King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:21 in the King James Version says “Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merc...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants. they occupied: Heb. they were the merchants of thy hand”

Ezekiel 27:21 · KJV

Context

19

Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market. going: or, Meuzal

20

Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots. precious: Heb. clothes of freedom

21

Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants. they occupied: Heb. they were the merchants of thy hand

22

The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

23

Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad, were thy merchants.

Read Ezekiel 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats (כָּרִים וְאֵילִים וְעַתּוּדִים, karim ve'elim ve'attudim)—Kedar was a powerful Bedouin confederation descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), controlling the Arabian desert trade routes. The three categories of livestock represent graduated quality and value: karim (young lambs for meat), elim (mature rams for breeding and sacrifice), and attudim (male goats, leaders of flocks).

Isaiah prophesied that Kedar's flocks would one day come to Jerusalem to honor Yahweh (Isaiah 60:7), transforming mere commercial exchange into worship. Here in Ezekiel, however, these same flocks serve Tyre's prideful self-glorification. The identical goods can serve either God's glory or human vanity—the critical difference lies in the heart's direction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Kedar dominated the Arabian peninsula from the 8th-6th centuries BC, mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions as fierce warriors and traders. Their black goat-hair tents were famous (Song of Solomon 1:5). Kedar's livestock trade with Tyre would have supplied animals for both food and religious sacrifices in the polytheistic temples of Phoenicia. The Nabataeans later displaced Kedar's commercial dominance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can the same resources (like Kedar's flocks) serve either God's glory or human pride depending on our motivations?
  2. What gifts or talents do you possess that could be redirected from self-serving pursuits to worshipful service of God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עֲרַב֙1 of 12

“Arabia”

H6152

arab (i.e., arabia), a country east of palestine

וְכָל2 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י3 of 12

“and all the princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

קֵדָ֔ר4 of 12

“of Kedar”

H6938

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

הֵ֖מָּה5 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

סֹחֲרָֽיִךְ׃6 of 12

“in these were they thy merchants”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

יָדֵ֑ךְ7 of 12

“with thee”

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

בְּכָרִ֤ים8 of 12

“in lambs”

H3733

a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)

וְאֵילִים֙9 of 12

“and rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

וְעַתּוּדִ֔ים10 of 12

“and goats”

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

בָּ֖ם11 of 12
H0
סֹחֲרָֽיִךְ׃12 of 12

“in these were they thy merchants”

H5503

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

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 27:21 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 27:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:7Genesis 25:131 Kings 10:151 Chronicles 1:29Isaiah 21:162 Chronicles 17:11

Places in This Verse

Arabia 1Region · Modern: Arabian Peninsula · 23.00°N, 46.00°E6 verses across 5 books
KedarPeople Group · Modern: Dumat al Jandal · 29.81°N, 39.87°E9 verses across 5 books
View all places in Ezekiel 27 →

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