King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:5 in the King James Version says “It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.”

Ezekiel 26:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.

6

And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

7

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.

Read Ezekiel 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea predicts Tyre's reduction from commercial superpower to fishing village. For I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD seals the prophecy with divine authority. And it shall become a spoil to the nations indicates plunder by many powers. What was prosperous becomes desolate; what was proud becomes pitiful. The contrast between maritime empire and fishing nets emphasizes total reversal. God brings down proud powers and reduces them to humble subsistence. All human glory is temporary when it opposes God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After Alexander's destruction (332 BC), Tyre never regained its former glory. Though rebuilt, it remained a minor port rather than the commercial empire it had been. Fishermen literally spread nets on its ruins, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy. The reduction from empire to fishing village demonstrates the thoroughness of divine judgment against pride.

Reflection Questions

  1. What brings down mighty empires and powerful institutions?
  2. How does God humble the proud and exalt the humble?
  3. What temporary glories are we trusting that God may reduce to nets and fish?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מִשְׁטַ֨ח1 of 14

“It shall be a place for the spreading”

H4894

a spreading-place

חֲרָמִ֤ים2 of 14

“of nets”

H2764

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

תִּֽהְיֶה֙3 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּת֣וֹךְ4 of 14

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַיָּ֔ם5 of 14

“of the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

כִּ֚י6 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י7 of 14
H589

i

דִבַּ֔רְתִּי8 of 14

“for I have spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

נְאֻ֖ם9 of 14

“it saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֣י10 of 14

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֑ה11 of 14

“GOD”

H3069

god

וְהָיְתָ֥ה12 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבַ֖ז13 of 14

“and it shall become a spoil”

H957

plunder

לַגּוֹיִֽם׃14 of 14

“to the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 26:5 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 26:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 29:19Ezekiel 26:19Ezekiel 47:10Ezekiel 27:32Ezekiel 25:7Ezekiel 26:14

Places in This Verse

TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in Ezekiel 26 →

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