Isaiah 23 10

Isaiah 23:10 kjv

Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.

Isaiah 23:10 nkjv

Overflow through your land like the River, O daughter of Tarshish; There is no more strength.

Isaiah 23:10 niv

Till your land as they do along the Nile, Daughter Tarshish, for you no longer have a harbor.

Isaiah 23:10 esv

Cross over your land like the Nile, O daughter of Tarshish; there is no restraint anymore.

Isaiah 23:10 nlt

Come, people of Tarshish,
sweep over the land like the flooding Nile,
for Tyre is defenseless.

Isaiah 23 verses

Isaiah 23 10 meaning

Isaiah 23:10 delivers a stark message to Tarshish, a powerful maritime trading partner or colony of Tyre, announcing the dramatic shift in its existence following the predicted downfall of Tyre. It instructs the "daughter of Tarshish" to "pass through thy land as the river," signifying a profound disruption, potentially involving widespread movement, dispersion of its inhabitants or resources, or a re-orientation of its trade and influence, now unrestricted by its former suzerain. This imperative is driven by the declaration that "there is no more strength," pointing to the complete collapse of Tyre's commercial and political power, its once formidable naval and economic "girdle" or "fortification" having been utterly broken. The verse paints a picture of a world transformed, where the previous order enforced by Tyre's might has vanished, compelling Tarshish and its related territories to navigate a new reality of either vulnerability or newfound independence.

Isaiah 23 10 Context

Isaiah chapter 23 contains an oracle, or "burden," specifically directed against Tyre, the preeminent Phoenician maritime city-state. Known for its extensive global trade, immense wealth, impressive fortifications, and naval prowess, Tyre was a symbol of worldly might and prosperity. The chapter describes Tyre as a "joyous city" (v. 7), but foretells its imminent destruction, attributing this judgment to the Lord of hosts, who intends "to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth" (v. 9). The context of verse 10 follows this divine decree of judgment. It highlights the widespread repercussions of Tyre's fall, not only for its immediate inhabitants but also for its crucial trading partners and dependent settlements. Tarshish, identified in this verse, was a key destination for Tyrian trade, representing the far reaches of its commercial empire and potentially its source of valuable resources (like silver, iron, tin, and lead from Spain, Jer 10:9; Eze 27:12). Therefore, the verse addresses the drastic impact of Tyre's downfall on its commercial network, requiring nations and entities linked to Tyre to reorient themselves without its previous stabilizing or dominant force.

Isaiah 23 10 Word analysis

• עִבְרִי (ivri): This is a feminine singular imperative verb, "Pass through!" or "Cross over!" It directly commands the "daughter of Tarshish," suggesting an urgent and unavoidable action. The choice of imperative highlights the compelling nature of the circumstances, either forcing a dispersion or granting a new freedom of movement previously constrained.
• אַרְצֵךְ (artzech): "Thy land." This possessive pronoun is directed at the "daughter of Tarshish." It could refer to the geographical area of Tarshish itself, or more broadly, the lands that were under its economic or political influence through its connection with Tyre. The command to traverse her own land emphasizes the personal and direct impact of Tyre's fall on Tarshish's own existence and boundaries.
• כַּיְאֹר (kay'or): "As the river." The prefix "כְּ" (ke) means "as" or "like." "יְאֹר" (ye'or) typically refers to a large river, often the Nile. The simile suggests a free, unhindered, and possibly extensive movement. Depending on interpretation, it could be a swift, uncontrollable torrent of dispersal and loss, or a flowing, re-channeling of activity (like trade routes) once Tyre's naval barriers are gone.
• בַּת־תַּרְשִׁישׁ (bat-tarshish): "O daughter of Tarshish." "בַּת" (bat) means "daughter." This appellation can refer to the inhabitants or people of Tarshish, or to its associated dependent territories, trading posts, or perhaps even an abstract personification of Tarshish itself. It marks Tarshish as a distinct entity facing the consequences of Tyre's demise, whether as refugees, liberated traders, or a new focal point for former Tyrian commerce.
• אֵין (ein): "There is no," "not." This word signifies absolute cessation or non-existence, emphasizing the finality of the declared loss.
• מֵזַח (mezakh): This is a challenging Hebrew term, with various scholarly interpretations. Common translations include "strength" (KJV, NASB, NIV), "barrier," "girdle," "fortification," or even "refuge." Its root suggests ideas of binding, enclosing, or vigorous effort.
  • "Strength": This points to the utter collapse of Tyre's power, military might, economic vigor, or political stability that previously offered support or imposed its will.
  • "Girdle/Belt": As a belt strengthens the loins for battle or toil, "girdle" here would refer to the binding strength of Tyre's commercial and naval network, or its fortifications that provided defense. Its removal means loss of structure and protective might.
  • "Barrier/Restraint": This interpretation suggests that Tyre's dominion or defensive lines (physical or commercial) that once restrained Tarshish's full independence or actions are now gone, leading to unrestricted movement.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• עִבְרִי אַרְצֵךְ כַּיְאֹר: "Pass through thy land as the river." This phrase powerfully conveys the transformation for Tarshish. It speaks of a departure from the previous order, potentially involving uncontrolled movement, either as a diaspora of people, a free-flowing redirection of commerce (no longer subject to Tyre's maritime monopoly), or an undefended traversing by invaders. The simile of the river implies a natural, pervasive force, marking an era of unrestrained flow through areas that were once more bounded or under a different form of control.
• בַּת־תַּרְשִׁישׁ אֵין מֵזַח עוֹד: "O daughter of Tarshish, there is no more strength." The direct address emphasizes the personal stake of Tarshish in this upheaval. The crucial declaration "there is no more strength" immediately follows, providing the reason and consequence. The lost "strength" refers specifically to Tyre's foundational power—its commercial "girdle," its naval fortifications, or its protective hegemony that once encompassed and ordered Tarshish's world. Its absence leaves Tarshish vulnerable, compelled to act differently, or now truly independent, for better or worse.

Isaiah 23 10 Bonus section

The "daughter of Tarshish" metaphor is a poignant figure of speech common in Hebrew prophecy, typically representing the populace or personified city/nation, often implying a vulnerable or maiden-like state despite its economic importance. In this context, it highlights the personal impact of Tyre's downfall on those who benefited from or were subservient to its power. The multiple interpretations of mezakh (strength, girdle, barrier) reflect the rich ambiguity of the Hebrew text and point to the multifaceted nature of Tyre's former power—economic, military, and defensive. The prophetic message transcends a mere prediction of economic downturn, reaching into a theological declaration of God's sovereignty over the mightiest nations and their proud accomplishments, bringing to naught the strength that nations place their trust in, ultimately asserting divine authority over the world's most impressive achievements. This re-contextualization forces Tarshish, and by extension all nations relying on human might, to confront a reality where God's purposes, not commercial prowess, are the ultimate arbiters of history.

Isaiah 23 10 Commentary

Isaiah 23:10 marks a turning point in the fate of Tyre's significant trading partner, Tarshish, by declaring the dissolution of the commercial and strategic order established by Tyre's naval dominance. The verse is not merely an observation but an instruction to "daughter of Tarshish" to "pass through thy land as the river," illustrating a future of altered movement and disposition. This signifies a breaking away from the previous constrained relationship with Tyre, perhaps leading to dispersion, re-establishing trade independently, or vulnerability to new influences. The bedrock for this dramatic change is that "there is no more strength" from Tyre. This refers to the obliteration of Tyre's power—its fortifications, its naval fleet, and its economic "girdle" that bound its trading empire. With this "girdle" unbound, Tarshish finds itself either adrift and exposed, or suddenly free to navigate its own path, no longer beholden to Tyre's immense and pervasive control. The verse emphasizes that earthly powers, no matter how great their wealth or fortifications, are ultimately temporary and subject to divine judgment. This can be practically seen today in how geopolitical shifts or economic crises can dismantle established powers and force dependent nations or entities to dramatically re-evaluate their positions and operations.