Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim.

EZEKIEL 27:6KJV
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Ezekiel 27:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 27:6 mean?

Ezekiel 27:6 describes how the people made oars for their ships from the strong oaks of Bashan and crafted benches from ivory brought by the Ashurites from the distant isles of Chittim. The verse highlights the use of rare and valuable materials in shipbuilding, showing the wealth and far-reaching trade connections of the city being described.

In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel is speaking a lament over the city of Tyre, addressing its people and describing their impressive trading ships. The verse paints a picture of luxury and craftsmanship, emphasizing how Tyre sourced the best materials from various regions, which reflected its status as a major trading power in the ancient world.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 27:6

  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan): This refers to a region known for its strong and valuable oak trees. Mentioning Bashan emphasizes the quality of the wood used for the oars.
  • אִיֵּי כִתִּים (isles of Chittim): "Chittim" often refers to distant western lands, possibly Cyprus or nearby islands, suggesting Tyre’s trade reached far-off places.
  • שֵׁן (ivory, transliterated here as שֵׁן but tagged as H8127): Ivory was a luxury item, and its use for ship benches shows the extravagance and wealth involved.
  • בְּנוֹת (company, transliterated as בְּנוֹת, tagged as H1323): This word literally means "daughters," but here it likely refers to groups or communities, possibly those associated with the Ashurites, involved in crafting or trading.

Why Ezekiel 27:6 matters

  • This verse helps readers see just how wealthy and interconnected Tyre was, sourcing materials from distant lands and using luxury goods even for practical items like ship benches.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which will contrast Tyre’s former glory with its coming downfall, making the loss even more striking.
  • Understanding the specific regions and materials mentioned gives insight into the historical context of ancient trade and the kinds of goods considered valuable at the time.

Where else these words appear

“oars” Hebrew H4880 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 27:29 And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;

“oaks” Hebrew H437 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 35:8 But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.
  • Isaiah 6:13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
  • Hosea 4:13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.

“Chittim” Hebrew H3794 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:7 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • Isaiah 23:12 And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

“benches” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
  • Exodus 36:27 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.