King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:34 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:34 in the King James Version says “In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.”

Ezekiel 27:34 · King James Version

Context

32

And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?

33

When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.

34

In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.

35

All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in their countenance.

36

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more . a terror: Heb. terrors never: Heb. shalt not be for ever

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people—Tyre's commercial reach: עִזְבוֹנַיִךְ (ʿizbônayik, 'your merchandise') מִיַּמִּים (miyyammîm, 'from the seas') הִשְׂבַּעַתְּ עַמִּים רַבִּים (hisbaʿat ʿammîm rabbîm, 'satisfied many peoples'). The verb שָׂבַע (sābaʿ, 'to be satisfied/filled') suggests Tyre provided abundance.

Thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise—Tyre's wealth enriched monarchs: הֶעֱשַׁרְתְּ מַלְכֵי־אָרֶץ (heʿeshartĕ malkhê-ʾāreṣ, 'you made rich the kings of earth'). But wealth without worship, commerce without covenant, produces judgment. Tyre's error was self-sufficiency (28:2—'thou hast said, I am a God'). Prosperity became pride, trade became trust, wealth replaced worship. Her riches couldn't save her—highlighting that material abundance, while potentially good, becomes idolatrous when divorced from acknowledging God as ultimate provider (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre's commercial catalog (27:12-24) shows trade in silver, iron, tin, lead, slaves, horses, ivory, ebony, wine, wool, spices, gold, precious stones—virtually everything valuable in the ancient world. Kings relied on Tyrian goods and expertise. Solomon used Tyrian craftsmen for the temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). But this economic power bred spiritual pride that demanded judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can economic prosperity become spiritual poison if it leads to self-sufficiency?
  2. What is the difference between stewarding wealth for God's glory and trusting wealth as security?
  3. How should believers relate to commerce and wealth in light of Tyre's example?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עֵ֛ת1 of 10

“In the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

נִשְׁבֶּ֥רֶת2 of 10

“when thou shalt be broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

מִיַּמִּ֖ים3 of 10

“by the seas”

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

בְּמַֽעֲמַקֵּי4 of 10

“in the depths”

H4615

a deep

מָ֑יִם5 of 10

“of the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מַעֲרָבֵ֥ךְ6 of 10

“thy merchandise”

H4627

traffic; by implication, mercantile goods

וְכָל7 of 10
H3605

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

קְהָלֵ֖ךְ8 of 10

“and all thy company”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

בְּתוֹכֵ֥ךְ9 of 10

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

נָפָֽלוּ׃10 of 10

“of thee shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

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 27:34 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 27:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 27:26-27Zechariah 9:3-4Ezekiel 26:19-21Ezekiel 26:12-15

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