King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 27:36 Mean?

Ezekiel 27:36 in the King James Version says “The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more . a terror: Heb. ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 27:36 · KJV

Context

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

Read Ezekiel 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more—The final verse: סֹחֲרִים בָּעַמִּים (sōḥărîm bāʿammîm, 'traders among the peoples') שָׁרְקוּ עָלָיִךְ (shārĕqû ʿālayik, 'hiss at you'). The verb שָׁרַק (shāraq) indicates shocked derision, a hissing sound expressing horror and contempt (1 Kings 9:8, Jeremiah 19:8).

Thou shalt be a terror—בַּלָּהוֹת הָיִית (ballāhôt hāyît, 'terrors you have become'), an object lesson of judgment. And never shalt be any more—וְאֵינֵךְ עַד־עוֹלָם (wĕʾênēkh ʿad-ʿôlām, 'and you are not until eternity'). This concludes the extended lament (chapters 26-28) with finality: Tyre's commercial glory is permanently ended. Those who profited from her trade now mock her—fair-weather friends revealed when prosperity ends. The chapter warns against building identity on economic achievement, participating in systems built on pride, or trusting wealth for security. Only God's kingdom endures; all else is vapor (James 4:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel 26-28 was written circa 586 BC. Babylon besieged Tyre 585-573 BC. Alexander destroyed it completely 332 BC. By Roman times, Tyre was a minor port. Today, it's a small Lebanese city with ancient ruins—literally 'a terror and never shall be any more' as a commercial empire. The prophecy's fulfillment over centuries demonstrates God's sovereignty over history.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do those who profited from a system mock it when it falls?
  2. What does Tyre becoming 'a terror'—a cautionary example—teach subsequent generations?
  3. How should believers invest their lives to avoid Tyre's fate of building on temporal foundations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
סֹֽחֲרִים֙1 of 9

“The merchants”

H5503

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

בָּ֣עַמִּ֔ים2 of 9

“among the people”

H5971

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

שָׁרְק֖וּ3 of 9

“shall hiss”

H8319

properly, to be shrill, i.e., to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)

עָלָ֑יִךְ4 of 9
H5921

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

בַּלָּה֣וֹת5 of 9

“at thee thou shalt be a terror”

H1091

alarm; hence, destruction

הָיִ֔ית6 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וְאֵינֵ֖ךְ7 of 9
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עַד8 of 9

“and never shalt be any more”

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃9 of 9
H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 27:36 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 27:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 18:16Zephaniah 2:15Psalms 37:36Jeremiah 19:8Ezekiel 26:21Psalms 37:10

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