Ezekiel 27 16

Ezekiel 27:16 kjv

Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Ezekiel 27:16 nkjv

Syria was your merchant because of the abundance of goods you made. They gave you for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidery, fine linen, corals, and rubies.

Ezekiel 27:16 niv

"?'Aram did business with you because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple fabric, embroidered work, fine linen, coral and rubies for your merchandise.

Ezekiel 27:16 esv

Syria did business with you because of your abundant goods; they exchanged for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and ruby.

Ezekiel 27:16 nlt

"Syria sent merchants to buy your rich variety of goods. They traded turquoise, purple dyes, embroidery, fine linen, and jewelry of coral and rubies.

Ezekiel 27 verses

Ezekiel 27 16 Meaning

Tyre's strength and prosperity were built upon their seafaring trade. This verse describes the quality of their skilled craftsmen who fashioned their ships, bringing them immense wealth and influence. The phrase "perfect in beauty" refers to the masterful construction and elegant appearance of their vessels, which were a testament to their industry.

Ezekiel 27 16 Context

Ezekiel chapter 27 is a powerful oracle against the city of Tyre, a renowned maritime power known for its wealth, trade, and sophisticated craftsmanship. The chapter functions as an elaborate lament, detailing Tyre's past glory and foretelling its utter destruction by various nations, particularly Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. This verse specifically focuses on the artistry and quality of Tyre's fleet, which was the very foundation of its commercial empire. The prophetic context highlights that even the most advanced and beautiful creations of human hands are ultimately subject to divine judgment and brought low by God's decree.

Ezekiel 27 16 Word Analysis

• “And the skilled workmen”: Refers to the master artisans and craftsmen.

  • Hebrew: (ḥăkāmîm) - Means wise, skillful, clever, or expert. In this context, it signifies highly trained and accomplished builders.

• “of the ships”: Denotes those who constructed the vessels.

  • Hebrew: (’askellôṯ) - This word is plural, implying numerous shipwrights and their associated teams.

• “of the seas”: Highlights their specialization in maritime construction.

  • Hebrew: (mayîm) - Literally "waters," but here clearly contextually refers to the sea.

• “thy planks”: Refers to the timber used for building the ships.

  • Hebrew: (‘eqeš) - This word has variations in meaning, but in maritime contexts often relates to timbers or boards.

• “of Lebanon”: Indicates the source of high-quality timber.

  • Hebrew: (leḇānôn) - Lebanon, famous for its excellent cedar trees, renowned for their strength and resistance to decay.

• “were made”: Indicates they were manufactured or constructed.

  • Hebrew: (makeh) - Passive form suggesting the act of making or constructing.

• “by thee”: attributes the skill and execution to Tyre itself.

• “Thy masts”: The upright poles that supported the sails.

  • Hebrew: (mîṯrêḵ) - Pertains to the spars or poles of the ship.

• “of the firm”: Suggests strong, sturdy masts.

  • Hebrew: (’ô·rə·nîm) - Often translated as fir trees or pines, materials suitable for strong masts.

• “trees of Senir”: Identifies another source of strong timber.

  • Hebrew: (sînîr) - Senir, an ancient name for Mount Hermon, likely providing specific types of wood.

• “were brought”: Suggests procurement and transport of materials.

  • Hebrew: (he’ḇîr·ū) - "they brought" or "caused to be brought."

• Grouped Analysis: The verse collectively portrays Tyre's advanced shipbuilding capabilities, using the finest materials from renowned sources like Lebanon and Senir. The skill of their artisans is emphasized by the choice of strong timbers for masts, indicating a sophisticated understanding of naval architecture and engineering. This excellence in craftsmanship was a primary driver of their maritime dominance and wealth.

Ezekiel 27 16 Bonus Section

The lament over Tyre in Ezekiel 27, of which this verse is a part, serves as a vivid depiction of God's judgment against nations that become excessively proud and reliant on their own power and resources. The specific details about their ships and craftsmanship underscore the extent of their material success. The destruction prophesied for Tyre resonates with warnings against idolatry of material wealth and the abuse of power. Throughout scripture, maritime nations and their trading fleets are often symbolic of worldly systems that stand in opposition to God's kingdom, pointing towards eventual divine intervention and judgment upon such systems. The skill and materials mentioned are not inherently sinful, but they become objects of pride and self-sufficiency, which are against God's principles.

Ezekiel 27 16 Commentary

Tyre's prosperity was deeply tied to its exceptional craftsmanship in shipbuilding. The verse highlights the sophisticated skills of its artisans and the quality of materials they used, such as the cedars of Lebanon and the timbers from Senir (Mount Hermon). This mastery allowed them to construct powerful and beautiful ships, which served as the vessels for their vast trading network. The perfection of their ships is presented as a source of their pride and power. However, this human achievement is juxtaposed with the prophetic declaration of impending judgment, illustrating that worldly prowess, however impressive, is temporary and ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan. The focus on material excellence serves to emphasize the thoroughness of Tyre's eventual downfall, from its skilled workers to its finest ships.