King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 28:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 28:14 in the King James Version says “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast w...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.”

Ezekiel 28:14 · KJV

Context

12

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

13

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. sardius: or, ruby beryl: or, chrysolite emerald: or, chrysoprase

14

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

15

Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

16

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

Read Ezekiel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Continuing the description: 'Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.' The phrase 'anointed cherub that covereth' (kerub mimshach hasokek, כְּרוּב מִמְשַׁח הַסּוֹכֵךְ) describes a cherub with covering/protecting function, perhaps like the cherubim overshadowing the ark's mercy seat (Exodus 25:20). Being 'anointed' suggests consecration for special service. The 'holy mountain of God' recalls Sinai and Zion but transcends them, pointing to God's cosmic throne. The 'stones of fire' evoke the divine glory described in Ezekiel 1 and the sapphire pavement of Exodus 24:10. This being had intimate access to God's presence and walked among manifestations of divine glory. Yet privilege didn't prevent pride—nearness to God without humility breeds presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cherubim in Scripture guard sacred spaces and manifest God's holy presence (Genesis 3:24, Exodus 25:18-22, 1 Kings 6:23-28). They appear in Ezekiel's throne vision (Ezekiel 1, 10) as living creatures attending God's glory. If this passage describes Satan, he was originally among these exalted beings—not a mere angel but a cherub with special access and function. His fall demonstrates that position, beauty, wisdom, and even proximity to God don't guarantee faithfulness. The 'day of creation' to the point of being 'cast out' (verses 13-16) shows that created beings, however exalted, remain creatures who must choose continued submission to their Creator. Rebellion against God results in expulsion from His presence, regardless of original status.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this cherub's fall from intimate divine presence warn against presuming on spiritual privilege or knowledge?
  2. What does this passage teach about the necessity of humble dependence regardless of spiritual maturity or gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אַ֨תְּ1 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כְּר֔וּב2 of 13

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

מִמְשַׁ֖ח3 of 13

“Thou art the anointed”

H4473

outspread (i.e., with outstretched wings)

הַסּוֹכֵ֑ךְ4 of 13

“that covereth”

H5526

properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect

וּנְתַתִּ֗יךָ5 of 13

“and I have set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּהַ֨ר6 of 13

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קֹ֤דֶשׁ7 of 13

“thee so thou wast upon the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֱלֹהִים֙8 of 13

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָיִ֔יתָ9 of 13
H1961

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

בְּת֥וֹךְ10 of 13

“in the midst”

H8432

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

אַבְנֵי11 of 13

“of the stones”

H68

a stone

אֵ֖שׁ12 of 13

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

הִתְהַלָּֽכְתָּ׃13 of 13

“thou hast walked up and down”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 28:14 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 28:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 14:12-15Exodus 30:26Ezekiel 28:13Exodus 40:9Ezekiel 20:40Exodus 25:17-20

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Ezekiel 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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