Ezekiel 26 11

Ezekiel 26:11 kjv

With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.

Ezekiel 26:11 nkjv

With the hooves of his horses he will trample all your streets; he will slay your people by the sword, and your strong pillars will fall to the ground.

Ezekiel 26:11 niv

The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets; he will kill your people with the sword, and your strong pillars will fall to the ground.

Ezekiel 26:11 esv

With the hoofs of his horses he will trample all your streets. He will kill your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground.

Ezekiel 26:11 nlt

His horsemen will trample through every street in the city. They will butcher your people, and your strong pillars will topple.

Ezekiel 26 verses

Ezekiel 26 11 Meaning

Ezekiel 26:11 vividly prophesies the complete and brutal devastation of the city of Tyre by its invading forces. It describes the physical destruction of the city's public spaces and structures, the violent slaughter of its inhabitants, and the literal downfall of its monumental symbols of strength and pride. This verse underscores the totality of God's judgment, indicating that no aspect of Tyre—its people, infrastructure, or power—would escape the impending desolation.

Ezekiel 26 11 Context

Ezekiel chapter 26 is a vivid prophecy against the wealthy and proud Phoenician city-state of Tyre. This specific chapter immediately follows a prophecy against Ammon (Ch. 25) and initiates a series of oracles against foreign nations. Tyre, an influential maritime power known for its extensive trade networks and strong fortifications, incurred God's judgment primarily for its malicious gloating over Jerusalem's destruction (Eze 26:2). Tyre saw Jerusalem's fall not as divine judgment but as an opportunity to expand its own trade without a major regional rival.

Verse 11 is part of a detailed prediction (Eze 26:7-12) of how Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, will orchestrate Tyre's destruction. The prophecy describes a multi-faceted assault: the building of siege works, the use of powerful military forces, and a brutal invasion culminating in the razing of the city, the killing of its people, and the plundering of its immense wealth. This verse specifically paints a picture of the destructive actions within the city walls after the initial breaches. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar besieged mainland Tyre for 13 years, fulfilling much of this prophecy. The subsequent destruction of the island city occurred later, notably under Alexander the Great, underscoring the enduring nature of God's word against the persistent pride of Tyre.

Ezekiel 26 11 Word analysis

• With the hoofs (בְּפַרְסוֹת - bə·phar·sōth): From the Hebrew word parsah, meaning "hoof." The use of the plural implies numerous animals, signifying a vast and overwhelming cavalry force. Hooves symbolize not only rapid movement but also destructive power as they strike and tread upon the ground.
• of his horses (סוּסָיו - sû·sāw): Sus (horse) denotes war horses, animals trained for battle and conquest. "His" refers specifically to Nebuchadnezzar (mentioned in v.7) and, by extension, the Babylonian army, renowned for its formidable chariotry and cavalry. The collective image of hooves of many horses conveys an unstoppable, trampling might.
• he will trample (יְבוֹסֵס - yə·ḇō·sês): From the root boos, meaning to "tread down," "trample," or "crush underfoot." This is a forceful and contemptuous action, not merely walking but demonstrating domination and complete subjugation. It implies a thorough, pervasive defilement and destruction of the city's ground.
• all your streets (כָּל־ חוּצוֹתָיִךְ - kāl ḥû·ṣō·w·ṯā·yik): Chutzot refers to open places, outside areas, and specifically the streets or public squares of a city. The inclusion of "all" (כָּל - kāl) emphasizes the totality of the devastation—no public space within Tyre would be untouched by the trampling invasion. This highlights a complete takeover and desecration of the city's public life.
• he will slay (יַהֲרֹג - yahărog): From harag, meaning "to kill," "slay," or "murder." It signifies a violent and intentional act of killing. The subject "he" again refers to the conquering king or his forces, portraying the army as agents of mass execution.
• your people (עַמֵּךְ - ‘am·mêḵ): ‘Am means "people," "nation," or "kin." This indicates the slaughter of the inhabitants of Tyre, encompassing all segments of the population. The judgment targets not just the city's infrastructure but its very population.
• with the sword (בַּחֶרֶב - ba·ḥe·reḇ): Chereb means "sword," the primary weapon of warfare in ancient times, symbolizing brutal, close-quarters combat and swift, violent death. The method of slaying underscores the harsh, military nature of the judgment.
• and your strong pillars (וּמַצְּבוֹת עֻזֵּךְ - ū·maṣ·ṣə·ḇō·wṯ ‘uzzêḵ):
  • Pillars (matztzevat): Can refer to monumental columns, stelae, memorial stones, or even fortifications/foundations. In a city like Tyre, these would symbolize stability, strength, architectural grandeur, or even sacred, idolatrous objects.
  • Strong ('uzzekh): Meaning "strength," "might," "power," or "fortress." The pillars were a visible representation of Tyre's inherent might and resilience.The phrase implies that the very symbols and sources of Tyre's confidence and power would be dismantled.
• will fall to the ground (לָאָרֶץ יֵרֵדוּ - lā·’ā·reṣ yê·rê·ḏû): "To the ground they will go down." This signifies total collapse, humiliation, and eradication. Things that stood tall and represented power would be brought low, lying prostrate and powerless, mirroring the downfall of Tyre's pride.

Ezekiel 26 11 Bonus section

The fulfillment of the prophecies against Tyre, particularly Ezekiel 26, is a notable case study for biblical inerrancy and divine sovereignty. While Ezekiel specifies Nebuchadnezzar (King of Babylon) as the primary instrument for the mainland city's initial siege and devastation, elements of the prophecy regarding the total and lasting destruction, and the casting of its stones and timber into the sea (Eze 26:12), saw their complete fulfillment centuries later under Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Alexander, frustrated by the island city of Tyre's resistance, famously built a causeway from the mainland to the island, using the debris of the old mainland city, including its stones and timber, thereby literally fulfilling the prophecy of its being cast "into the midst of the waters." This layered fulfillment over time by different rulers demonstrates God's long-term plan and control over human history, proving the absolute reliability of His spoken word. The "he" in verse 11 can thus be interpreted as referring initially to Nebuchadnezzar and his immediate actions, yet prophetically extending to the eventual and ultimate instruments God would raise to complete Tyre's downfall.

Ezekiel 26 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 26:11 is a stark prophecy of Tyre's utter ruin, presented with graphic precision. The "hoofs of his horses" signify an overwhelming cavalry charge, designed to thoroughly subdue and defile the city. The act of "trampling" is one of extreme contempt and destruction, ensuring that every public artery of Tyre would feel the brunt of the conquest. This wasn't merely a strategic occupation but a humiliating and all-encompassing defacement.

The prophecy quickly escalates from urban desecration to mass casualty: "he will slay your people with the sword." This speaks to the brutal and indiscriminate violence inflicted upon the city's inhabitants. The instrument, the sword, emphasizes a bloody and personal encounter, signaling the complete loss of life and order. This specific detail underlines the total decimation of the Tyrian populace, not just their wealth or buildings.

Finally, "your strong pillars will fall to the ground" targets the very foundations and symbols of Tyre's pride and perceived invincibility. Whether architectural marvels, idolatrous monuments, or even key societal leaders represented by these "pillars of strength," their collapse signifies the shattering of Tyre's entire edifice—economic, social, religious, and political. This concise verse encapsulates a complete military victory and divine judgment against Tyre's arrogance and disregard for God's purposes in Judah.