Isaiah 23:16
Isaiah 23:16 in Multiple Translations
“Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.”
Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
Take a harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
Take an instrument of music, go about the town, O loose woman who has gone out from the memory of man; make sweet melody with songs, so that you may come back to men's minds.
“Take a lyre and walk around the city, forgotten prostitute! Play and sing so people will remember you!”
Take an harpe and go about the citie: (thou harlot thou hast beene forgotten) make sweete melodie, sing moe songes that thou maiest be remembred.
Take a harp, go round the city, O forgotten harlot, play well, Multiply song that thou mayest be remembered.
Take a harp; go about the city, you prostitute that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered.
Take a harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
Take a harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten: sing well, sing many a song, that thou mayst be remembered.
“You harlot, whom people had forgotten, play your harp well, and sing many songs, in order that people will remember you again.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 23:16
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 23:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קְחִ֥י
כִנּ֛וֹר
סֹ֥בִּי
עִ֖יר
זוֹנָ֣ה
נִשְׁכָּחָ֑ה
הֵיטִ֤יבִי
נַגֵּן֙
הַרְבִּי
שִׁ֔יר
לְמַ֖עַן
תִּזָּכֵֽרִי
קְחִ֥י
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
כִנּ֛וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
N-ms
סֹ֥בִּי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
זוֹנָ֣ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
נִשְׁכָּחָ֑ה
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Niphal
הֵיטִ֤יבִי
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
נַגֵּן֙
nâgan
H5059
to play
V-Piel-Inf-a
הַרְבִּי
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
שִׁ֔יר
shîyr
H7892
song
N-cs
לְמַ֖עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תִּזָּכֵֽרִי
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Niphal-Imperf-2fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 23:16
קְחִ֥י
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
כִנּ֛וֹר
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
N-ms
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
סֹ֥בִּי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
זוֹנָ֣ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
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.
נִשְׁכָּחָ֑ה
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Niphal
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
הֵיטִ֤יבִי
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
נַגֵּן֙
nâgan
H5059
"to play"
V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to play a musical instrument, especially a stringed one. In the Bible, it is used to describe musicians who play instruments, such as harps or lyres, to make music or sing songs.
Definition: 1) to play or strike strings, play a stringed instrument 1a) (Qal) 1a1) player (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to play 1b1a) player, minstrel (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: player on instruments, sing to the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play(-er, -ing). See also: 1 Samuel 16:16; 2 Kings 3:15; Psalms 33:3.
הַרְבִּי
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
שִׁ֔יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
לְמַ֖עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּזָּכֵֽרִי
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2fs
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Isaiah 23:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 23:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:16
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
Context — The Burden against Tyre
14Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!
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 | Jeremiah 30:14 | All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer seek you, for I have struck you as an enemy would, with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your great iniquity and your numerous sins. |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:10–12 | Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. |
Isaiah 23:16 Summary
[This verse is talking about a city called Tyre, which has been forgotten by its friends and allies for a long time. The city is trying to get attention again by making beautiful music and singing songs, just like someone might try to get noticed by being extra friendly or talented (as seen in Proverbs 22:1, where a good name is considered more desirable than riches). The city is like a person who has been unfaithful to God and is now trying to win back His favor, but it's using the wrong methods (as warned against in 1 Peter 3:3-4, where outward beauty is not as important as inner beauty). We can learn from this verse that trying to get attention and approval from others is not the same as seeking to please God, and that true restoration and redemption come from Him alone (as promised in Psalm 23:3, where God restores our souls).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the harp in Isaiah 23:16?
The harp is a symbol of music and joy, and in this context, it represents the attempt to regain attention and favor through superficial means, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, where music and celebration are used to welcome back the lost son.
Why is Tyre referred to as a 'forgotten harlot' in Isaiah 23:16?
Tyre is called a 'forgotten harlot' because it has been abandoned by its lovers and allies for seventy years, as prophesied in Isaiah 23:15, much like the unfaithful spouse in Hosea 3:3, who is separated from her lover for a time.
What does it mean to 'make sweet melody, sing many a song' in Isaiah 23:16?
This phrase means to create beautiful music and sing many songs, in an attempt to regain the attention and affection of others, much like the psalmist in Psalms 42:8, who sings songs to God in the midst of trouble.
Is this verse talking about a literal harlot or is it a metaphor?
In this context, the 'forgotten harlot' is a metaphor for the city of Tyre, which has been unfaithful to God and is now seeking to regain its former glory and influence, similar to the way the church in Revelation 2:4 is called to remember its first love for God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I try to regain the attention and affection of others, and how can I instead seek to please God?
- How can I use my talents and gifts to bring joy and beauty to those around me, rather than simply seeking to impress them?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel 'forgotten' or overlooked, and how can I trust God to restore and redeem those areas?
- How can I balance the desire to be remembered and appreciated with the need to humble myself and seek God's glory above my own?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 23:16
Take a harp, go about the city,.... As harlots used to do, that by their music, both vocal and instrumental, they might allure men into their company to commit fornication with them; so Tyre is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 23:16
Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered. Sing ... that thou mayest be remembered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
Take an harp, go about the city; as harlots use to do, to allure customers. Thou harlot; so he calleth Tyre, partly because she enticed merchants to deal with her by various artifices, and even by dishonest practices, as harlots use; and partly because of the great and general uncleanness which was both committed and tolerated in it. That thou mayest be remembered by those who had forgotten thee, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
Isaiah 23:16 Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.Ver. 16. Take an harp.] In bidding her do so, he foretelleth that she shall do so - sc., ad ingenium suum redire, fall to her former practices. Make sweet melody, &c.] The Tyrians were much addicted to music.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
(16) Take an harp, go about the city . . .—In a tone half of irony and half of pity, the prophet tells the “harlot that had been forgotten” to return to her old arts of song (the singing women of the East were commonly of this class), and to go about once more with song and lyre, recalling her old lovers (i.e., her old allies) to the memory of their past love.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 23:16
16. The song of the harlot, celebrating the wiles by which a forgotten prostitute seeks to regain her influence. The song has a light, dancing rhythm, and consists of six lines of two words each. make sweet melody] Better: play skilfully.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 23:16
Take an harp - This is a continuation of the figure commenced in the previous verse, a direct command to Tyre as an harlot, to go about the city with the usual expressions of rejoicing. Thus Donatus, in Terent. Eunuch., iii.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 23:16
16. Take a harp — This verse indicates the continuance of the city, but so humbled, that, to make herself believe that she is something like her former self, she is told to put on extra simulations —