Isaiah 23:17
Isaiah 23:17 in Multiple Translations
And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth.
¶ And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that Jehovah will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her hire, and shall play the harlot with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
And it will be after the end of seventy years, that the Lord will have mercy on Tyre, and she will go back to her trade, acting as a loose woman with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth.
After seventy years, the Lord will restore Tyre. But then she will go back to hiring herself out as a prostitute, selling herself to all the kingdoms of the world.
And at the ende of seuentie yeres shall the Lord visite Tyrus, and shee shall returne to her wages, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdomes of the earth, that are in the world.
And it hath come to pass, At the end of seventy years Jehovah inspecteth Tyre, And she hath repented of her gift, That she committed fornication With all kingdoms of the earth on the face of the ground.
It will happen after the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre. She will return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
And it shall come to pass after seventy years, that the Lord will visit Tyre, and will bring her back again to her traffic: and she shall commit fornication again with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
It is true that after seventy years Yahweh will restore Tyre. Their merchants will again earn a lot of money by buying things from and selling things to many other nations [HYP].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
מִ/קֵּ֣ץ
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
שָׁנָ֗ה
יִפְקֹ֤ד
יְהוָה֙
אֶת
צֹ֔ר
וְ/שָׁבָ֖ה
לְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֑/ה
וְ/זָֽנְתָ֛ה
אֶת
כָּל
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
עַל
פְּנֵ֥י
הָ/אֲדָמָֽה
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִ/קֵּ֣ץ
qêts
H7093
end
Prep | N-ms
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
shibʻîym
H7657
seventy
Adj
שָׁנָ֗ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
יִפְקֹ֤ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹ֔ר
Tsôr
H6865
Tyre
N-proper
וְ/שָׁבָ֖ה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
לְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֑/ה
ʼethnan
H868
wages
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/זָֽנְתָ֛ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
N-fp
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָ/אֲדָמָֽה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:17
וְ/הָיָ֞ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/קֵּ֣ץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
shibʻîym
H7657
"seventy"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.
Definition: seventy
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.
שָׁנָ֗ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יִפְקֹ֤ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צֹ֔ר
Tsôr
H6865
"Tyre"
N-proper
Tyre refers to a city on the Mediterranean coast, mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city, translated as Tyre or Tyrus, meaning a rock. It appears in books like Matthew and Acts. The city was an important trade center.
Definition: § Tyre or Tyrus = "a rock" the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Tyre, Tyrus. See also: Joshua 19:29; Jeremiah 27:3; Psalms 45:13.
וְ/שָׁבָ֖ה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לְ/אֶתְנַנָּ֑/ה
ʼethnan
H868
"wages"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the wages or reward of a prostitute or idolatrous practices in the Bible. It is often used to describe the price of sin or unfaithfulness, as seen in the stories of Israel and Tyre.
Definition: 1) hire of prostitute, price 1a) hire (of harlot) 1b) of idolatrous Israel, Jerusalem, Tyre (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: hire, reward. See also: Deuteronomy 23:19; Ezekiel 16:34; Isaiah 23:17.
וְ/זָֽנְתָ֛ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַמְלְכ֥וֹת
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
N-fp
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אֲדָמָֽה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:17
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Context — The Burden against Tyre
15At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years—the span of a king’s life. But at the end of seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot:
16“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.”
17And at the end of seventy years, the LORD will restore Tyre. Then she will return to hire as a prostitute and sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth.
18Yet her profits and wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or saved, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, for abundant food and fine clothing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 3:4 | because of the many harlotries of the harlot, the seductive mistress of sorcery, who betrays nations by her prostitution and clans by her witchcraft. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 27:6–36 | Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory. Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning. The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains. The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise. Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor. Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty. Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares. Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise. The men of Beth-togarmah exchanged horses, war horses, and mules for your wares. The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony. Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares. Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise. Because of your many products and your great wealth of goods, Damascus traded with you wine from Helbon, wool from Zahar, and casks of wine from Izal for your wares. Wrought iron, cassia, and sweet cane were exchanged for your merchandise. Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding. Arabia and all the princes of Kedar were your customers, trading in lambs, rams, and goats. The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; for your wares they exchanged gold, the finest of all spices, and precious stones. Haran, Canneh, and Eden traded with you, and so did the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad. In your marketplace they traded with you fine garments of blue, embroidered work, and multicolored rugs with cords tightly twisted and knotted. The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. 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. The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out. All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea? When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise. Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you. All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you. Their kings shudder with fear; their faces are contorted. Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’” |
| 3 | Revelation 19:2 | For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.” |
| 4 | 1 Peter 5:2 | Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 23:18 | You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 16:31 | But when you built your mounds at the head of every street and made your lofty shrines in every public square, you were not even like a prostitute, because you scorned payment. |
| 7 | Acts 15:14 | Simon has told us how God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people to be His own. |
| 8 | 1 Timothy 3:8 | Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. |
| 9 | Hosea 12:7–8 | A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.” |
| 10 | Micah 1:7 | All her carved images will be smashed to pieces; all her wages will be burned in the fire, and I will destroy all her idols. Since she collected the wages of a prostitute, they will be used again on a prostitute. |
Isaiah 23:17 Summary
[This verse is saying that after 70 years, God will allow the city of Tyre to be rebuilt and to resume its role as a major commercial center, but unfortunately, it will return to its old ways of sin and corruption, as if it were a prostitute. This is a warning to us all to be careful not to compromise our values and morals for the sake of wealth and power, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:10. We must remember that our true treasure is in heaven, not on earth, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21. By keeping our eyes fixed on God, we can avoid the dangers of spiritual prostitution and remain faithful to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 70-year period mentioned in Isaiah 23:17?
The 70-year period is likely a reference to the time of Babylonian captivity, as mentioned in Jeremiah 25:11-12, after which the LORD will restore Tyre, but not necessarily in a positive way, as seen in Isaiah 23:17.
How can Tyre be restored and yet return to her old ways of prostitution?
This paradox highlights the sovereignty of God, who can use even sinful actions for His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28, and also serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and spiritual prostitution, as mentioned in Hosea 1:2.
What does it mean for Tyre to 'sell herself to all the kingdoms on the face of the earth'?
This phrase suggests that Tyre will resume its role as a major commercial center, engaging in trade and commerce with many nations, but also implies a spiritual prostitution, where the city will compromise its values and morals to achieve wealth and power, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
Is this verse suggesting that God approves of Tyre's sinful actions?
No, God is not approving of Tyre's actions, but rather, He is sovereign over all things, including the sinful actions of nations, as seen in Proverbs 21:1, and will use them to fulfill His purposes, while still holding them accountable for their sins, as mentioned in Revelation 18:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'selling myself' to the world, compromising my values and morals for temporal gain?
- How can I balance the need to engage with the world, as Tyre did, with the need to remain faithful to God's standards?
- What are some lessons I can learn from Tyre's example about the dangers of idolatry and spiritual prostitution?
- In what ways can I ensure that my 'profits and wages' are being used for God's glory, as mentioned in Isaiah 23:18?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:17
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years,.... When the seventy years before mentioned are ended: that the Lord will visit Tyre; not in judgment, as before, but in mercy: and she shall
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:17
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:17
Visit Tyre, to wit, in mercy, as this phrase is used, , and elsewhere. Her hire: the Hebrew word properly signifies, the hire of an harlot; which agrees well with the fornication in the next clause; although these phrases are not to be understood properly, but metaphorically, of trading or commerce with others. Shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world; shall trade promiscuously with people of all sorts of nations, as harlots entertain all comers.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:17
Isaiah 23:17 And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.Ver. 17. The Lord will visit Tyre.] Bad though she be, he will graciously visit her, both by suffering her to grow rich again, as here, and by converting some of them to the faith of Christ. See it fulfilled, Acts 21:3-5. Eusebius also telleth of many made martyrs there.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:17
(17) She shall turn to her hire.—The words indicate, in the strong imagery of Isa 23:15, the revival of the commercial prosperity of Tyre under the rule of the Persian kings. To that commerce there was to be no limit. The ships of all nations were once more to crowd her harbours.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 23:17
Verse 17. After the end of seventy years] Tyre, after its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, recovered, as it is here foretold, its ancient trade, wealth, and grandeur; as it did likewise after a second destruction by Alexander. It became Christian early with the rest of the neighbouring countries. St. Paul himself found many Christians there, Acts 21:4. It suffered much in the Diocletian persecution. It was an archbishopric under the patriarchate of Jerusalem, with fourteen bishoprics under its jurisdiction. It continued Christian till it was taken by the Saracens in 639; was recovered by the Christians in 1124; but in 1280 was conquered by the Mamelukes, and afterwards taken from them by the Turks in 1517. Since that time it has sunk into utter decay; is now a mere ruin, a bare rock, "a place to spread nets upon," as the Prophet Ezekiel foretold it should be, Ezekiel 26:14. See Sandy's Travels; Vitringa on the place; Bp.
Newton on the Prophecies, Dissert. xi.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:17
17. The application of the song to Tyre. The comparison of commerce to prostitution is found in Revelation 18:3 and perhaps in Nahum 3:4. Here it signalises the mercenary motive which was prominent in Tyre’s dealings with other nations. shall return to her hire] Shall resume her former lucrative activity. The last word is a technical term for the hire of a harlot.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:17
The Lord will visit Tyre - He will restore her to her former wealth and magnificence.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:17
17. After… seventy years — Return of commercial prosperity is here really promised after a time, and she is again to makes large figure in the world. Commit fornication — Why is this figure so much used by our prophet?
Sermons on Isaiah 23:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape |
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Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It em |
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Coming Out of Babylon by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the need for a pure and holy church, contrasting it with the corrupt system of Babylon. It highlights the dangers of backsliding, divisions, politics, money- |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 10 the Supper of the Great God by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings of the Word of God. He warns that a fearful day is coming, known as the Armageddon, where there will |
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When the Heart Lights Go On by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of being corrupted, emphasizing the physical and moral harm caused by corruption, leading to decay, ruin, and destruction. The root word 'phthe |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Iii Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala | In this video, Dr. Richard Land discusses the bias against conservatives and Christians in the national media, as detailed in Bernard Goldberg's book "Bias." He highlights the outr |