Lexical Summary skiyah: Covering, Veil Original Word: שְׂכִיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance picture Feminine from the same as Sekuw; a conspicuous object -- picture. see HEBREW Sekuw Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׂכִיָּה] noun feminine very dubious, only plural construct הַחֶמְדָּה שְׂכִיּוֺת Isaiah 2:16: perhaps General term, ᵑ9 quod visu pulchrum est, GesComm 'köstliche Anblicke,' compare De; others refer to imagery (compare מַשְׂכִּית; as attracting the gaze) Checomm RV Du; watchtowers (see Aramaic) Ew Di RVm; standards (as conspicuous) Thes; ships (id.) (Bennett [private letter], and now GunkSchöpfung 50 CheHParticiple Marti, compare "" אֳנִיּוֺת; SS Bu Job 40:31 proposes שְׂפִינֹת = ׳ס ships). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 7914 designates an item of refined human craftsmanship that evokes admiration and pride. In its sole biblical appearance the word is paired with the “ships of Tarshish,” forming a poetic couplet that highlights the pinnacle of maritime achievement and the luxurious trappings that accompanied international commerce. Old Testament Occurrence Isaiah 2:16 places the term within the Day-of-the-LORD oracle: “against every ship of Tarshish and every stately vessel.” Isaiah lists these proud achievements immediately after cataloging the lofty cedars, mighty oaks, fortified walls, and idols (Isaiah 2:12-18). The pattern shows that the prophet considers this object—whatever specific form it took—to be another emblem of human arrogance destined for divine leveling. Historical Context Eighth-century Judah sat at the crossroads of Mediterranean trade. Tarshish, probably in the western Mediterranean, symbolized the farthest reaches of wealth. The “stately vessel” likely refers to large merchant ships or elaborately decorated barges employed by seafaring powers such as Phoenicia. Such ships were not merely transport; they carried intricate carvings, colored sails, and costly inlays that announced the prestige of their owners. Isaiah’s audience would have viewed them as marvels of engineering and artistry—the very zenith of what human skill and commerce could achieve. Theological Significance 1. Judgment of Pride. By setting His face “against” these vessels, the LORD declares that no human accomplishment—however exotic or beautiful—can withstand His scrutiny (Isaiah 2:17). The verse underscores the broader biblical principle that “the LORD detests all the proud of heart” (Proverbs 16:5). Practical Ministry Application • Preaching and Teaching: Use Isaiah 2:16 to illustrate the fleeting nature of human glory and the certainty of divine judgment. Related Biblical Themes and References • Human pride confronted: Isaiah 10:33-34; Jeremiah 9:23-24. Summary The lone appearance of Hebrew 7914 in Isaiah 2:16 elevates a single word into a potent symbol of humankind’s grandest artistry and commerce. Scripture places this “stately vessel” alongside idols and fortified towers, reminding every generation that even the most impressive human achievements will be humbled before the majesty of the LORD. Forms and Transliterations שְׂכִיּ֥וֹת שכיות śə·ḵî·yō·wṯ sechiYot śəḵîyōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 2:16 HEB: וְעַ֖ל כָּל־ שְׂכִיּ֥וֹת הַחֶמְדָּֽה׃ NAS: all the beautiful craft. KJV: and upon all pleasant pictures. INT: and against all craft the beautiful 1 Occurrence |
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