King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:3 in the King James Version says “And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty. of perfect: Heb. perfect of beauty

Ezekiel 27:3 · KJV


Context

1

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

2

Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

3

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty. of perfect: Heb. perfect of beauty

4

Thy borders are in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty. midst: Heb. heart

5

They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee. made: Heb. built


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea describes Tyre's geographic position—controlling Mediterranean access from the Levantine coast. Which art a merchant of the people for many isles identifies Tyre's commercial role as middleman for island and coastal trade. Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty quotes Tyre's self-assessment. Perfect beauty indicates pride in appearance, wealth, and sophistication. Pride in beauty—whether physical, cultural, or economic—precedes judgment. Self-proclaimed perfection blinds to need for God. Tyre's commercial success produced arrogant self-sufficiency, forgetting that all prosperity comes from God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre's position on an island just offshore made it nearly impregnable while controlling crucial Mediterranean trade routes. The city grew immensely wealthy as a trading hub, developing a reputation for luxury, culture, and beauty. This prosperity produced the pride God judges. Commercial success without corresponding humility before God always leads to judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does commercial success breed pride and self-sufficiency?
  2. What beauty or perfection are we prideful about?
  3. Why does economic prosperity often distance us from God rather than draw us to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אָמַ֔רְתְּ1 of 21

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צ֕וֹר2 of 21

O Tyrus

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

הַיֹּשֶׁ֙בֶת֙י3 of 21

O thou that art situate

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל4 of 21
H5921

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

מְבוֹאֹ֣ת5 of 21

at the entry

H3997

a haven

יָ֔ם6 of 21

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

רֹכֶ֙לֶת֙7 of 21

which art a merchant

H7402

to travel for trading

הָֽעַמִּ֔ים8 of 21

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶל9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִיִּ֖ים10 of 21

isles

H339

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

רַבִּ֑ים11 of 21

for many

H7227

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

כֹּ֤ה12 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֔רְתְּ13 of 21

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י14 of 21

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה15 of 21
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צ֕וֹר16 of 21

O Tyrus

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

אַ֣תְּ17 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אָמַ֔רְתְּ18 of 21

And say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֖י19 of 21
H589

i

כְּלִ֥ילַת20 of 21

I am of perfect

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

יֹֽפִי׃21 of 21

beauty

H3308

beauty


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 27:3 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 27:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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