King James Version

What Does Isaiah 23:18 Mean?

Isaiah 23:18 in the King James Version says “And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandi... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 23:18 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

18

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD—This stunning reversal transforms the preceding judgment into eschatological hope. The very sachar (merchandise) and etnan (hire/prostitute's wages) that symbolized spiritual adultery will become qodesh (holiness) to Yahweh. Deuteronomy 23:18 forbids bringing a prostitute's wages into God's house, yet Isaiah prophesies exactly this—redeemed and sanctified. It shall not be treasured nor laid up—Unlike hoarded wealth, this commerce serves immediate needs: for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

This eschatological vision (compare Isaiah 60:5-11; Zechariah 14:20-21) anticipates Gentile wealth flowing to Zion. Tyre's commercial genius, purged of idolatry and greed, serves God's people. The Hebrew le-sovah (for sufficiency/satisfaction) and li-mekasseh atiq (for durable clothing) emphasizes practical provision, not luxury. Wealth serves need, not greed. This transformation prefigures the gospel age when 'the wealth of the Gentiles' enriches Christ's church (Isaiah 61:6). It pictures radical redemption: even prostitution's wages, symbol of degradation, can be sanctified for God's glory. Nothing lies beyond Christ's cleansing power—the ultimate hope for all sinners.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historically, some see partial fulfillment in Persian-period Phoenician support for rebuilding Jerusalem's temple (Ezra 3:7), when Tyre's timber and trade served God's purposes. Full fulfillment awaits the New Creation when all nations bring glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24-26). The vision transforms Tyre from opponent to supporter of God's redemptive purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse demonstrate that God's redemptive power can transform even the most corrupt systems to serve His kingdom?
  2. What does it mean that wealth formerly used for sin becomes 'holiness to the LORD'—how does the gospel redeem not just people but vocations and resources?
  3. How should this eschatological vision shape Christian attitudes toward commerce, wealth, and economic activity in the present age?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

סַחְרָ֔הּ2 of 19

And her merchandise

H5504

profit (from trade)

וְאֶתְנַנָּ֗הּ3 of 19

and her hire

H868

a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry)

קֹ֚דֶשׁ4 of 19

shall be holiness

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יְהוָה֙5 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֹ֥א6 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽאָצֵ֖ר7 of 19

it shall not be treasured

H686

to store up

וְלֹ֣א8 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן9 of 19

nor laid up

H2630

properly, to (be) compact; by implication, to hoard

כִּ֣י10 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לַיֹּשְׁבִ֞ים11 of 19

shall be for them that dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לִפְנֵ֤י12 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָה֙13 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה14 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

סַחְרָ֔הּ15 of 19

And her merchandise

H5504

profit (from trade)

לֶאֱכֹ֥ל16 of 19

to eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לְשָׂבְעָ֖ה17 of 19

sufficiently

H7654

satiety

וְלִמְכַסֶּ֥ה18 of 19

clothing

H4374

a covering, i.e., garment; specifically, a coverlet (for a bed), an awning (from the sun); also the omentum (as covering the intestines)

עָתִֽיק׃19 of 19

and for durable

H6266

properly, antique, i.e., venerable or splendid


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 23:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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