Old Testament

Isaiah 23:9

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

The LORD of hosts planned it, to stain the pride of all glory and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

What Isaiah 23:9 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 23:9, the verse reveals that God has a plan to humble the proud and bring down those who are esteemed in society. The 'LORD of hosts' signifies God's authority over all creation, and His purpose is to challenge human pride and arrogance. The term 'stain the pride of all glory' suggests that God will tarnish the reputation and honor that people hold dear, showing that true glory comes from Him alone. This passage serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or honorable someone may seem, they are ultimately subject to God's will. The context of this verse relates to the judgment against Tyre, a prosperous city known for its wealth and pride. God’s actions demonstrate that He can overturn human achievements and status, emphasizing that His sovereignty prevails over all earthly powers.

How to apply Isaiah 23:9 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards pride and honor. It reminds us that true worth comes from God, not from our achievements or status. We should strive for humility and recognize that God can change our circumstances at any time, urging us to rely on Him rather than our own glory.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 23:9

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 23:9

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 23:9 mean?

Isaiah 23:9 means that God has a plan to humble the proud and bring down those who are esteemed in society. It emphasizes that true glory and honor come from God alone, and He can tarnish human pride.

What is the meaning of 'stain the pride of all glory' in Isaiah 23:9?

The phrase 'stain the pride of all glory' in Isaiah 23:9 suggests that God will tarnish the reputation and honor that people hold dear, showing that human pride is ultimately subject to His authority.

How does Isaiah 23:9 relate to humility?

Isaiah 23:9 relates to humility by reminding us that no matter how powerful or honorable someone may seem, they are ultimately subject to God's will and should recognize their dependence on Him.

What themes are present in Isaiah 23:9?

The themes present in Isaiah 23:9 include God's sovereignty, humility, judgment, pride, divine purpose, and human honor, emphasizing the contrast between human achievements and God's authority.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.