Ezekiel 27:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 27:2 mean?

Ezekiel 27:2 is God’s instruction to Ezekiel, calling him to deliver a lament—a poetic expression of mourning—about the city of Tyre. The verse sets the stage for a message of sorrow over Tyre’s coming downfall.

God is speaking directly to Ezekiel, whom He often addresses as "son of man," and commands him to "take up a lamentation" for Tyre. Tyre was a wealthy, influential port city, and this verse introduces a prophetic message mourning its fate. The lament that follows in the chapter is meant to express deep grief over Tyre’s destruction, highlighting both its former glory and the tragedy of its loss.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 27:2

• בֵּן (ben, H1121): This word means "son" and is part of the phrase "son of man," a title God uses for Ezekiel. It emphasizes Ezekiel’s humanity and his role as a representative among people.
• אָדָם (adam, H120): Translated "man," this word pairs with "son" to form "son of man." It underscores Ezekiel’s connection to humankind, in contrast to the divine voice speaking to him.
• נָשָׂא (nasa, H5375): This verb means "take up" or "lift up." Here, it conveys the idea of Ezekiel actively voicing or proclaiming the lament, not just feeling sorrow privately.
• קִינָה (qinah, H7015): This word means "lamentation" or "dirge," a formal song of mourning. It signals that what follows is not just a warning but a poetic, emotional expression of grief.
• צוֹר (Tzor, H6865): This is the Hebrew name for Tyre, the city being mourned. Naming Tyre directly focuses the lament on a real, historical place with significance in the ancient world.

Why Ezekiel 27:2 matters

• Ezekiel 27:2 shows that God’s messages sometimes include expressions of grief, not just judgment, highlighting the seriousness and sadness of what is about to happen to Tyre.
• The use of a formal lamentation connects Tyre’s fate to the kinds of mourning usually reserved for people, emphasizing the city’s importance and the depth of its loss.
• This verse introduces a poetic section that contrasts Tyre’s former greatness with its coming ruin, helping readers understand the emotional and historical weight of the prophecy.