Ezekiel 28 11

Ezekiel 28:11 kjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 28:11 nkjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Ezekiel 28:11 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 28:11 esv

Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 28:11 nlt

Then this further message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 28 verses

Ezekiel 28 11 Meaning

Ezekiel 28:11 serves as a pivotal introductory prophetic formula, clearly indicating a fresh, direct, and authoritative divine communication from YHWH, the covenant God, to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse marks the beginning of a new oracle within the broader pronouncements against Tyre, transitioning from judgment on its human ruler to a deeper, more profound lament concerning a powerful figure associated with Tyre's ultimate pride and fall, thereby setting the stage for the highly symbolic message that immediately follows.

Ezekiel 28 11 Context

Ezekiel was a prophet active during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). His prophecies primarily addressed the idolatry, apostasy, and impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, followed by messages of hope and restoration. Chapter 28 of Ezekiel focuses on Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city known for its maritime trade, wealth, and profound arrogance. Earlier verses (Ezekiel 28:1-10) directly condemn the "prince of Tyre" for his excessive pride, believing himself to be a god due to his wisdom and prosperity. Verse 11 introduces a shift. While still directed towards Tyre, the subsequent oracle (Ezekiel 28:12-19) uses language that describes a being far greater than any mere human king, one who was "the seal of perfection," "in Eden," and "the anointed cherub." This introduction sets up an oracle of cosmic significance, leading many to interpret it as having a double reference: the human king of Tyre and a deeper, primeval figure of spiritual rebellion, often associated with Satan's fall. The repeated formula, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me," ensures the audience understands that this powerful and complex message is unequivocally from God Himself.

Ezekiel 28 11 Word analysis

• Moreover: Signifies a continuation but also an introduction of a new or additional point within a larger discourse. Here, it marks a fresh segment of revelation, building upon the previous oracle but with a distinct emphasis or scope. It signals progression in God's divine address.

• the word: (Hebrew: dāḇār, דָּבָר). This is much more than mere vocal sound; it denotes a divine utterance, a command, an event, a message, or a matter. God's dāḇār is dynamic, effective, and inherently powerful. It is His revealed will, capable of creating and fulfilling.

• of the LORD: (Hebrew: YHWH, יהוה). This refers to God's sacred, covenantal personal name, emphasizing His unique and authoritative identity. It underscores that the message originates from the sovereign God who actively relates to His creation and His chosen people, possessing ultimate power and knowledge.

• came: (Hebrew: hāyāh, הָיָה). Literally "came to be" or "happened." It implies an active, dynamic, and direct manifestation or intervention of God's revelation, not merely a subjective thought of the prophet. It signifies God initiating communication, directly entering Ezekiel's experience.

• unto me: (Hebrew: elay, אֵלַי). Explicitly identifies the recipient of the divine message as Ezekiel himself. This establishes Ezekiel's personal, direct commission and authenticates his role as YHWH's appointed messenger. It underlines the intimate nature of the prophetic experience.

• saying: (Hebrew: lēʼmōr, לֵאמֹר). This particle characteristically introduces the exact content of the preceding statement. It indicates that what follows is the verbatim utterance or the precise message communicated by the Lord, ensuring fidelity and accuracy in its transmission by the prophet.

• "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying": This entire phrase forms a standard, critical prophetic oracle formula found throughout the Hebrew Bible. It serves multiple purposes:

  • Divine Origin: It explicitly attributes the message that follows not to human ingenuity or observation, but directly to God.
  • Prophetic Authority: It validates the prophet's role as a genuine spokesman for God, establishing his mandate to deliver the message.
  • Truthfulness: It guarantees the message's authenticity and inerrancy, informing the audience that they are hearing God's direct voice.
  • Preparation: It signals to the listeners or readers that a significant divine pronouncement is about to unfold, one demanding careful attention and response.
  • Accountability: It holds both the prophet accountable for faithfully transmitting the message and the audience accountable for hearing and responding to it as God's very own words.

Ezekiel 28 11 Bonus section

• The repetitive nature of "the word of the LORD came unto me/him/them" across prophetic books reinforces the unwavering divine authority underlying the entire corpus of prophetic literature, marking it as God-breathed.
• This specific instance in Ezekiel 28:11 serves to punctuate a change in the divine address from the 'prince' of Tyre, a human leader, to the 'king' of Tyre (as introduced in the next verse), which is widely interpreted as a dual reference or an address to a powerful, non-human, spiritual entity influencing or embodied in the king, whose fall is rooted in an ancient pride and perfect origin. This transition emphasizes a theological deepening in the prophecy, pointing towards an ultimate adversary behind earthly arrogance.
• Such prophetic formulas implicitly act as a safeguard against false prophets who claimed divine revelation without direct commission. Ezekiel's persistent use solidifies his status as a true mouthpiece of YHWH in a period rife with spiritual uncertainty during the Babylonian exile.

Ezekiel 28 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 28:11, though brief, is immensely significant. It functions as the authoritative declaration that introduces one of the Bible's most profound and debated passages. By employing the unwavering prophetic formula, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," God Himself establishes the undeniable divine source and absolute authority for the lament that follows (Ezekiel 28:12-19). This is not mere human insight or speculation from Ezekiel, but direct, inerrant revelation. The verse emphasizes the initiative of YHWH and the authenticity of His prophet, thereby elevating the subsequent message beyond a simple historical condemnation of a city-state's king to a disclosure of deeper spiritual truths regarding pride, cosmic rebellion, and the origin of evil. It validates Ezekiel's ministry as the conduit for a message bearing eternal weight and consequence.