King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:15 in the King James Version says “The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horn...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony.”

Ezekiel 27:15 · King James Version

Context

13

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market. market: or, merchandise

14

They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules.

15

The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony.

16

Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate. the wares: Heb. thy works agate: or, chrysoprase

17

Judah, and the land of Israel, they were thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm. balm: or, rosin

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The men of Dedan were thy merchants; many isles were the merchandise of thine hand (אִיִּים רַבִּים סֹחֲרֵי יָדֵךְ, iyyim rabbim socharei yadekh)—Dedan (northwest Arabia, descended from Abraham through Keturah, Genesis 25:3) controlled Arabian trade routes. The phrase "many isles" (iyyim rabbim) likely means "coastlands" or "distant shores" rather than literal islands, emphasizing geographic extent. They brought thee for a present horns of ivory and ebony (בְּקַרְנוֹת שֵׁן וְהָבְנִים, beqarnot shen vehavnim)—qarnot shen ("horns of tooth," i.e., elephant tusks) and hovnim (ebony wood) were luxury goods from Africa/India. The term "present" (eshkar) can mean tribute, suggesting vassal-like economic submission to Tyre.

These exotic luxuries—ivory for decorative inlay, ebony for fine furniture—represent consumer culture at its peak. Yet God values simple obedience over ornate offerings (1 Samuel 15:22). Solomon's throne had ivory (1 Kings 10:18), but led to spiritual compromise. Tyre's judgment warns that economic empires built on luxury consumption will be stripped bare (Revelation 18:12-14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dedan was a major Arabian trading center controlling caravan routes from southern Arabia and East Africa. Archaeological discoveries at Dedan (modern Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia) confirm its commercial importance. Ivory came primarily from African and Indian elephants, highly prized throughout the ancient world for decorative art. Ebony (likely from tropical Africa or India) was rare and valuable for fine woodworking. The tribute-trade relationship suggests Tyre's economic dominance created quasi-imperial relationships without formal political control. By Ezekiel's time (586 BC), Tyre's commercial network extended from Arabia to the African coast.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does luxury consumption (ancient ivory/ebony, modern equivalents) exploit distant peoples and resources while feeding pride?
  2. What is the difference between enjoying God's gifts and building identity/status on exotic luxuries?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּנֵ֤י1 of 12

“The men”

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

דְדָן֙2 of 12

“of Dedan”

H1719

dedan, the name of two cushites and of their territory

רֹֽכְלַ֔יִךְ3 of 12

“were thy merchants”

H7402

to travel for trading

אִיִּ֥ים4 of 12

“isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

רַבִּ֖ים5 of 12

“many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

סְחֹרַ֣ת6 of 12

“were the merchandise”

H5506

traffic

יָדֵ֑ךְ7 of 12

“of thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

קַרְנ֥וֹת8 of 12

“horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

שֵׁן֙9 of 12

“of ivory”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

וְהָובְנִ֔ים10 of 12

“and ebony”

H1894

ebony

הֵשִׁ֖יבוּ11 of 12

“they brought”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶשְׁכָּרֵֽךְ׃12 of 12

“thee for a present”

H814

a gratuity

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 27:15 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 27:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 10:22Revelation 18:12Genesis 10:7Ezekiel 27:20Jeremiah 25:231 Chronicles 1:9

Places in This Verse

DedanSettlement · Modern: Al Khuraybah · 26.65°N, 37.92°E7 verses across 3 books
Rhodes 2Island · Modern: Rhodes · 36.44°N, 28.21°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Ezekiel 27 →

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