King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:24 in the King James Version says “These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bou...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise. all: or, excellent things clothes: Heb. foldings”

Ezekiel 27:24 · KJV

Context

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.

24

These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among thy merchandise. all: or, excellent things clothes: Heb. foldings

25

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.

26

Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas. midst: Heb. heart

Read Ezekiel 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These were thy merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar (בִּגְלוֹמֵי תְכֵלֶת וְרִקְמָה וּבְגִנְזֵי בְּרֹמִים, biglomei tekhelet veriqmah uvginzei beromim)—The tekhelet (purple-blue dye) came from murex shellfish, requiring thousands of mollusks for a single garment, making it a royal color (Numbers 15:38). Riqmah (embroidered work) indicates skilled artisan labor. "Chests of rich apparel bound with cords, made of cedar" (בַּחֲבָלִים חֲבֻשִׁים וַאֲרֻזִים, bachavalim chavushim va'aruzim) describes luxury storage—cedar-lined treasure chests bound with ropes, preserving expensive textiles.

This verse concludes the extensive trade catalog (27:12-24) by emphasizing variety ("all sorts of things") and luxury. Yet verse 25 immediately shifts: "The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas." Glory without God leads to the destruction prophesied in verses 26-36.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The purple dye industry was Phoenicia's most famous export—the name "Phoenician" derives from Greek phoinix (purple). Archaeological sites along the Lebanese coast show massive murex shell middens. Cedar from Lebanon was prized throughout the ancient world for its durability and pleasant scent (1 Kings 5). The binding cords and cedar chests represent the pinnacle of luxury goods preservation in the ancient world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed description of Tyre's luxury trade warn against measuring success by accumulation of "all sorts of things" rather than by faithfulness to God?
  2. What purple garments or cedar chests—symbols of status and security—are you tempted to trust in instead of God's provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
הֵ֤מָּה1 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רֹכְלַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 12

“These were thy merchants”

H7402

to travel for trading

בְּמַכְלֻלִ֔ים3 of 12

“in all sorts”

H4360

something perfect, i.e., a splendid garment

בִּגְלוֹמֵי֙4 of 12

“clothes”

H1545

clothing (as wrapped)

תְּכֵ֣לֶת5 of 12

“of things in blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְרִקְמָ֔ה6 of 12

“and broidered work”

H7553

variegation of color; specifically, embroidery

וּבְגִנְזֵ֖י7 of 12

“and in chests”

H1595

treasure; by implication, a coffer

בְּרֹמִ֑ים8 of 12

“of rich apparel”

H1264

damask (stuff of variegated thread)

בַּחֲבָלִ֧ים9 of 12

“with cords”

H2256

ruin

חֲבֻשִׁ֛ים10 of 12

“bound”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וַאֲרֻזִ֖ים11 of 12

“and made of cedar”

H729

of cedar

בְּמַרְכֻלְתֵּֽךְ׃12 of 12

“among thy merchandise”

H4819

a mart

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 27:24 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 27:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 2:8

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