King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 26:8 Mean?

Ezekiel 26:8 in the King James Version says “He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. cast: or, pour out the engine of shot”

Ezekiel 26:8 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. cast: or, pour out the engine of shot

9

And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers.

10

By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. as men: Heb. according to the enterings of a city broken up

Read Ezekiel 26 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field predicts the mainland settlements' destruction. And he shall make a fort against thee describes siege works. And cast a mount against thee refers to earthen siege ramps. And lift up the buckler against thee means raising siege shields. The technical military details show God's intimate knowledge of warfare and His use of standard military practices to accomplish His purposes. Judgment employs ordinary means directed by extraordinary providence. God doesn't usually work miraculously when natural means suffice—He sovereignly orchestrates natural processes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient siege warfare followed standard practices: isolating the city, building siege works (forts, ramps), deploying siege engines, and systematic assault. Nebuchadnezzar employed all these against Tyre. Archaeological evidence from other sites shows Babylonian siege methodology matching Ezekiel's description, confirming both historical accuracy and prophetic precision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary purposes?
  2. What does siege imagery teach about patient, persistent judgment?
  3. Why does God typically work through natural processes rather than constant miracles?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בְּנוֹתַ֥יִךְ1 of 13

“thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה2 of 13

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בַּחֶ֣רֶב3 of 13

“with the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יַהֲרֹ֑ג4 of 13

“He shall slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וְנָתַ֨ן5 of 13

“and he shall make”

H5414

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

עָלַ֜יִךְ6 of 13
H5921

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

דָּיֵ֗ק7 of 13

“a fort”

H1785

a battering-tower

וְשָׁפַ֤ךְ8 of 13

“against thee and cast”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙9 of 13
H5921

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

סֹֽלְלָ֔ה10 of 13

“a mount”

H5550

a military mound, i.e., rampart of besiegers

וְהֵקִ֥ים11 of 13

“against thee and lift up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָלַ֖יִךְ12 of 13
H5921

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

צִנָּֽה׃13 of 13

“the buckler”

H6793

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

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 26:8 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 26:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:22Jeremiah 52:4Jeremiah 32:24Jeremiah 6:62 Samuel 20:15

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