Isaiah 23:3 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

By great waters, the grain from the Nile River and the harvest from that river brought her wealth; she was the marketplace for all nations.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is describing how a city (Tyre) became incredibly wealthy by trading goods that came from Egypt's fertile Nile River valley with nations around the world.

📚 Historical Context

In the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah was delivering God's messages of judgment against powerful nations like Tyre, a prosperous Phoenician city known for its extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. Tyre's wealth, as described in this verse, came from goods transported via great waters, including the Nile River (referred to as Sihor), making it a central marketplace for international commerce. This prophecy highlighted Tyre's economic dominance while warning of its vulnerability due to pride and moral failings.

Explore Similar Verses

Mark 4:29

But the moment the crop is ready, he doesn't wait, he grabs his tools and starts harvesting because it's time.

John 4:37

This is where that old saying rings true: one person plants the seeds, and someone else gets to harvest the crop.

Isaiah 62:9

But those who have harvested the grain will eat it themselves and praise the LORD; and those who have gathered the grapes will drink the wine in my holy courts.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources