Lexical Summary athiq: choice Original Word: עָתִיק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance durable From athaq; properly, antique, i.e. Venerable or splendid -- durable. see HEBREW athaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom atheq Definition eminent, surpassing, choice NASB Translation choice (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָתִיק adjective eminent, surpassing, choice (see עָתֵק); — ׳מְכַסֶּה ע Isaiah 23:18 choice attire. Topical Lexicon Definition and Usage עָתִיק occurs once in the Hebrew Old Testament (Isaiah 23:18) where it describes apparel that is luxurious, enduring in quality, and suited for dignified worshipers. The root conveys the idea of something venerable or time-honored, so the word paints a picture of garments whose excellence has stood the test of time. Biblical Occurrence Isaiah 23:18: “Yet her profit and her wages will be set apart to the LORD; they will not be stored or hoarded, for her profit will go to those who live before the LORD, that they may have abundant food and fine clothing.” The phrase “fine clothing” translates עָתִיק and places the term within a prophecy concerning the Phoenician city of Tyre. After a season of judgment, Tyre’s commercial gain—famed throughout the Mediterranean—would ultimately enrich those who “live before the LORD,” supplying them with both sustenance and splendid attire. Historical Context Tyre dominated maritime trade in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. Isaiah foresaw the city’s downfall (Isaiah 23:1–14) and subsequent restoration (Isaiah 23:15–18). When Tyre’s wealth is finally redirected to Yahweh’s people, the luxurious fabrics for which the city was renowned become symbols of covenant blessing rather than pagan opulence. The lone use of עָתִיק ties the word to that moment when international commerce is subordinated to divine purposes. Theological Significance 1. Consecrated Wealth: The shift from self-serving riches to consecrated resources illustrates the principle that “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Connections to Broader Biblical Themes • Reversal of the Proud: Like Egypt’s spoils funding the tabernacle (Exodus 12:36; 25:1–8), Tyre’s profits are redirected to worship. Practical Ministry Reflections • Stewardship: Believers are called to regard resources—whether material or skill-based—as gifts to be set apart for the Lord’s service. Forms and Transliterations עָתִֽיק׃ עתיק׃ ‘ā·ṯîq ‘āṯîq aTikLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 23:18 HEB: לְשָׂבְעָ֖ה וְלִמְכַסֶּ֥ה עָתִֽיק׃ פ NAS: food and choice attire KJV: sufficiently, and for durable clothing. INT: sufficient attire and choice |
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