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Then an abundance of spoils will be divided and even the lame will carry off plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/33.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The enemies’ sails hang loose on broken masts with useless tackle. Their treasure will be divided by the people of God. Even the lame will take their share!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/33.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Your cords hang loose; they cannot hold the mast firm in its place or keep the sail spread out. Then prey and spoil in abundance will be divided; even the lame will take the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/33.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/33.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/33.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Your tackle is loosed, They could not strengthen their mast, They could not spread the sail. Then the prey of great plunder is divided; The lame take the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/33.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your <i>ship’s</i> tackle hangs slack; It cannot hold the base of its mast firmly, Nor spread out the sail. Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided; Those who limp will take the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/33.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Your tackle hangs slack; It cannot hold the base of its mast firmly, Nor spread out the sail. Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided; The lame will take the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/33.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Your tackle hangs slack; It cannot hold the base of its mast firmly, Nor spread out the sail. Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided; The lame will take the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/33.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Your cords hang slack; They cannot hold the base of their mast firmly, Nor spread out the sail. Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided; The lame will take the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/33.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Your ship’s ropes (tackle) hang loose; They cannot hold the base of their mast firmly, Nor spread out the sail. Then an abundance of spoil and plunder will be divided; Even the lame will take the plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/33.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your ropes are slack; they cannot hold the base of the mast or spread out the flag. Then abundant spoil will be divided, the lame will plunder it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/33.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your ropes are slack; they cannot hold the base of the mast or spread out the flag. Then abundant spoil will be divided, the lame will plunder it, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/33.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not strengthen the foot of their mast, they could not spread the sail: then was the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame took the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/33.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But your nation is a ship with its rigging loose, its mast shaky, and its sail not spread. Someday even you that are lame will take everything you want from your enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/33.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not strengthen the foot of their mast, they could not spread the sail: then was the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame took the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/33.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Your ropes hang loose, your mast isn't secure, and your sail isn't spread out. A large amount of loot will be distributed. Lame people will carry off your loot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/33.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Your rigging hangs loose; it cannot reliably hold the mast in its place, and the sail cannot spread out. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided — even the lame will carry off plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/33.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/33.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Though at this time your ropes are slack, the mast is not secured, and the sail is not unfurled, at that time you will divide up a great quantity of loot; even the lame will drag off plunder. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/33.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Your rigging is untied. They couldn't strengthen the foot of their mast. They couldn't spread the sail. Then the prey of a great spoil was divided. The lame took the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/33.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/33.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Your rigging is untied. They couldn’t strengthen the foot of their mast. They couldn’t spread the sail. Then the prey of a great plunder was divided. The lame took the prey. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/33.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Your ropes have been left, "" They do not correctly strengthen their mast, "" They have not spread out a sail, "" Then a prey of much spoil has been apportioned, "" The lame have taken spoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/33.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Left have been thy ropes, They strengthen not rightly their mast, They have not spread out a sail, Then apportioned hath been a prey of much spoil, The lame have taken spoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/33.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thy cords were broken in pieces; they will not well strengthen their mast; they spread not the flag: then was the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame plundered the plunder.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/33.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed, and they shall be of no strength: thy mast shall be in such condition, that thou shalt not be able to spread the flag. Then shall the spoils of much prey be divided: the lame shall take the spoil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/33.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Your ropes have become loose, and they will not prevail. Your mast will be such that you will not be able to unfurl a flag. Then the spoils of much plunder will be divided. The lame will seize the spoils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/33.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The rigging hangs slack; it cannot hold the mast in place, nor keep the sail spread out. Then the blind will divide great spoils and the lame will carry off the loot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/33.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Your rigging hangs loose; it cannot hold the mast firm in its place, or keep the sail spread out. Then prey and spoil in abundance will be divided; even the lame will fall to plundering.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/33.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Your riggings are loosed; they could not well hold straight their mast, they could not spread the sail; until they have divided the prey, a multitude of lame shall take it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/33.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Your cords were loosed that were not secured, and your masts were bent whose sails they did not straighten, until they divided the loot and a multitude of lame men seized the booty<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/33.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thy tacklings are loosed; They do not hold the stand of their mast, They do not spread the sail; Then is the prey of a great spoil divided; The lame take the prey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/33.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thy cords are broken, for they had no strength: thy meat has given way, it shall not spread the sails, it shall not bear a signal, until it be given up for plunder; therefore shall many lame men take spoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/33-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=7075" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/33.htm">The LORD is Exalted</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2256.htm" title="2256: ḥă·ḇā·lā·yiḵ (N-mpc:: 2fs) -- A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin.">Your ropes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5203.htm" title="5203: niṭ·ṭə·šū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to pound, i.e. Smite; by implication to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon.">are slack;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">they cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: yə·ḥaz·zə·qū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">secure</a> <a href="/hebrew/3653.htm" title="3653: ḵên- (N-msc) -- A stand, pedestal, station. The same as ken, used as a noun; a stand, i.e. Pedestal or station."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8650.htm" title="8650: tā·rə·nām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- A mast. Probably for 'oren; a pole.">the mast</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6566.htm" title="6566: pā·rə·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To spread out, spread. A primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.">or spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/5251.htm" title="5251: nês (N-ms) -- From nacac; a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token.">the sail.</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/4766.htm" title="4766: mar·beh (Adv) -- Abundance. From rabah; properly, increasing; as noun, greatness, or greatly.">an abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5706.htm" title="5706: ‘aḏ- (N-msc) -- Booty, prey. The same as ad in the sense of the aim of an attack; booty."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7998.htm" title="7998: šā·lāl (N-ms) -- A prey, spoil, plunder, booty. From shalal; booty.">of spoils</a> <a href="/hebrew/2505.htm" title="2505: ḥul·laq (V-Pual-Perf-3ms) -- To be smooth, to apportion, separate. A primitive root; to be smooth; by implication to apportion or separate.">will be divided,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6455.htm" title="6455: pis·ḥîm (Adj-mp) -- Lame. From pacach; lame.">and even the lame</a> <a href="/hebrew/962.htm" title="962: bā·zə·zū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To spoil, plunder. A primitive root; to plunder.">will carry off plunder.</a> <a href="/hebrew/957.htm" title="957: ḇaz (N-ms) -- Spoiling, robbery, spoil, booty. From bazaz; plunder."></a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>And no resident of Zion will say, “I am sick.” The people who dwell there will be forgiven of iniquity.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-26.htm">Ezekiel 27:26-27</a></span><br />Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. / Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-27.htm">Psalm 107:27-30</a></span><br />They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. / Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. / He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-12.htm">Nahum 1:12</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17-19</a></span><br />For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance / and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. / Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-24.htm">Matthew 8:24-27</a></span><br />Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” / “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-37.htm">Mark 4:37-39</a></span><br />Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. / But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” / Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-23.htm">Luke 8:23-25</a></span><br />As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a windstorm came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. / The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. / “Where is your faith?” He asked. Frightened and amazed, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/27-14.htm">Acts 27:14-20</a></span><br />But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along. / Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a></span><br />With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-30.htm">Jeremiah 51:30-32</a></span><br />The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting; they sit in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they have become like women. Babylon’s homes have been set ablaze, the bars of her gates are broken. / One courier races to meet another, and messenger follows messenger, to announce to the king of Babylon that his city has been captured from end to end. / The fords have been seized, the marshes set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/14-14.htm">Zechariah 14:14</a></span><br />Judah will also fight at Jerusalem, and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a></span><br />But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14-16</a></span><br />Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. / Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. / You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-3.htm">Isaiah 42:3</a></span><br />A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Your tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.</p><p class="hdg">thy tacklings are loosed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Isaiah 33:21</a></b></br> But there the glorious LORD <i>will be</i> unto us a place of broad rivers <i>and</i> streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/27-26.htm">Ezekiel 27:26-34</a></b></br> Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/27-19.htm">Acts 27:19,30-32,40,41</a></b></br> And the third <i>day</i> we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship… </p><p class="hdg">then</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Isaiah 33:1,4</a></b></br> Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou <i>wast</i> not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; <i>and</i> when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/20-25.htm">2 Chronicles 20:25</a></b></br> And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.</p><p class="hdg">the lame</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">1 Samuel 30:10,22-24</a></b></br> But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/7-8.htm">2 Kings 7:8</a></b></br> And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid <i>it</i>; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence <i>also</i>, and went and hid <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-12.htm">Psalm 68:12</a></b></br> Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/31-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-18.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-5.htm">Base</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-20.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/psalms/78-64.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-20.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-3.htm">Division</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Feeble-Footed</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-25.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-20.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-4.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-19.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/26-7.htm">Hangs</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-6.htm">Held</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-19.htm">Lame</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-34.htm">Mast</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-4.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-2.htm">Property</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-34.htm">Rigging</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Sail</a> <a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Sails</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-18.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-7.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/job/31-22.htm">Socket</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-4.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Spoils</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-24.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-2.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-13.htm">Support</a> <a href="/acts/27-19.htm">Tackle</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Untied</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-7.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/36-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm">Base</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-2.htm">Cords</a> <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-17.htm">Divided</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-10.htm">Division</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Feeble-Footed</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Firmly</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-25.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-24.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/10-11.htm">Hangs</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-21.htm">Held</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Lame</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-5.htm">Mast</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-24.htm">Plunder</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Property</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-34.htm">Rigging</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-7.htm">Sail</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-5.htm">Sails</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-10.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/genesis/32-25.htm">Socket</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Spoils</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-14.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Support</a> <a href="/acts/27-19.htm">Tackle</a> <a href="/mark/7-35.htm">Untied</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-5.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 33</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">God's judgments against the enemies of the church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/33-13.htm">The consternation of sinners, and privileges of the godly</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/33.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/33.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Your ropes are slack;</b><br>This phrase suggests a state of unpreparedness or weakness. In the context of ancient seafaring, slack ropes would indicate a ship that is not ready to sail, symbolizing a lack of readiness or strength. Biblically, this can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual laxity or the failure of human efforts without divine intervention. The imagery of slack ropes may also reflect Israel's reliance on their own strength rather than trusting in God.<p><b>they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail.</b><br>The inability to secure the mast or spread the sail further emphasizes the theme of inadequacy and helplessness. In a historical context, a ship unable to set sail would be vulnerable to the elements and unable to navigate effectively. This can be seen as a metaphor for Israel's inability to save themselves from impending judgment or disaster without God's help. It highlights the futility of human efforts apart from divine guidance and strength.<p><b>Then an abundance of spoils will be divided,</b><br>Despite the initial imagery of weakness, this phrase introduces a sudden reversal of fortune. The division of spoils suggests victory and abundance, often associated with the aftermath of a battle. In biblical history, spoils were typically divided among the victors, indicating a complete turnaround from a position of weakness to one of triumph. This can be seen as a prophetic promise of God's deliverance and provision for His people, even when they seem most vulnerable.<p><b>and even the lame will carry off plunder.</b><br>This phrase underscores the miraculous nature of the victory. The lame, typically unable to participate in battle or carry heavy loads, are depicted as taking part in the division of spoils. This imagery highlights God's power to enable and empower the weak, turning societal norms upside down. It echoes themes found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>, where God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. It also points to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where all, regardless of their physical or social status, share in His blessings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city of God, often representing the people of Israel, who are under threat but will ultimately be delivered.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/assyrians.htm">Assyrians</a></b><br>The oppressors and enemies of Israel during Isaiah's time, symbolizing the forces against God's people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lame.htm">The Lame</a></b><br>Represents those who are weak or disadvantaged, yet they will share in the victory and spoils.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/spoils.htm">Spoils</a></b><br>The wealth and goods taken from the defeated enemy, symbolizing God's provision and victory for His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mast_and_sail.htm">The Mast and Sail</a></b><br>Metaphors for strength and readiness, indicating the current weakness and vulnerability of the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance_in_weakness.htm">God's Deliverance in Weakness</a></b><br>Despite the apparent weakness ("Your ropes are slack"), God promises victory. Trust in God's strength, not your own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_of_god's_blessings.htm">Inclusivity of God's Blessings</a></b><br>Even the lame will carry off plunder, showing that God's blessings are for all His people, regardless of their status or ability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_readiness.htm">Preparation and Readiness</a></b><br>The imagery of the mast and sail reminds us to be spiritually prepared and ready for God's deliverance, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_provision.htm">Faith in God's Provision</a></b><br>The division of spoils signifies God's provision. Have faith that God will provide abundantly, even in times of trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/victory_over_oppression.htm">Victory Over Oppression</a></b><br>The context of Assyrian oppression highlights God's ultimate victory over all forms of evil and oppression. Stand firm in faith, knowing God is in control.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_33.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 33</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_isaiah_33_claim_miracles.htm">Why does Isaiah 33 describe miraculous healing and renewed stability when no archaeological or scientific evidence supports such events on a large scale?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_proof_of_israel's_expansion.htm">In Isaiah 54:2-3, where is the historical or archaeological evidence that Israel expanded its territory so extensively?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaiah_33_20_contradict_other_prophecies.htm">Does Isaiah 33:20 contradict other passages that predict Jerusalem's downfall, and how can these conflicting prophecies be reconciled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_unicorns_in_the_kjv_bible.htm">Why does the Bible include mythical creatures like unicorns (King James Version)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/33.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Thy tacklings are loosed . . .</span>--The words have been taken as applicable either to Assyria, as one of the <span class= "ital">"</span>ships of Tarshish" that had been wrecked, or to Zion, as a vessel that had been driven by the wind and tossed, but had escaped shipwreck. On the whole, the first view seems most in harmony with the context. The terms have been taken by some critics for the cords, poles, and canvas of a tent, but the rendering of the Authorised version seems preferable.<p><span class= "bld">The lame take the prey.</span>--The wrecked Assyrian ship is represented as being plundered by those whom it came to plunder. "The lame" were commonly excluded, as incapable of active service, from sharing in the spoils. Here they also were to have their portion.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/33.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thy tacklings are loosed</span>. The comparing of God to a river has led to the representation of Judah's enemies as warships (ver. 21). This causes Judah herself to be viewed as a ship - a badly appointed ship, which has to contend with one whose equipment is perfect. The prophet's thoughts have traveled back to the existing state of things. <span class="cmt_word">They could not well strengthen their mast</span>; rather, <span class="accented">they cannot hold firm the lower part of their mast</span>. The mast had its lower extremity inserted into a hole in a cross-beam, and required to be kept in place by the ropes. If they were loose, it might slip out of the hole and fall overboard. <span class="cmt_word">They could not spread the sail</span>; rather, <span class="accented">they cannot spread the ensign</span>. The ensign would seem to have been attached to the top of the mast. If the mast fell, it would no longer be spread out, so as to be seen. <span class="cmt_word">Then is the prey of a great spoil divided</span>. The word "then" is emphatic. <span class="accented">Now</span> the disabled ship seems incapable of coping with its enemy. <span class="accented">Then</span> (after Assyria's overthrow) Judah will obtain an immense spoil (see ver. 4). <span class="cmt_word">Even the lame shall have their portion.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/33-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Your ropes</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲבָלָ֑יִךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḇā·lā·yiḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2256.htm">Strong's 2256: </a> </span><span class="str2">A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are slack;</span><br /><span class="heb">נִטְּשׁ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(niṭ·ṭə·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5203.htm">Strong's 5203: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(bal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">secure</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחַזְּק֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥaz·zə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the mast</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּרְנָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(tā·rə·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8650.htm">Strong's 8650: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pole</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or spread</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֣רְשׂוּ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·rə·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6566.htm">Strong's 6566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break apart, disperse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sail.</span><br /><span class="heb">נֵ֔ס</span> <span class="translit">(nês)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5251.htm">Strong's 5251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flag, a sail, a flagstaff, a signal, a token</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֣ז</span> <span class="translit">(’āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">At that time, place, therefore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an abundance</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְבֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mar·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4766.htm">Strong's 4766: </a> </span><span class="str2">Increasing, greatness, greatly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of spoils</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלָל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7998.htm">Strong's 7998: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prey, spoil, plunder, booty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be divided,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֻלַּ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(ḥul·laq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2505.htm">Strong's 2505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to apportion, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and even] the lame</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּסְחִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(pis·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6455.htm">Strong's 6455: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will carry off plunder.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֥זְזוּ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·zə·zū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_962.htm">Strong's 962: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, plunder</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/33-23.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 33:23 Your rigging is untied (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/33-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 33:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 33:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/33-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 33:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 33:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>