Isaiah 23:4

KJV

Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be thou ashamed {H954}, O Zidon {H6721}: for the sea {H3220} hath spoken {H559}, even the strength {H4581} of the sea {H3220}, saying {H559}, I travail {H2342} not, nor bring forth children {H3205}, neither do I nourish up {H1431} young men {H970}, nor bring up {H7311} virgins {H1330}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shame, Tzidon, for the sea speaks; the fortress of the sea says, "I no longer have labor pains or bear children, yet I have raised neither boys nor girls.

Berean Standard Bible

Be 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.”

American Standard Version

Be thou ashamed, O Sidon; for the sea hath spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, I have not travailed, nor brought forth, neither have I nourished young men, nor brought up virgins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 23:4 delivers a profound prophetic indictment against Zidon, a prominent Phoenician city-state, declaring a state of deep shame and desolation. Through the striking personification of the sea, the very source of Zidon's immense wealth and influence, the prophecy announces a complete cessation of its economic vitality and demographic flourishing, likening its future state to a barren woman unable to bear or nurture offspring. This verse encapsulates the divine judgment against a proud maritime power, foreshadowing its utter humiliation and ruin as its lifeblood is cut off.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 23 is situated within a significant section of Isaiah's prophecies, specifically chapters 13-23, which comprise a series of "burdens" or oracles against various foreign nations. This collection serves to underscore Yahweh's universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His authority extends far beyond Israel to encompass even the most formidable empires and economic hubs of the ancient world. Chapter 23 specifically targets Tyre and Zidon, two sister cities that formed the heart of Phoenician maritime power. The preceding verses (Isaiah 23:1-3) lament the impending destruction of Tyre, vividly describing the shock and despair that will engulf its merchants and the desolation of its once-bustling harbor. Verse 4 then shifts its prophetic gaze to Zidon, a city intimately connected to Tyre through trade and culture, extending the pronouncement of judgment and desolation to its sphere of influence. This immediate literary context firmly establishes a pervasive theme of divine judgment against human pride, economic might, and self-sufficiency that dares to operate outside of God's righteous standards.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zidon, alongside Tyre, was a pivotal Phoenician city, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its unparalleled seafaring capabilities, extensive trade networks, and colonial expansion across the Mediterranean. Its immense prosperity was meticulously built upon its strategic coastal location, the unparalleled skill of its mariners, and its vast commercial enterprises that facilitated the exchange of goods from distant lands. The Phoenicians were master shipbuilders, innovative navigators, and shrewd merchants, establishing a network of colonies and trading posts from the Levant to the far reaches of the Iberian Peninsula. This unparalleled wealth often fostered a deep sense of self-sufficiency, pride, and hubris, frequently leading them into idolatry and a disregard for divine principles. The prophecy in Isaiah 23 likely anticipates a future invasion or prolonged siege by a dominant regional power—historically, the Assyrian or Babylonian empires are strong candidates—which would decisively cripple their maritime economy and bring about their downfall, thereby challenging their perceived invincibility and the very source of their strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes profoundly to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Humiliation**, demonstrating unequivocally that God's righteous judgment extends to all nations, irrespective of their economic prowess or military might. Zidon, a city steeped in pride and accustomed to unparalleled prosperity, is directly commanded to "Be thou ashamed," signifying a dramatic reversal of its exalted status and a profound, public disgrace. Secondly, the striking imagery of the sea declaring its own barrenness vividly portrays **Economic Ruin and Desolation**, a recurring prophetic motif where the very source of a nation's strength is removed, leading to its inevitable collapse. This echoes similar warnings against reliance on worldly wealth found in other prophetic books, such as [Ezekiel's comprehensive prophecies against Tyre](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre's Fall"). Thirdly, the inability of the sea to "nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins" points directly to **Demographic Decline and Societal Decay**, illustrating that the divine judgment impacts not merely economic life but the very continuation of the population and the future generations of the city. Finally, the entire oracle against Tyre and Zidon reinforces God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, a pervasive and foundational theme throughout Isaiah, highlighting that all earthly powers are ultimately subject to His ultimate control and divine purpose, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - God's Use of Assyria as a Rod of Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This word (H954) fundamentally means "to pale," "to be ashamed," or "to be disappointed or delayed." In the imperative "Be thou ashamed," it functions as a direct command for Zidon to experience a profound and public humiliation. It signifies not merely an internal feeling of shame but a public disgrace, a stripping away of dignity and power that reverses its former status as a proud and prosperous city. This shame is a direct, divinely ordained consequence of its impending desolation, indicating a public exposure of its vulnerability and the futility of its self-reliance.
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** The term (H3220) refers to a "sea" or "large body of water," often specifically the Mediterranean. Here, it is powerfully personified, acting as the very source of Zidon's power, prosperity, and indeed, its lifeblood. The sea's "speaking" implies a dramatic and unexpected declaration from the very entity that sustained Zidon, signifying that the source of its strength will itself proclaim its barrenness, thus sealing Zidon's fate and underscoring the completeness of its judgment.
* **Travail (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** This word (H2342) literally means "to twist or whirl," and specifically "to writhe in pain (especially of parturition)" or "to bring forth." Its negation in the phrase "I travail not" powerfully conveys barrenness and the inability to produce. In the context of the sea, it metaphorically describes the cessation of its "birth-giving" activity—no more ships, no more goods, no more wealth being "born" or "delivered" from its waters. This directly links the metaphorical barrenness of the sea to the impending economic and demographic collapse of Zidon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou ashamed, O Zidon:"** This opening phrase is a direct, forceful prophetic command, an imperative that pronounces a state of deep humiliation and disgrace upon the city of Zidon. It implies that Zidon's former glory, its immense pride, and its perceived invincibility, rooted in its maritime strength, will be utterly stripped away. The city will be left exposed and disgraced before the nations, its shame a direct consequence of its impending desolation and the catastrophic loss of its economic and demographic foundations.
* **"for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying,"** This clause introduces the profound and unexpected reason for Zidon's shame: a pronouncement originating from the "sea" itself. The sea is vividly personified, endowed with a voice, to declare its own barrenness. The subsequent phrase, "the strength of the sea" (from H4581, _mâʻôwz_, meaning "fortified place" or "defense"), emphatically highlights that the very source of Zidon's power—its fortified maritime domain, its economic engine, and the foundation of its prosperity—is the one delivering this devastating news. This makes the judgment even more poignant and inescapable, as the very entity that sustained their existence turns against them.
* **"I travail not, nor bring forth children,"** The sea's declaration commences with a powerful and poignant metaphor of barrenness. "Travail" (H2342, _chûwl_) refers to the intense pangs of childbirth, and "bring forth children" (H3205, _yâlad_) explicitly refers to the act of giving birth. Applied to the sea, this signifies that it will no longer "give birth" to the ships, the valuable goods, or the immense wealth that historically sustained Zidon. The once-bustling port, which was a constant source of "delivery" of prosperity and a vibrant hub of activity, is prophesied to become utterly unproductive, sterile, and silent.
* **"neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins."** This extends the metaphor of barrenness beyond mere economic productivity to encompass the demographic vitality and future of the city itself. "Nourish up young men" (from H1431, _gâdal_, "to make large" or "nourish," and H970, _bâchûwr_, "youth" or "young man") and "bring up virgins" (from H7311, _rûwm_, "to raise" or "bring up," and H1330, _bᵉthûwlâh_, "virgin") refers to the raising, nurturing, and continuation of new generations. If the sea, as the metaphorical lifeblood of Zidon, can no longer "nourish" or "bring up" its youth, it means the city will suffer catastrophic depopulation, a lack of future generations to sustain its society, and ultimately, a complete societal collapse. This stands in stark contrast to the vibrant, growing population typically supported by a thriving and prosperous port city.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 23:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and utter desolation with striking clarity and impact. Most prominent is **Personification**, where the "sea," an inanimate force of nature, is imbued with human attributes, specifically the ability to "speak" and declare its own barrenness. This makes the prophecy particularly vivid and impactful, as the very source of Zidon's pride, power, and prosperity becomes the unexpected herald of its catastrophic downfall. The sea's declaration, "I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins," serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for economic and demographic collapse. It likens the bustling maritime trade, which "produced" wealth and sustained a thriving population, to a fertile woman. The emphatic negation of these life-giving actions signifies utter sterility, unproductive desolation, and the cessation of all life-sustaining activity. The opening phrase, "Be thou ashamed, O Zidon," is a direct and forceful **Apostrophe**, addressing the city directly as if it were a sentient being. This intensifies the sense of direct divine confrontation and the inevitability of its impending disgrace. The entire verse functions as a concise yet profound **Prophetic Oracle**, delivering a divine message of judgment through highly symbolic and evocative language, designed to communicate God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 23:4 profoundly illustrates the transient and ultimately fragile nature of human power and prosperity when it is divorced from divine favor and rooted solely in worldly foundations. It serves as a stark and timeless reminder that even the most formidable economic empires and self-sufficient societies are ultimately dependent on God's sovereign will. The prophecy against Zidon, a city whose very identity, strength, and pride were inextricably linked to its maritime prowess and commercial might, highlights the inherent danger of placing ultimate trust in material wealth, human ingenuity, and perceived invincibility. It underscores the profound theological truth that all earthly foundations, no matter how robust or unshakeable they appear to be, are subject to the Lord's righteous judgment and can be rendered barren and desolate at His command. This divine prerogative to raise up and cast down nations, to control the ebb and flow of human history, is a recurring and foundational theme in biblical theology, emphasizing God's absolute control over all human affairs and His ultimate purpose for creation.

* [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches Leads to Ruin")
* [James 4:13-16](/james/4-13-16 "James 4:13-16 - Warnings Against Presumption in Business")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 23:4 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals and societies alike, challenging us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our security, identity, and hope. Zidon's reliance on the "strength of the sea"—its vast trade networks, immense material wealth, and human ingenuity—ultimately proved to be a fragile and transient foundation. When the very source of its prosperity was declared barren by divine decree, its shame and desolation became not just inevitable, but a direct consequence of its misplaced trust. This prompts us to deeply consider: What are the "seas" in our own lives—the primary sources of our perceived strength, security, or pride? Is it our financial portfolio, our career success, our social status, our intellectual achievements, our physical health, or even our relationships? The verse calls us to a profound recognition that any foundation built solely on earthly resources, no matter how substantial, is inherently susceptible to collapse, for all things are ultimately under God's sovereign hand. True security and lasting flourishing are found not in the shifting tides of worldly success but in steadfast, unwavering trust in the unchanging character and eternal promises of God. It encourages a posture of humility, a profound recognition of divine sovereignty, and a radical reorientation of our priorities from accumulating temporal wealth to investing in eternal values and a vibrant, living relationship with the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "seas" or primary sources of security and identity in my life, and how might I be placing undue trust or ultimate hope in them?**
* **How does the concept of divine judgment against national pride and economic power challenge my own assumptions about success, prosperity, and self-sufficiency?**
* **In what practical ways might I be called to shift my reliance from temporal resources and human efforts to the eternal provision and absolute sovereignty of God?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine humility and profound dependence on God, even amidst personal or societal prosperity and apparent strength?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Zidon in the ancient world, and why was it targeted by Isaiah's prophecy?**

Answer: Zidon was one of the oldest and most prominent Phoenician city-states, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast north of Tyre. It was renowned throughout the ancient world for its exceptionally skilled mariners, extensive and lucrative trade networks that spanned the Mediterranean, and its production of highly valued goods such as purple dye, exquisite craftsmanship, and prized cedar timber. Its strategic coastal location and immense accumulated wealth made it a significant economic, political, and cultural power in the ancient Near East. Isaiah's prophecy targeted Zidon (and its sister city Tyre) because, despite their unparalleled prosperity and perceived self-sufficiency, they often succumbed to rampant pride, hubris, and widespread idolatry, neglecting the true God who was the ultimate source of all blessings. The prophecy serves as a powerful and undeniable demonstration of God's universal sovereignty over all nations and His righteous judgment against human arrogance, misplaced trust in earthly strength, and reliance on material wealth. It underscores the profound theological truth that no nation, regardless of its might, wealth, or perceived invincibility, is beyond the reach of divine accountability and the sovereign hand of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 23:4 speaks directly to the impending judgment and desolation of a proud earthly city, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The barrenness declared upon Zidon's "sea"—the very source of its life, prosperity, and future—foreshadows the ultimate spiritual barrenness of humanity apart from God. Just as Zidon's economic and demographic life was prophesied to cease, so too is the spiritual life of humanity inherently dead in its trespasses and sins without the transformative intervention of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). Apart from Him, humanity is utterly unable to "bring forth" true righteousness or "nourish up" spiritual vitality on its own. Jesus, however, comes as the true and ultimate source of life and spiritual fruitfulness, transforming spiritual barrenness into overflowing abundance. He is the "living water" (cf. [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")) who provides true sustenance, enabling His followers to "bear much fruit" as they abide in Him (cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")). The profound shame pronounced upon Zidon finds its glorious counterpoint in the ultimate shame that Christ bore on the cross, where He, though sinless, "became sin for us" (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), enduring ultimate humiliation so that we might be clothed in His perfect righteousness and escape eternal shame (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross for Joy")). Thus, the judgment against Zidon serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the redemptive power of Christ, who reverses the curse of spiritual barrenness and offers abundant, eternal life to all who trust in Him, establishing a kingdom that will never be ashamed or brought to desolation (cf. [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 18:23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Jeremiah 47:3

At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong [horses], at the rushing of his chariots, [and at] the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to [their] children for feebleness of hands;

Jeremiah 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Genesis 10:19

And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

Hosea 9:11

¶ [As for] Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.

Hosea 9:14

Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.

Genesis 10:15

¶ And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,