Isaiah 23:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The ships of Tarshish must wail; their strength is destroyed.
The Context of Isaiah 23:14
Return to the lament for Tarshish's maritime commercial power.
What Does Isaiah 23:14 Mean?
The ships of Tarshish—symbols of commerce, travel, and economic power—are now only fit to howl in mourning. Their strength, which once carried Tyre's merchants across the world, is completely laid waste. The instruments of trade and power become mourning voices.
This brief verse emphasizes the totality of destruction: even the powerful maritime vessels that once seemed invulnerable are rendered useless and reduced to expressions of grief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 23:14
What does Isaiah 23:14 mean?
The ships of Tarshish must wail; their strength is destroyed.
What is the context of Isaiah 23:14?
Return to the lament for Tarshish's maritime commercial power.