King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 28:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 28:5 in the King James Version says “By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy rich...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: thy great: Heb. the greatness of thy wisdom”

Ezekiel 28:5 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

3

Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:

4

With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures:

5

By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: thy great: Heb. the greatness of thy wisdom

6

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;

7

Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Read Ezekiel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches continues crediting human commercial skill. And thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches identifies the spiritual result—pride. Riches produce pride unless counterbalanced by humility and acknowledgment of God's grace. Wealth convinces us we're self-sufficient, capable, deserving. Unless we actively resist, prosperity breeds arrogance. The phrase heart is lifted up pictures pride's upward trajectory—away from God, toward self-exaltation. Downward humility acknowledges dependence; upward pride proclaims independence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tyre's wealth was immense, and its king's lifestyle reflected that wealth. Prosperity easily produces the illusion of self-sufficiency—when we have everything we need, we forget our need for God. This spiritual danger of wealth appears throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 19:23-24). Tyre demonstrates the pattern: commercial success → pride → judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does wealth breed pride and self-sufficiency?
  2. What practices help us maintain humility despite prosperity?
  3. Why is spiritual poverty often easier to manage than material wealth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּרֹ֧ב1 of 8

“By thy great”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

חָכְמָתְךָ֛2 of 8

“wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

בִּרְכֻלָּתְךָ֖3 of 8

“and by thy traffick”

H7404

trade (as peddled)

הִרְבִּ֣יתָ4 of 8

“hast thou increased”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

בְּחֵילֶֽךָ׃5 of 8

“because of thy riches”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ6 of 8

“is lifted up”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

לְבָבְךָ֖7 of 8

“and thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

בְּחֵילֶֽךָ׃8 of 8

“because of thy riches”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

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 28:5 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 28:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 62:10Psalms 52:7Ezekiel 28:2Hosea 13:6Proverbs 11:28Hosea 12:7-8

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