lakes, or any great collections Of waters, As hath been oft observed before. In vessels of bulrushes; for both the Egyptians and Ethiopians, as Diodorus Siculus, and Strabo, and Pliny relate, did commonly use boats of rushes or reeds, which were more convenient for them than those of wood, because they were both cheaper, and swifter, and lighter for carriage from place to place, for which they had frequent occasion in those parts; and safer, because of the many rocks, and shelves, and waterfalls of Nilus. Upon the waters, Heb. upon the face or surface of the waters; which is properly expressed, because such vessels being very light, did not sink so deep into the waters as those of wood do. Saying: this word is supplied here, as it is in many other places. And the words here following are supposed to contain the commission and direction given by the people hitherto described unto their messengers, to go to the people described in the following words. But this word saying is not in the Hebrew text, nor is it supplied either by the LXX. or by the Chaldee: nor doth it seem necessary to be understood. And it seems very improbable that the people to whom the messengers were sent should be described in such general and ambiguous terms, and in so large a manner, and not a word said concerning their message. And therefore, with submission, I humbly conceive these to be the words of the prophet, who having in God’ s name pronounced a woe against the land hitherto described, here continues his speech, and gives a commission from God to these messengers following to go to this nation scattered, &c.
Then he calls to all nations to be witnesses of the message sent by these messengers, . And then the message follows in the succeeding verses. And so the coherence seems to be clear. Go, ye swift messengers: O you, my angels, or men, whom I have appointed for this work, go speedily to them, and tell them what I am about to do with them, or inflict the following judgment upon them. Scattered, not by banishment, but in their habitations; which agrees well to the Cushites or Ethiopians, both for the vastness of the land inhabited by them, to wit, Ethiopia and Arabia, and for the manner of their habitation, which is more scattered than that of other people.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
Isaiah 18:2 That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!Ver. 2. That sendeth ambassadors by the sea.] Heralds to defy the Assyrian, and to bid him battle, to their own ruin. Even in the vessels of bulrushes.] Or, In paper barques well pitched. These were much in use among the Ethiopians and Egyptians, both for expedition and also for safety against rocks, shallows, and falls of rivers. Go, ye swift messengers.] Tirhaka’ s words to his heralds. See 2 Kings 19:9. To a nation scattered and peeled,] i.e., To the Assyrians, whose great forces are at this time scattered up and down in several countries, and therefore with more ease and safety to be set upon. Thus the Ethiopian pleaseth himself in the conceit of an easy conquest, but was quickly confuted; the Jews who trusted unto him were disappointed, and Sennacherib more enraged against Jerusalem. To a people terrible.] The mauls of mankind; but I shall chastise them. Thus he triumpheth before the victory, having already devoured Assyria in his hopes.
A nation meted out and trodden down.] Or rather meeting out and treading down. Or shortly to be meted out to conculcation or destruction. Whose land the rivers have spoiled.] Or, The floods - inundations of enemies - shall spoil; or, Whose land the rivers - the Ethiopians who live by the rivers - do despise. For this chapter is not more short than dark, and diversely rendered and sensed. Iunceae fiscellae picatae. - Vide Plin., lib. vi. cap. 22.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
(2) That sendeth ambassadors . . .—The words point to the embassies which the Ethiopian king had sent, in the papyrus boats used for the navigation of the Upper Nile, down that river to Hezekiah and other princes, inviting them to join the alliance against Assyria. Go, ye swift messengers . . .—The interpolated “saying” being omitted, the words that follow are as the prophet’s address to the messengers, as he sends them back to their own people. Instead of “scattered and peeled, “we are to read tall and polished, as describing the physique which had probably impressed itself on Isaiah’s mind. (Comp. the Sabeans as “men of stature” in Isaiah 45:14.) They were terrible then, as they had ever been (i.e., imperious and mighty), a nation that treadeth down its foes. Instead of “meted out and trodden down,” they are a nation of command, command (or, perhaps, “strength, strength”). The rivers are literally the affluents of the Nile that intersect and fertilise (not “spoil”) the hills and valleys of Nubia. Some commentators, however, though with less probability, accept the Authorised version, and refer the words to Israel, as “scattered and plundered,” with its land “spoiled” by the “rivers of invading armies (Isaiah 8:7).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
Verse 2. In vessels of bulrushes - "In vessels of papyrus"] This circumstance agrees perfectly well with Egypt. It is well known that the Egyptians commonly used on the Nile a light sort of ships, or boats, made of the reed papyrus. Ex ipso quidem papyro navigia texunt. PLINY, xlii. 11. Conseritur bibula Memphitis cymba papyro. LUCAN, iv. 136. Go, ye swift messengers] To this nation before mentioned, who, by the Nile, and by their numerous canals, have the means of spreading the report in the most expeditious manner through the whole country: go, ye swift messengers, and carry this notice of God's designs in regard to them. By the swift messengers are meant, not any particular persons specially appointed to this office, but any of the usual conveyers of news whatsoever, travellers, merchants, and the like, the instruments and agents of common fame. These are ordered to publish this declaration made by the prophet throughout Egypt, and to all the world; and to excite their attention to the promised visible interposition of God.
Scattered - "Stretched out in length"] Egypt, that is, the fruitful part, exclusive of the deserts on each side, is one long vale, through the middle of which runs the Nile, bounded on each side to the east and west by a chain of mountains seven hundred and fifty miles in length; in breadth from one to two or three days' journey: even at the widest part of the Delta, from Pelusium to Alexandria, not above two hundred and fifty miles broad. Egmont and Hayman, and Pococke. Peeled - "Smoothed"] Either relating to the practice of the Egyptian priests, who made their bodies smooth by shaving off their hair, (see Herod. ii. 37;) or rather to their country's being made smooth, perfectly plain and level, by the overflowing of the Nile. Meted out - "Meted out by line"] It is generally referred to the frequent necessity of having recourse to mensuration in Egypt, in order to determine the boundaries after the inundations of the Nile; to which even the origin of the science of geometry is by some ascribed. Strabo, lib. xvii. sub init. Trodden down] Supposed to allude to a peculiar method of tillage in use among the Egyptians. Both Herodotus, (lib. ii.,) and Diodorus, (lib. i.,) say that when the Nile had retired within its banks, and the ground became somewhat dry, they sowed their land, and then sent in their cattle, (their hogs, says the former,) to tread in the seed; and without any farther care expected the harvest. The rivers have spoiled - "The rivers have nourished"] The word בזאו bazeu is generally taken to be an irregular form for בזזו bazezu, "have spoiled," as four MSS. have it in this place; and so most of the Versions, both ancient and modern, understand it. On which Schultens, Gram. Heb. p. 491, has the following remark: - "Ne minimam quidem speciem veri habet בזאו bazau, Esai. xviii. 2, elatum pro בזזו bazazu, deripiunt.
Haec esset anomalia, cui nihil simile in toto linguae ambitu.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 18:2
2. The ambassadors are those who have arrived in Jerusalem. They had descended the Nile (here called the sea, as in ch. Isaiah 19:5; Nahum 3:8) in vessels of bulrushes (R.V. papyrus). These light skiffs, constructed for one or two passengers, and capable of being carried where the river ceased to be navigable, are frequently mentioned by ancient writers (cf. Pliny Isaiah 13:11 “ex ipso quidem papyro navigia texunt,” and other authorities cited by Gesenius). Their great speed is referred to in Job 9:26 (“ships of reed”). Go, ye swift messengers] Isaiah’s charge to the ambassadors begins here; they are to return to their own country with this answer. (The “saying” of A.V. and R.V. is quite misleading.) a nation scattered and peeled] Render as R.V.: a nation tall and smooth (lit. “drawn-out and polished”). The latter epithet probably denotes the bronze-like appearance of the skin of the Ethiopians; some, however, take it in the general sense of “beautiful” (μέγιστοικαὶκάλλιστοι).
The Nubians of the Soudβn are still a remarkably tall and handsome race. terrible from their beginning hitherto] Better: dreaded near and far. Lit., perhaps, “from where it is and onward,” cf. 1 Samuel 10:3; 1 Samuel 20:22; 1 Samuel 20:37. The temporal sense, however, is possible (1 Samuel 18:9), although less natural here. meted out and trodden down] Render: strong and victorious (lit. “of strength and treading down”). The Hebr. for “strength” presents some difficulty. If read as pointed (qav-qav) it looks like a repetition of the word for “measuring-line” (qav); and this is the origin of the ‘meting out” of E.V. (“people of line-line”). But this sense has little probability; and the translation “strength” is warranted by the analogy of the cognate Arabic noun quvva. It is perhaps better to read it as a reduplicated form (qavqav), although the word occurs nowhere else. Note that R.V. rightly takes both nouns in an active sense. have spoiled] The word is found only here and is of uncertain meaning. A more likely translation is “intersect” or (as R.V.) divide.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors - That is, “accustomed” to send messengers. What was the design of their thus sending ambassadors does not appear. The prophet simply intimates the fact; a fact by which they were well known.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 18:2
2. By the sea — The Nile. Any distinguished waters were called seas. Saying — This is useless. The word is not in the original, nor is it essential to the sense of the passage.
Sermons on Isaiah 18:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Present to the Lord of Hosts by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches about the nature of the present that is brought to the Lord of hosts, describing a people who are scattered, peeled, meted out, trodden under foot, and whos |
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Babylonian Pattern - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the ancient Babylonian pattern of the queen mother and child, highlighting the demonic attack on the family structure when the king is cut off, leading to g |
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The Doom of the Scarlet Woman by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the emergence of a false church in the last days, contrasting the True Church with the Scarlet Woman of Revelation. Drawing from Matthew 16:18 and Revelat |
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Our Rock by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and asks them to reflect on their identity and purpose. They emphasize the power of thoughts, emotions, and the body in shaping o |
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One Special Moment by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his daughter's rebellion and how he tried various methods to help her, but nothing worked. Eventually, God spoke to him an |