Isaiah 23:16

Authorized King James Version

Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קְחִ֥י

H3947

Take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

כִנּ֛וֹר

H3658

an harp

a harp

סֹ֥בִּי

H5437

go about

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

עִ֖יר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

זוֹנָ֣ה

H2181

thou harlot

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

נִשְׁכָּחָ֑ה

H7911

that hast been forgotten

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

הֵיטִ֤יבִי

H3190

make sweet

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

נַגֵּן֙

H5059

melody

properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music

הַרְבִּי

H7235

sing many

to increase (in whatever respect)

#10

שִׁ֔יר

H7892

songs

a song; abstractly, singing

#11

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#12

תִּזָּכֵֽרִי׃

H2142

that thou mayest be remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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