Isaiah 23:2
Isaiah 23:2 in Multiple Translations
Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea.
Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Be still, ye inhabitants of the coast, thou whom the merchants of Sidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Send out a cry of grief, you men of the sea-land, traders of Zidon, who go over the sea, whose representatives are on great waters;
Stay shocked into silence, people of the coastlands, merchants of Sidon, and sailors.
Be still, yee that dwell in the yles: the marchantes of Zidon, and such as passe ouer the sea, haue replenished thee.
Be silent, ye inhabitants of the isle, Trader of Zidon, passing the sea, they filled thee.
Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon that pass over the sea have replenished.
Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.
Be silent, you that dwell in the island: the merchants of Sidon passing over the sea, have filled thee.
You people who live along the coast near Tyre, and merchants of Sidon city, mourn silently. Your sailors went across the seas to many places like Tyre.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:2
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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דֹּ֖מּוּ
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
אִ֑י
סֹחֵ֥ר
צִיד֛וֹן
עֹבֵ֥ר
יָ֖ם
מִלְאֽוּ/ךְ
דֹּ֖מּוּ
dâmam
H1826
to silence
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
אִ֑י
ʼîy
H339
coastland
Part
סֹחֵ֥ר
çâchar
H5503
to trade
V-Qal
צִיד֛וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
Sidon
N-proper
עֹבֵ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
יָ֖ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
מִלְאֽוּ/ךְ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:2
דֹּ֖מּוּ
dâmam
H1826
"to silence"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.
Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אִ֑י
ʼîy
H339
"coastland"
Part
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
סֹחֵ֥ר
çâchar
H5503
"to trade"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to travel around, often for trade or business. It can also describe a person who goes around buying and selling goods. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants or traders.
Definition: 1) to go around, go about, travel about in, go about in trade 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go about to and fro (in business) 1a2) trader, trafficker (participle) 1b) (Pilpel) to palpitate
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick. See also: Genesis 23:16; Isaiah 23:2; Psalms 38:11.
צִיד֛וֹן
Tsîydôwn
H6721
"Sidon"
N-proper
Sidon was an ancient city on the Mediterranean coast, named after a son of Canaan, and is mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city.
Definition: Sidon = "hunting" ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre Another name of tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Sidon, Zidon. See also: Genesis 10:15; Isaiah 23:2; Isaiah 23:4.
עֹבֵ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
יָ֖ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
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.
מִלְאֽוּ/ךְ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 23:2
Context — The Burden against Tyre
1This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.
2Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea.
3On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. 4Be ashamed, O Sidon, the stronghold of the sea, for the sea has spoken: “I have not been in labor or given birth. I have not raised young men or brought up young women.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 47:5 | “Sit in silence and go into darkness, O Daughter of Chaldea. For you will no longer be called the queen of kingdoms. |
| 2 | Isaiah 41:1 | “Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 28:2 | “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 27:8–36 | The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains. The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise. Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor. Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty. Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares. Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise. The men of Beth-togarmah exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares. The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony. Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares. Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise. Because of your many products and your great wealth of goods, Damascus traded with you wine from Helbon, wool from Zahar, and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise. Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding. Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones. Haran, Canneh, and Eden traded with you, and so did the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad. In your marketplace they traded with you fine garments of blue, embroidered work, and multicolored rugs with cords tightly twisted and knotted. The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall. The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out. All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea? When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise. Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you. All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you. Their kings shudder with fear; their faces are contorted. Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’” |
| 5 | Psalms 46:10 | “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:20 | But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 27:3–4 | Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty. |
Isaiah 23:2 Summary
[This verse is telling the people who live by the sea to be quiet, because something big is happening, and they need to pay attention. The merchants of Sidon, who were known for their trading and commerce, are being told to stop what they're doing and listen, much like the people in Ezekiel 33:30-33, who were told to listen to the word of the Lord. This is a call to silence and respect, as seen in Zechariah 2:13, where the people are told to be silent before the Lord. By being still and quiet, we can hear God's voice and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Isaiah 23:2?
Isaiah 23:2 is part of a prophetic message against Tyre, a major city in the ancient world, as seen in Isaiah 23:1, which speaks of its destruction. This message would have been relevant to the people of Judah, as they looked to Tyre for trade and commerce, much like the merchants of Sidon mentioned in this verse, and as warned in Deuteronomy 17:16.
Who are the dwellers of the coastland mentioned in Isaiah 23:2?
The dwellers of the coastland refer to the people living in the coastal regions, likely including the Phoenicians, who were known for their maritime trade and commerce, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:1, where King Hiram of Tyre is said to have been a friend of King Solomon.
What is the significance of the merchants of Sidon in Isaiah 23:2?
The merchants of Sidon were likely involved in the trade and commerce of the region, and their silence is being commanded, possibly as a sign of mourning or respect, as seen in the silence commanded in Habakkuk 2:20, where the Lord is in His holy temple, and in Zechariah 2:13, where the people are told to be silent before the Lord.
How does Isaiah 23:2 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Isaiah 23:2 is part of a larger prophetic message against Tyre, which includes the lamentation of the ships of Tarshish in Isaiah 23:1, and the description of Tyre's former glory in Isaiah 23:3, much like the description of Babylon's fall in Isaiah 13:19-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be silent and still before the Lord, as commanded in Psalm 46:10?
- How can I apply the principle of silence and respect in my relationships with others, as seen in Proverbs 10:19?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty or chaos, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:28-31?
- How can I use my gifts and talents to serve others, as the merchants of Sidon used their skills for trade and commerce, and as encouraged in 1 Peter 4:10-11?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:2
Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle,.... Either the isles of Chittim, or other islands that traded with Tyre, the singular being put for the plural, called upon to grieve and mourn, because the city
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:2
Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished. Be still - struck dumb with awe.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
Be still, Heb. Be silent, as one confounded, and not knowing what to say, or as mourners use to be, Job 2 8,13 Isa 47:5; boast no more of thy wealth and power, as thou usedst to do. Of the isle, Heb. of Tyrus, which now was an island, 28:2, till Alexander joined it to the continent, as Pithy reports. Although the title of islands is oft given by the Hebrews to places bordering upon the sea. Zidon; an eminent city of Palestine, nigh unto Tyre, much concerned with her and for her. That pass over the sea; that are a seafaring people. Have replenished; with mariners, , and commodities.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
Isaiah 23:2 Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.Ver. 2. Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle.] A nundinatorio strepitu quiescite, et plorate, Be quiet, and mourn.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
(2) Inhabitants of the isle . . .—Better, coast. The word was specially appropriate to the narrow seaboard strip of land occupied by the Phœnicians—Zidon, the older city, the “great Zidon” of Joshua 11:8; Joshua 19:28, appearing as the representative of Phœnicia generally. It was her commerce that had filled Tyre and the other daughter cities. The “dumbness” to which the prophet calls the people is that of stupefied terror.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
Verse 2. Be still - "Be silent"] Silence is a mark of grief and consternation. See Isaiah 47:5. Jeremiah has finely expressed this image: - "The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground, they are silent: They have cast up dust on their heads, they have girded themselves with sackcloth. The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground." Lamentations 2:10.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:2
2. The prophet next apostrophises the inhabitants of the coast (render so, as in ch. Isaiah 20:6), i.e. Phœnicia, calling them to be still, or rather dumb, with bewilderment. the merchants (in Heb. collective sing.) of Zidon] Zidon is generally interpreted throughout this prophecy as standing for Phœnicia as a whole. This is perhaps unnecessary, although it can easily be justified by usage (see Deuteronomy 3:9; Judges 3:3; 1 Kings 11:1, &c.). Zidon is said to have been the most ancient of the Phœnician settlements, and its merchants might naturally be spoken of as having founded the commercial prosperity of the country.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:2
Be still - This is the description of a city which is destroyed, where the din of commerce, and the sound of revelry is no longer heard.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:2
2. Be still — Or, dumb with astonishment. Isle — In Hebrew, this word applies to the coast, whether of island or mainland.
Sermons on Isaiah 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Finding Comfort in the Character of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck begins by discussing the command in chapter 41 to keep silence before God and renew our strength. He then highlights God's greatness and challenges the |
|
The Beginning by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the overwhelming love of God and the impossibility of containing it. He describes how when people praise and worship God, they are joined to |
|
Letter 25 by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in private, to avoid spiritual death and confusion. He warns against giving to man what rightfully |
|
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l |
|
Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
|
Real Wisdom by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches on the contrast between the wisdom of the prince of Tyrus, who exalted himself to be equal with God through his riches, and the humility of Jesus, who willin |
|
**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill | The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the |