King James Version
Isaiah 23:16 in the King James Version says “Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou may...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.”
Isaiah 23:16 · KJV
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot. shall Tyre: Heb. it shall be unto Tyre as the song of an harlot
Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
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 her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. durable: Heb. old
KJV Study — Public Domain
“go about”
H5437to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
“the city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
“thou harlot”
H2181to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
“that hast been forgotten”
H7911to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
“make sweet”
H3190to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
“melody”
H5059properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
“that thou mayest be remembered”
H2142properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Isaiah 23:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Isaiah 23:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge