Isaiah 23:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After seventy years, Tyre is urged to sing and play harp to be remembered.
The Context of Isaiah 23:16
Tyre employs entertainment and seduction to restore her influence after exile.
What Does Isaiah 23:16 Mean?
Tyre, described as a forgotten harlot, is urged to take up the harp and sing throughout the city. She must use music and artistry to draw attention and regain her place in the world's memory and affections. The language is ironic: once she was remembered for power and glory; now she must resort to entertainment to be recalled.
The harp-playing suggests seduction and pleasure-seeking, reinforcing the moral comparison. Tyre's strategy for recovery is to appeal to desire and sensuality rather than to the substantive wealth and honor she once possessed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 23:16
What does Isaiah 23:16 mean?
After seventy years, Tyre is urged to sing and play harp to be remembered.
What is the context of Isaiah 23:16?
Tyre employs entertainment and seduction to restore her influence after exile.