Isaiah 23:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְאֶתְנַנָּ֗הּ
and her hire
H868
וְאֶתְנַנָּ֗הּ
and her hire
Strong's:
H868
Word #:
3 of 19
a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry)
קֹ֚דֶשׁ
shall be holiness
H6944
קֹ֚דֶשׁ
shall be holiness
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 19
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן
nor laid up
H2630
יֵֽחָסֵ֑ן
nor laid up
Strong's:
H2630
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to (be) compact; by implication, to hoard
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לַיֹּשְׁבִ֞ים
shall be for them that dwell
H3427
לַיֹּשְׁבִ֞ים
shall be for them that dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לִפְנֵ֤י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֤י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Psalms 72:10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.Exodus 28:36And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.Galatians 6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse demonstrate that God's redemptive power can transform even the most corrupt systems to serve His kingdom?
- 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?
- How should this eschatological vision shape Christian attitudes toward commerce, wealth, and economic activity in the present age?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.