Ezekiel 27 3

Ezekiel 27:3 kjv

And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty.

Ezekiel 27:3 nkjv

and say to Tyre, 'You who are situated at the entrance of the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coastlands, thus says the Lord GOD: "O Tyre, you have said, 'I am perfect in beauty.'

Ezekiel 27:3 niv

Say to Tyre, situated at the gateway to the sea, merchant of peoples on many coasts, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "?'You say, Tyre, "I am perfect in beauty."

Ezekiel 27:3 esv

and say to Tyre, who dwells at the entrances to the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coastlands, thus says the Lord GOD: "O Tyre, you have said, 'I am perfect in beauty.'

Ezekiel 27:3 nlt

that mighty gateway to the sea, the trading center of the world. Give Tyre this message from the Sovereign LORD: "You boasted, O Tyre,
'My beauty is perfect!'

Ezekiel 27 verses

Ezekiel 27 3 Meaning

Ezekiel 27:3 initiates a divine lament against Tyre, precisely identifying it by its defining characteristics: its strategically critical geographical location and its extensive global commerce. The verse emphasizes Tyre's prominent role as a gateway controlling access to maritime trade routes ("entry of the sea") and its identity as a primary international "merchant of the peoples," whose trading influence extended to "many coastlands." This opening declaration is underscored by the authoritative prophetic formula, "Thus says the Lord GOD," establishing that the subsequent detailed prophecy of Tyre's rise and dramatic downfall is a direct revelation from the sovereign God.

Ezekiel 27 3 Context

Ezekiel chapter 27 is a highly descriptive lament, a funeral dirge for the city of Tyre, presented as if its destruction has already occurred. This particular verse (Ezekiel 27:3) initiates the direct address to Tyre, setting the stage for a detailed allegorical description of the city as a magnificent, opulent ship, perfectly crafted and manned, sailing the seas and dominating trade. The lament proceeds to describe Tyre's elaborate construction from exotic materials, its diverse crew and abundant merchandise from every known region, culminating in its dramatic shipwreck and downfall, causing dismay among all nations who profited from its commerce.

Within the broader book of Ezekiel, chapters 25-32 contain a series of divine oracles against foreign nations surrounding Israel (Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt). These prophecies serve multiple purposes: they affirm God's universal sovereignty, demonstrate that He judges all nations for their sin and pride, and offer a message of hope and reassurance to the exiled Israelites that their oppressors and arrogant neighbors will also face judgment. Tyre, with its immense wealth, pride, and perceived impregnability as an island city, serves as a powerful example of a nation trusting in its own might rather than acknowledging the Most High. Historically, Tyre was a dominant Phoenician city-state, a maritime trading empire famous for its purple dye, cedar wood, and extensive commercial network throughout the Mediterranean, establishing colonies across distant shores. The prophecy, given during the time of Judah's exile, addresses the city's self-assured prosperity and pride which often led to enmity towards Israel.

Ezekiel 27 3 Word analysis

• and say (וְאָמַרְתָּ, ve-'amarta): A direct command to the prophet, indicating that this message is divinely appointed and urgent. It emphasizes the active role of God in communicating judgment.

• to Tyre (לְצֹר, le'tzor): "To" identifies the direct recipient. Tyre (צוֹר, Tzor) means "rock," aptly describing its heavily fortified island location, yet ironically foreshadowing how this "rock" would be shattered.

• You who dwell (הַיֹּשֶׁבֶת, hayyoshevet): Feminine participle, personifying the city. It suggests a settled, dominant, and proud occupancy, a deep sense of belonging and ownership over its place.

• at the entry (עַל מְבוֹאֵי, al mevoh'ei): "At the entrance of." From the root bo (to come). The plural "entries" or singular "entry" used for a strategic choke-point emphasizes Tyre's critical position as a gateway and its control over vital shipping routes.

• of the sea (יָם, yam): Refers to the Mediterranean Sea. This clarifies Tyre's primary domain and source of power—its mastery of maritime commerce.

• merchant (רֹכֶלֶת, rokhelet): Feminine participle, central to Tyre's identity. From rakhal, "to travel about for trade." It highlights its primary occupation and its commercial character.

• of the peoples (הָעַמִּים, ha'ammim): Denotes its clientele. The definite article ("the") implies all known peoples, highlighting its widespread commercial interactions with various nations.

• for many (לְאִיִּים רַבִּים, le'iyyim rabbim): "To/for many." "Many" (רַבִּים, rabbim) quantifies the vastness of Tyre's reach.

• coastlands (אִיִּים, iyyim): Plural of i (coast, island). Broadens the scope beyond continents, underscoring Tyre's expansive trade routes to distant islands and shores across the Mediterranean.

• thus says (כֹּה אָמַר, koh amar): Standard prophetic formula, asserting divine origin and absolute authority of the message.

• the Lord (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): "Master," "Sovereign." Expresses God's absolute Lordship and control.

• GOD (יְהוִה, YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His unique personal relationship (with Israel) and His unchangeable, self-existent being. The combination "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) denotes the supreme, covenant-keeping God who is the ultimate sovereign over all creation and nations, contrasting with human arrogance.

• "You who dwell at the entry of the sea": This phrase succinctly describes Tyre's strategic location. It paints a picture of a dominant city positioned as a master gatekeeper over significant maritime trade routes. This geographical advantage was the cornerstone of its immense wealth and influence, feeding its pride.

• "merchant of the peoples for many coastlands": This full description captures the essence of Tyre's identity and global reach. It wasn't merely a city; it was an extensive commercial empire, a central hub connecting numerous diverse nations and distant lands through trade. This trading network defined its power and prosperity.

• "Thus says the Lord GOD": This concluding phrase firmly roots the entire subsequent prophecy in divine authority. It establishes that this is not human commentary but the immutable word of the omnipotent and sovereign God. Even the greatest human power is subject to His decrees and judgment.

Ezekiel 27 3 Bonus section

• Tyre's name, "Rock," serves as a stark foil to the Biblical portrayal of God as the true "Rock" of refuge and salvation (e.g., Ps 18:2, Deut 32:4). Tyre relied on its physical rock, but God is the unshakeable spiritual Rock.
• The meticulous detail that follows in Ezekiel 27, even starting with this specific and accurate characterization in verse 3, underscores God's complete and intimate knowledge of Tyre’s identity, its economy, and its pride. This detailed insight confirms the prophecy's authenticity and the precision of divine judgment.
• The Phoenicians, with Tyre as their leading city, were the ancient world's foremost seafarers and traders, pioneers in exploration and the establishment of trade colonies throughout the Mediterranean. This verse precisely captures and condenses that historical and cultural reality.
• The prophetic direct address "and say to Tyre, You who dwell..." is an act of divine confrontation. God is actively engaging with the world's powers, calling them to account, demonstrating that no nation exists outside His jurisdiction or can escape His prophetic declarations.

Ezekiel 27 3 Commentary

Ezekiel 27:3 lays the foundational identity of Tyre as presented by God—a commercial superpower. It pinpoints two core attributes: its pivotal strategic geography, literally positioned "at the entry of the sea," enabling it to dominate ancient maritime trade, and its comprehensive economic activity, serving as a global "merchant for many coastlands." The divine decree, "Thus says the Lord GOD," is crucial. It immediately asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over this seemingly impregnable and prosperous city. Tyre’s pride, born from its unparalleled success and geographical security, caused it to trust in its own strength and accumulated wealth. This verse, therefore, sets the thematic stage for the entire chapter: the subsequent lament is a divine deconstruction of Tyre’s self-reliant glory, illustrating that all earthly might and riches are transient and subject to the sovereign will of the one true God. Its unparalleled commerce and influence, though magnificent in human eyes, paradoxically became the very vehicle for its judgment.