Ezekiel 26:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 26:6 mean?

Ezekiel 26:6 says that the “daughters” of Tyre—meaning the smaller towns or settlements around the main city—will be killed by invading armies, and through this, people will realize that the God of Israel is truly the LORD. The verse is part of a prophecy describing the destruction that will come upon Tyre and its surrounding areas.

In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to the city of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy port city. The “daughters” refers to nearby villages or dependent towns, and “in the field” means those outside the city walls, more vulnerable to attack. The verse emphasizes that the coming devastation will be so complete that survivors and witnesses will recognize God’s power and authority.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 26:6

• בָּנוֹת (banot, “daughters”): This word often refers to smaller towns or villages connected to a main city, not literal daughters. Here, it points to the outlying communities around Tyre, showing that the destruction will reach beyond the city itself.
• שָׂדֶה (sadeh, “field”): This term means open country or land outside city walls. Its use highlights the vulnerability of settlements not protected by Tyre’s strong defenses.
• יָדַע (yada, “know”): This verb means more than intellectual knowledge; it often carries the sense of recognizing or acknowledging something as true. In this context, it stresses that the events will lead people to acknowledge the LORD’s identity and power.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): This is the personal name of the God of Israel, underscoring that the coming judgment is not random but directed by the God Ezekiel represents.

Why Ezekiel 26:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that the prophecy is not just about Tyre’s main city but also its surrounding communities, showing the wide reach of the coming judgment.
• By saying “they shall know that I am the LORD,” the verse connects to a major theme in Ezekiel: God’s actions in history are meant to reveal His identity and authority to all people.
• The detail about “in the field” reminds readers that those outside the city’s protection are especially at risk, highlighting the thoroughness of the predicted destruction.