Old Testament
Isaiah 23:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 23:14, the prophet Isaiah addresses the ships of Tarshish, which were known for their strength and trade.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Howl, you ships of Tarshish, for your strength is laid waste.
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 23:14, the prophet Isaiah addresses the ships of Tarshish, which were known for their strength and trade. The call to 'howl' signifies mourning and despair, indicating that these ships, once powerful and prosperous, are now rendered useless. This verse reflects the broader theme of judgment against Tyre, a major trading city, and its allies. The destruction of their maritime strength symbolizes the collapse of their economic power and influence. The ships, representing commerce and trade, are now in a state of ruin, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God and relying on worldly strength. This serves as a warning that even the mightiest can fall when they are not aligned with divine purpose. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and the fragility of human endeavors in the face of divine judgment, reminding us that true strength comes from God, not from material wealth or power.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 23:14 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate where we place our trust and strength. In times of uncertainty, we should not rely solely on material wealth or human power. Instead, we should seek strength in our faith and relationship with God, recognizing that true security comes from Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 23:14 mean for modern readers?
Isaiah 23:14 serves as a reminder of the consequences of relying on worldly strength and material wealth. For modern readers, it emphasizes the importance of placing trust in God rather than in transient economic power or human achievements. The verse encourages self-reflection on where we derive our strength and security, urging us to seek a deeper relationship with God for true stability.
Why does Isaiah call for the ships of Tarshish to howl?
The call for the ships of Tarshish to howl signifies mourning and despair over their destruction. These ships represented strength and prosperity in trade, and their downfall symbolizes the broader collapse of Tyre's economic power. This imagery highlights the fragility of human endeavors and serves as a warning that even the mightiest can fall when they stray from God's purpose.
What is the significance of Tarshish in the Bible?
Tarshish is often associated with wealth and trade in the Bible, representing distant lands known for their riches. In Isaiah 23:14, the ships of Tarshish symbolize the economic strength of Tyre and its trading partners. The mention of Tarshish underscores the theme of judgment against those who rely on material wealth, illustrating that even powerful nations can face divine consequences.
How does Isaiah 23:14 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Isaiah 23:14 is part of a larger narrative of divine judgment against Tyre and its allies. The destruction of the ships symbolizes the collapse of their economic and maritime strength, reflecting God's sovereignty over nations. This verse illustrates that no matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's authority and can face judgment for turning away from Him.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.