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 27:3KJVWhat does Ezekiel 27:3 mean?
Ezekiel 27:3 records God’s message to the city of Tyre, describing it as a proud trading city at the entrance to the sea, known for dealing with many distant peoples, and boasting about its perfect beauty. The verse highlights Tyre’s self-confidence and its important role as a center of commerce among many nations.
In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to speak directly to Tyre (called “Tyrus” in the King James Version). Tyre was a wealthy port city on the Mediterranean coast, famous for its trade with many islands and peoples. The verse sets the stage for a prophecy about Tyre’s pride and coming judgment, focusing on how the city saw itself as flawless and beautiful.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 27:3
- תִּרֹס (Tyrus, transliterated "Tsor"): This is the Hebrew name for Tyre, the city being addressed. Its mention emphasizes that the prophecy is directed at a specific, well-known trading power.
- יֹשֶׁבֶת (situate, transliterated "yoshevet"): This word means “dwelling” or “situated,” highlighting Tyre’s strategic location at the “entry of the sea,” which made it a gateway for trade.
- רֹכֶלֶת (merchant, transliterated "rokhelet"): This term refers to a trader or merchant, underlining Tyre’s identity as a commercial hub dealing with “many isles” or distant lands.
- כָּלִיל (perfect, transliterated "kalil"): This word means “complete” or “perfect,” and here it describes Tyre’s boast about its own beauty, showing the city’s pride and self-image.
Why Ezekiel 27:3 matters
- Ezekiel 27:3 helps clarify that Tyre’s strength and reputation came from its position as a major trading port, not from military power or territory.
- The verse reveals Tyre’s pride, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters—God is addressing not just Tyre’s actions, but its attitude.
- Understanding this verse gives context to the rest of Ezekiel 27, which uses the image of a beautiful ship to describe Tyre’s rise and eventual fall, making the city’s self-confidence an important setup for the coming prophecy.