King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:2 in the King James Version says “Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:

Ezekiel 26:2 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2

Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste:

3

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.

4

And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people quotes Tyre's schadenfreude at Jerusalem's fall. Aha expresses malicious glee. She is broken refers to Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC). The gates of the people suggests Jerusalem was a commercial hub controlling trade routes; with her fallen, Tyre expected increased trade. She is turned unto me; I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste reveals Tyre's mercenary calculation—Jerusalem's loss is Tyre's gain. This commercial opportunism devoid of compassion provokes divine judgment. Rejoicing in others' calamity invites judgment, especially when the calamity is divine discipline.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre was a Phoenician maritime power on the Mediterranean coast, growing wealthy through trade. Jerusalem's strategic location controlled inland trade routes. Tyre viewed Jerusalem's destruction as business opportunity rather than tragedy, demonstrating the moral bankruptcy of pure commercialism unconstrained by compassion or divine fear.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rejoicing in others' misfortune reveal heart corruption?
  2. What does Tyre's commercial opportunism teach about unconstrained capitalism?
  3. Why does God judge those who profit from His disciplinary judgments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

Son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם2 of 16

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יַ֠עַן3 of 16
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָ֨מְרָה5 of 16

hath said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צֹּ֤ר6 of 16

because that Tyrus

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

עַל7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙8 of 16

against Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

הֶאָ֔ח9 of 16

Aha

H1889

aha!

נִשְׁבְּרָ֛ה10 of 16

she is broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

דַּלְת֥וֹת11 of 16

that was the gates

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

הָעַמִּ֖ים12 of 16

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נָסֵ֣בָּה13 of 16

she is turned

H5437

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

אֵלָ֑י14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִמָּלְאָ֖ה15 of 16

unto me I shall be replenished

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָחֳרָֽבָה׃16 of 16

now she is laid waste

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 26:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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