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.

ISAIAH 23:17KJV
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Isaiah 23:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 23:17 mean?

Isaiah 23:17 says that after seventy years, God will again take notice of the city of Tyre, allowing it to return to its commercial activities and dealings with many nations, described here in strong terms as "committing fornication" with all the kingdoms of the world. This verse uses vivid language to show Tyre resuming its old trade practices, which are portrayed as morally questionable.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, describing what will happen to the powerful trading city of Tyre after a period of decline or judgment lasting seventy years. The verse uses the imagery of prostitution to highlight how Tyre’s international trade was seen as unfaithful or corrupt, emphasizing the city’s reputation for seeking profit through alliances and commerce with many nations.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 23:17

  • "visit" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This word often means to attend to, intervene, or take action. Here, it suggests that the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH) will actively turn His attention back to Tyre after a set period, signaling a change in its fortunes.
  • "hire" (אֶתְנַן, ’etnan): This word refers to wages or payment, often with a negative or immoral connotation, such as the payment to a prostitute. In this context, it underlines the idea that Tyre’s wealth from trade was viewed as tainted or dishonorable.
  • "fornication" (זָנָה, zānāh): This term literally means to engage in prostitution or unfaithfulness. Isaiah uses it figuratively to describe Tyre’s commercial dealings as acts of unfaithfulness, reinforcing the negative view of its international trade.

Why Isaiah 23:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Tyre’s return to prosperity after seventy years is not a restoration to moral greatness, but rather a resumption of its old, self-serving ways.
  • The strong language about "fornication" helps readers see how the prophets often used vivid metaphors to criticize nations for their alliances and economic practices, not just their religious behavior.
  • Isaiah 23:17 connects to the wider chapter by showing that God’s judgment on Tyre was not permanent, but its return would not necessarily mean a change of heart or character.

Where else these words appear

“hire” Hebrew H868 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;
  • Ezekiel 16:41 And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

“Tyre” Hebrew H6865 · used in 39 verses

  • Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
  • Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
  • Ezekiel 27:2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

“end” Hebrew H7093 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.

“fornication” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;