Isaiah 18:2
A land that sends envoys over the sea in papyrus vessels, gliding on the waters. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, a people feared far and wide, a mighty and conquering nation divided by rivers.
Additional Resources
Other Translations
King James Version 1769 (Standard Version)
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
KJV1611 – Modern English
That sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, saying, Go, you swift messengers, to a nation scattered and polished, to a people feared from their beginning until now; a nation divided and trampled, whose land the rivers have ravaged!
King James Version 1611 (Original)
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
American Standard Version with Strong's Numbers
that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!
King James Version with Strong's Numbers
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
Coverdale Bible (1535)
which sendeth hir message ouer the see in shippes of redes vpo ye water, and sayeth: go soone, and do yor message vnto a straunge and harde folke: to a fearful people, & to a people yt is further then this: to a desperate and pylled folke, whose londe is deuyded from vs with ryuers of water.
Geneva Bible (1560)
Sending ambassadours by the Sea, euen in vessels of reedes vpon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation that is scattered abroade, and spoyled, vnto a terrible people from their beginning euen hitherto: a nation by litle and litle, euen troden vnder foote, whose land the floods haue spoyled.
Bishops' Bible (1568)
Sendyng messengers by the sea, euen in vessels of reedes ouer the water, Get you hence ye speedy messengers to a nation that is scattered abrode, and robbed of that they had, a fearefull people from their begynnyng hytherto, a nation troden downe by litle and litle, whose lande the fluddes haue spoyled.
Authorized King James Version (1611)
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
Webster's Bible (1833)
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, [saying], Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!
Young's Literal Translation (1862/1898)
That is sending by sea ambassadors, Even with implements of reed on the face of the waters, -- Go, ye light messengers, Unto a nation drawn out and peeled, Unto a people fearful from its beginning and onwards, A nation meeting out by line, and treading down, Whose land floods have spoiled.
American Standard Version (1901)
that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, `saying', Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!
American Standard Version (1901)
that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation that meteth out and treadeth down, whose land the rivers divide!
Bible in Basic English (1941)
Which sends its representatives by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters. Go back quickly, O representatives, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people causing fear through all their history; a strong nation, crushing down its haters, whose land is cut through by rivers.
World English Bible (2000)
that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, "Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!"
NET Bible® (New English Translation)
that sends messengers by sea, who glide over the water’s surface in boats made of papyrus. Go, you swift messengers, to a nation of tall, smooth-skinned people, to a people that are feared far and wide, to a nation strong and victorious, whose land rivers divide.
Referenced Verses
- Gen 10:8-9 : 8 Cush fathered Nimrod, who began to be a mighty man on the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore, it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD."
- 2 Chr 12:2-4 : 2 In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem because they had been unfaithful to the LORD. 3 He came with 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops came with him from Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. 4 He captured the fortified cities of Judah and advanced as far as Jerusalem.
- 2 Chr 14:9 : 9 Asa went out to meet him, and they took up positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.
- 2 Chr 16:8 : 8 Were not the Cushites and the Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.
- Isa 18:7 : 7 At that time, gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts from a people tall and smooth-skinned, a people feared far and wide, a mighty and conquering nation divided by rivers, to the place of the name of the LORD of Hosts, to Mount Zion.
- Isa 19:5-7 : 5 The waters will dry up from the sea, and the river will be parched and dry. 6 The rivers will stink, the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up; reeds and rushes will wither. 7 The meadows by the Nile, along the banks of the river, and all sown land by the Nile will wither, be blown away, and be no more.
- Isa 30:2-4 : 2 They set out to go down to Egypt without consulting me, seeking protection in Pharaoh's stronghold and taking refuge in the shadow of Egypt. 3 But Pharaoh's protection will be your shame, and refuge in the shadow of Egypt will bring humiliation. 4 Though their officials are at Zoan and their envoys have arrived at Hanes,
- Ezek 30:9 : 9 On that day, messengers will go out from Me in ships to terrify Cush, which lives in complacency. Anguish will overwhelm them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is coming!
- Exod 2:3 : 3 When she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket, coated it with tar and pitch, placed the child inside, and laid it among the reeds along the riverbank.
Similar Verses (AI)
These verses are found using AI-powered semantic similarity based on meaning and context. Results may occasionally include unexpected connections.
- 82%
1Woe to the land of whirring wings, which lies beyond the rivers of Cush!
- 78%
7At that time, gifts will be brought to the LORD of Hosts from a people tall and smooth-skinned, a people feared far and wide, a mighty and conquering nation divided by rivers, to the place of the name of the LORD of Hosts, to Mount Zion.
- 76%
9On that day, messengers will go out from Me in ships to terrify Cush, which lives in complacency. Anguish will overwhelm them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is coming!
- 74%
26He lifts a banner for the nations far away and whistles for them from the ends of the earth. Look! They come swiftly and speedily.
- 74%
7therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty and abundant waters of the River—the king of Assyria and all his splendor. It will overflow all its channels and spill over all its banks.
- 74%
3All you inhabitants of the world, you who dwell on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when the trumpet sounds, you will hear it.
- 73%
6Look, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and impetuous nation that marches through the earth's breadth to seize dwellings not their own.
- Isa 17:12-132 verses73%
12Woe to the multitude of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas, and the rushing of nations that is like the rushing of mighty waters.
13The nations roar like the crashing of mighty waters, but He rebukes them, and they flee far away. They are driven like chaff on the mountains before the wind, like tumbleweed before a storm.
- Jer 46:7-82 verses73%
7Who is this that rises like the Nile, like rivers that surge and toss about?
8Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters surge like rivers. It says, 'I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.'
- 73%
11They will cross the sea of distress, striking the waves, and the depths of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will pass away.
- Isa 21:1-22 verses72%
1This is a prophecy about the wilderness by the sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the Negev, it comes from the desert, from a dreadful land.
2A harsh vision has been shown to me: The betrayer betrays, and the destroyer devastates. Go up, Elam! Surround, Media! I have put an end to all her groaning.
- Isa 19:5-62 verses72%
5The waters will dry up from the sea, and the river will be parched and dry.
6The rivers will stink, the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up; reeds and rushes will wither.
- 72%
6I send him against a godless nation; I dispatch him against a people at My wrath, to seize plunder, to take spoil, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.
- 72%
28His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He will sift the nations with the sieve of destruction, and place a bridle in the jaws of the peoples, leading them astray.
- 71%
10From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshippers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.
- 71%
35All the inhabitants of the coastlands are appalled at you; their kings shudder with horror, their faces troubled.
- 71%
26Your rowers brought you into deep waters, but the east wind broke you apart in the heart of the seas.
- 71%
12You will come to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against resettled ruins and against a people gathered from the nations, people acquiring livestock and goods, who live at the center of the land.
- 71%
19I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of the survivors to the nations: to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud (those who draw the bow), to Tubal and Javan, and to the distant coastlands that have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. And they will proclaim My glory among the nations.
- Ezek 26:17-182 verses71%
17They will take up a lament over you and say to you: 'How you have perished, you who were inhabited by people of the seas, the renowned city, strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who spread terror among all who lived there.'
18Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.
- 71%
21But there the majestic LORD will be for us, a place of broad rivers and streams where no ships with oars will go, and no mighty vessel will pass.
- 71%
32The river crossings have been seized, the marshes have been set on fire, and the soldiers are terrified.
- Isa 23:10-112 verses70%
10Overflow your land like the Nile, O daughter of Tarshish; there is no longer any harbor restraining you.
11He has stretched out His hand over the sea; He has made kingdoms tremble. The LORD has commanded for Canaan to be destroyed, and her strongholds laid waste.
- 70%
12'They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise. They will break down your walls and destroy your luxurious homes. They will throw your stones, timber, and rubble into the sea.'
- 70%
14This is what the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all of them, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.'
- 70%
5The Lord, the God of Hosts, touches the earth and it melts, and all who dwell in it mourn. The entire land rises like the Nile and then sinks like the Nile of Egypt.
- 70%
15Behold, I am bringing against you a nation from far away, O house of Israel, declares the Lord. It is a mighty nation, an ancient nation, one whose language you do not know and whose speech you cannot understand.
- 70%
27Raise a banner in the land! Blow the trumpet among the nations! Prepare the nations for battle against her. Summon the kingdoms: Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a commander against her. Bring up horses like swarming locusts!
- Isa 11:15-162 verses70%
15The LORD will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt. With a scorching wind, He will wave His hand over the River and divide it into seven streams, allowing people to cross in sandals.
16There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who remain from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from the land of Egypt.
- 70%
14I have heard a message from the LORD, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: 'Assemble yourselves and come against her; rise up for battle.'
- 70%
2Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty, like a hailstorm, a destructive tempest, like a driving flood of mighty waters overflowing, He will cast it down to the ground by His hand.
- 70%
22This is what the Lord says: 'Look, a people is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth.
- 70%
8Shall not the land tremble on account of this, and all who live in it mourn? The whole land will rise like the Nile; it will be tossed about and then sink again like the Nile of Egypt.
- 70%
27I say to the deep waters, 'Be dry,' and I will dry up your rivers.
- 70%
41Behold, a people is coming from the north; a great nation and many kings are being stirred up from the farthest parts of the earth.
- 70%
7Everyone who sees you will flee from you, saying, 'Nineveh is devastated! Who will mourn for her? Where can I find anyone to comfort you?'
- 70%
24I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk water there. With the soles of my feet, I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.
- 70%
10Go across to the coasts of Cyprus and look, send to Kedar and observe closely; see if there has ever been anything like this.
- 70%
9Be shattered, you nations, and be terrified! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle and be terrified; prepare for battle and be shattered.
- 69%
7therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you, the most ruthless of nations. They will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom, and they will defile your splendor.
- 69%
3On the great waters came the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, its revenue; it was the marketplace of nations.
- 69%
49The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand.
- 69%
10Yet she went into exile, carried away into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at every street corner. Lots were cast for her nobles, and all her great men were bound in chains.