Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure.

EZEKIEL 26:18KJV
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Ezekiel 26:18 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 26:18 mean?

Ezekiel 26:18 says that when the city of Tyre falls, the islands and coastlands around the sea will be shaken and disturbed by its downfall. The verse pictures other distant places reacting with fear and alarm at Tyre’s destruction, recognizing the loss and the change it brings.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce judgment on Tyre, a powerful and wealthy city on the coast. Tyre’s fall would not just affect itself, but also the surrounding regions that depended on it for trade and security. The verse uses vivid language to show how far-reaching the impact of Tyre’s collapse would be.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 26:18

  • "isles" (אִי, ’iy): This word often means coastlands or distant shores, not just islands; it points to all the regions around the Mediterranean that traded with Tyre.
  • "tremble" (חָרַד, charad): This verb means to shake or be afraid, suggesting a deep sense of fear or shock among the neighboring peoples.
  • "troubled" (בָּהַל, bahal): This word means to be disturbed or alarmed, emphasizing the emotional and social upheaval caused by Tyre’s downfall.
  • "departure" (יָצָא, yatsa’): Literally "going out" or "exit," here it refers to Tyre’s removal or disappearance from its place of influence.

Why Ezekiel 26:18 matters

  • This verse shows that Tyre’s influence was so great that its fall would send shockwaves far beyond its own borders, highlighting its importance in the ancient world.
  • The reaction of the "isles" or coastlands helps readers see that God’s judgment on Tyre was not just local, but had international consequences for trade and alliances.
  • Understanding the original words clarifies that the verse is about widespread fear and disruption, not just a simple notice of Tyre’s end.

Where else these words appear

“fall” Hebrew H4658 · used in 8 verses

  • Judges 14:8 And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.
  • Ezekiel 26:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?
  • Ezekiel 31:13 Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:

“isles” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 25:22 And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,

“tremble” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 1 Samuel 28:5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
  • Jeremiah 46:27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.

“troubled” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 90:7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.