Isaiah 23 7

Isaiah 23:7 kjv

Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

Isaiah 23:7 nkjv

Is this your joyous city, Whose antiquity is from ancient days, Whose feet carried her far off to dwell?

Isaiah 23:7 niv

Is this your city of revelry, the old, old city, whose feet have taken her to settle in far-off lands?

Isaiah 23:7 esv

Is this your exultant city whose origin is from days of old, whose feet carried her to settle far away?

Isaiah 23:7 nlt

Is this silent ruin all that is left of your once joyous city?
What a long history was yours!
Think of all the colonists you sent to distant places.

Isaiah 23 verses

Isaiah 23 7 meaning

Isaiah 23:7 is a rhetorical question that expresses dismay and disbelief at the impending downfall of Tyre, a renowned Phoenician city. The verse points to Tyre's ancient origins, its long-standing status as a "jubilant city" known for revelry and economic prosperity, and its extensive mercantile reach, which saw its people establish settlements and trade routes across vast distances. The question implicitly contrasts Tyre's glorious and seemingly invincible past with the sudden, shocking reality of its desolation, prompting a lament from those who once admired or depended on its strength and grandeur.

Isaiah 23 7 Context

Isaiah 23 is a prophetic oracle concerning Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state known for its immense wealth, extensive maritime trade, and network of colonies across the Mediterranean. Situated on the coast, Tyre was a dominant economic and political force from antiquity. The chapter vividly describes its coming downfall, which would profoundly affect the global trade network, leading to lamentation from the 'isles' and trading partners. The verse in question, Isaiah 23:7, is part of a series of rhetorical questions designed to highlight the stunning nature of Tyre's judgment. It emphasizes the contrast between Tyre's glorious, long-standing, and expansive past as a vibrant commercial hub and its destined desolation, causing shock and mourning among those who witnessed its demise or benefited from its prosperity. The prophecy asserts God's sovereignty over all nations, even the mightiest economic powers, humbling the proud and demonstrating that true security rests not in wealth or human achievement, but in the Lord.

Isaiah 23 7 Word analysis

• Is this: This opening phrase introduces a rhetorical question (הֲזֹאת – hazō’t) which functions as an exclamation of shock and dismay. It implies a direct contrast between expectation and reality, between Tyre's perceived invincibility and its impending destruction. It prompts an incredulous "Can this truly be?"
• your jubilant city:
  • your: The Hebrew לָכֶם (lākhem) literally means "to you" or "for you all," likely referring to the inhabitants or those who glorified Tyre, amplifying the personal sense of loss or wonder.
  • jubilant city: The Hebrew עֲלִיזָה ('alizah) comes from the root עָלַז ('alaz), meaning "to exult," "rejoice," "triumph." It characterizes Tyre as a city full of boisterous celebration, merriment, and perhaps prideful revelry. This word often carries connotations of an exuberant, often self-congratulatory joy, sometimes bordering on arrogance. This exuberance would be violently stilled by God's judgment.
• whose origin is from antiquity:
  • whose origin: The Hebrew מִיָּמִים קֶדֶם (mīyāmīm qedem) literally translates to "from days of old," or "from days of antiquity." It underscores Tyre's deep historical roots and long-established prominence, emphasizing its perceived unshakeable stability and longevity. This deep history made its fall even more shocking.
• whose feet: רַגְלֶיהָ (ragleyhā) – "her feet" (feminine singular, referring to the city). Feet are often a biblical metaphor for activity, journey, movement, and the literal means by which one travels and extends influence. Here, it personifies Tyre, portraying her as an active agent in her extensive movements and colonial ventures.
• used to carry her far away to settle:
  • used to carry her: תּוֹבִל לָהּ (tôḇil lāh) – from the verb יָבַל (yāval), meaning "to bring," "to carry," "to lead." The form here suggests that her feet (or people led by her) transported her (or her influence) far. This emphasizes the proactive and deliberate nature of Tyre's global reach.
  • far away: מֵרָחֹק (mēraḥoq) – "from afar" or "from a distance." This highlights the extensive geographical reach of Tyre's commercial and colonial activities.
  • to settle: לָגוּר (lāgūr) – from the verb גּוּר (gūr), meaning "to sojourn," "to dwell as a foreigner," or "to reside." This refers to Tyre's famous colonial expansion, where its merchants and citizens established trading posts and full-fledged colonies (like Carthage) in distant lands, bringing immense wealth back to the mother city. It speaks of Tyre's global network and the dispersal of its influence.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Is this your jubilant city": This phrase establishes a direct, emotional, and incredulous challenge to Tyre's inhabitants and its admirers. It sets a tone of questioning the permanence of earthly glory, especially when contrasted with the swift, humbling hand of divine judgment. The word "jubilant" here evokes Tyre's pride, luxury, and self-confidence, making the rhetorical question all the more potent in light of its fall.
• "whose origin is from antiquity": This phrase emphasizes Tyre's venerable age and established power, presenting it as a city deeply rooted in history, with a reputation for strength that seemingly should have guaranteed its survival. This antiquity becomes a point of ironic contrast to its sudden destruction. It suggests that even the oldest, most foundational human institutions are not beyond God's reach or subject to decay.
• "whose feet used to carry her far away to settle": This segment paints a picture of Tyre as a dynamic, expansive empire built on aggressive maritime trade and colonization. It highlights the city's self-generated prosperity, her proactive global influence, and the sheer effort involved in establishing such a vast network of power and wealth. It underscores Tyre's self-made empire, which derived its strength from human ingenuity and worldly ventures, not divine blessing.

Isaiah 23 7 Bonus section

The Phoenicians, of whom Tyre was a leading city, were master mariners and traders, unparalleled in their era. Their economic dominance was founded on raw materials like cedar and pine, their renowned purple dye extracted from murex snails, and their sophisticated manufacturing. The phrase "whose feet used to carry her far away to settle" directly refers to their establishment of colonies like Carthage in North Africa, and trading posts across the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, and parts of the Near East. These colonial endeavors were not just commercial; they disseminated Phoenician culture, language, and, importantly, the worship of gods like Baal and Moloch. Thus, the prophecy of Tyre's fall also carries a theological weight, implying judgment not just on economic pride but on spiritual apostasy and the spread of idolatry facilitated by their trade.

Isaiah 23 7 Commentary

Isaiah 23:7 poses a rhetorical question of stark contrast, designed to evoke shock and lament. It holds up Tyre, once a pinnacle of human achievement and economic might, and questions how such a grand, ancient, and globally influential city could fall so dramatically. The phrase "jubilant city" (or city of revelry/exultation) points to the pride and luxury that characterized Tyre, which likely extended into a self-reliant worldview, diminishing dependence on God. Its "origin from antiquity" underscored its established strength, suggesting an almost eternal presence. Furthermore, its extensive reach, where its "feet used to carry her far away to settle," refers to its vast colonial empire and trade routes (e.g., Carthage), which brought immeasurable wealth and solidified its status as a world power. The verse thus subtly critiques the pride that accompanies such human-achieved greatness, reminding us that no earthly power, regardless of its age, wealth, or influence, is beyond God's judgment. The eventual desolation serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate trust in worldly achievements.

Example: This verse serves as a reminder for believers to avoid placing ultimate trust or joy in transient earthly successes, like a booming economy or a powerful personal career. Just as Tyre's ancient glory proved ephemeral, so too can any human endeavor, urging a focus on eternal kingdom values.