King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:20 in the King James Version says “When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

Ezekiel 26:20 · KJV


Context

18

Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

19

For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;

20

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

21

I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD. a terror: Heb. terrors


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit—Tyre's judgment continues. בּוֹר (bôr, 'pit') often means Sheol, the realm of the dead (Psalm 28:1, Isaiah 14:15). With the people of old time (עַם־עוֹלָם, ʿam-ʿôlām)—ancient civilizations already destroyed and forgotten.

And shall set glory in the land of the living—While Tyre descends to death, God promises צְבִי (ṣĕbî, 'beauty/glory') in אֶרֶץ חַיִּים (ʾereṣ ḥayyîm, 'the land of the living')—referring to restored Israel (20:6, 15). Tyre's wealth and splendor would vanish, but Israel's glory would be restored. This contrast appears throughout prophetic literature: prideful nations are humbled, while humble Israel is exalted (Isaiah 2:11-17). Tyre's ruins would testify to God's judgment; Israel's restoration would testify to His faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre 585-573 BC (29:18). Though island Tyre survived initially, Alexander the Great completely destroyed it in 332 BC, using mainland ruins to build a causeway, exactly as prophecy depicted (26:12). Today, Tyre is a modest Lebanese town—its ancient glory utterly gone.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Tyre's descent 'to the pit' teach about the destiny of prideful wealth?
  2. How does Israel's promised restoration contrast with Tyre's permanent desolation?
  3. What modern 'Tyres'—centers of wealth and power—might face similar judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
י֣וֹרְדֵי1 of 22

When I shall bring thee down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶת2 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

י֣וֹרְדֵי3 of 22

When I shall bring thee down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

ב֔וֹר4 of 22

into the pit

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

אֶל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַ֣ם6 of 22

with the people

H5971

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

מֵֽעוֹלָם֙7 of 22

of old

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תֵשֵׁ֑בִי8 of 22

and shall set

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ9 of 22

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

תַּחְתִּיּ֜וֹת10 of 22

thee in the low parts

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

כָּחֳרָב֤וֹת11 of 22

in places desolate

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

מֵֽעוֹלָם֙12 of 22

of old

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אֶת13 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

י֣וֹרְדֵי14 of 22

When I shall bring thee down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

ב֔וֹר15 of 22

into the pit

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

לְמַ֖עַן16 of 22
H4616

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

לֹ֣א17 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵשֵׁ֑בִי18 of 22

and shall set

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְנָתַתִּ֥י19 of 22

and I shall set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

צְבִ֖י20 of 22

glory

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ21 of 22

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַיִּֽים׃22 of 22

of the living

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin


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 26:20 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 26:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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