King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:21 in the King James Version says “I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, sa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 26:21 · KJV

Context

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

Read Ezekiel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt be no more—בַּלָּהוֹת (ballāhôt, 'terrors/horrifying thing') describes Tyre as an object lesson of judgment. Though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD—The Hebrew תְבֻקְשִׁי וְלֹא־תִמָּצְאִי (tĕbuqshî wĕlōʾ-timmāṣĕʾî, 'you will be sought but not found') promises permanent erasure.

This is the divine signature: נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (nĕʾum ʾădōnāy YHWH, 'utterance of the Lord GOD') sealing the prophecy. Ancient Tyre's magnificent civilization—described in chapter 27 as the perfection of beauty—would become a byword for judgment. Isaiah 23, Amos 1:9-10, Zechariah 9:3-4, and Jesus' own references (Matthew 11:21-22, Luke 10:13-14) all assume Tyre's destruction as historical fact. Archaeological excavations confirm: Phoenician Tyre's glory was systematically obliterated, first by Babylon, then completely by Alexander. The city exists but its ancient identity is irretrievable—precisely as prophesied.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Phoenician Tyre was founded circa 2750 BC, making it one of antiquity's oldest cities. It pioneered maritime trade, invented purple dye, and spread the alphabet. At its peak, Tyre controlled Mediterranean commerce. Yet its pride brought judgment: 'sought for, yet never found again.' This prophecy, written 586 BC, came true by 332 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Tyre becoming 'a terror' (cautionary tale) serve God's purposes?
  2. What does permanent loss of identity teach about valuing worldly achievement over God?
  3. How does Jesus' reference to Tyre's judgment (Matthew 11:21-22) apply to our accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בַּלָּה֥וֹת1 of 11

“thee a terror”

H1091

alarm; hence, destruction

אֶתְּנֵ֖ךְ2 of 11

“I will make”

H5414

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

וְאֵינֵ֑ךְ3 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וּֽתְבֻקְשִׁ֗י4 of 11

“and thou shalt be no more though thou be sought for”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְלֹֽא5 of 11
H3808

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

תִמָּצְאִ֥י6 of 11

“be found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

עוֹד֙7 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְעוֹלָ֔ם8 of 11

“yet shalt thou never”

H5769

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

נְאֻ֖ם9 of 11

“again saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י10 of 11

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹֽה׃11 of 11

“GOD”

H3069

god

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 26:21 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 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 27:36Ezekiel 28:19Revelation 18:21Psalms 37:36Jeremiah 51:64Ezekiel 26:14-16

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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