Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

EZEKIEL 28:14KJV
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Ezekiel 28:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 28:14 mean?

Ezekiel 28:14 describes a figure called the "anointed cherub that covereth," who was placed by God on the holy mountain and moved among "stones of fire." The verse uses grand, symbolic language to picture someone with a special, exalted role in God's presence, set apart and given authority.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the ruler of Tyre, but the language shifts to describe this ruler in terms that go beyond any ordinary human. The verse draws on imagery of a cherub—an angelic being—suggesting a high position and closeness to God. The "holy mountain of God" and "stones of fire" are symbols of God's dwelling and glory, emphasizing the honor and responsibility once given to this figure.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 28:14

  • "anointed" (מִמְשַׁח, mimshach): This word means chosen or set apart by God for a special purpose, highlighting the unique status of the cherub in the verse.
  • "cherub" (כְּרוּב, keruv): Refers to a powerful angelic being often associated with guarding sacred spaces, which underlines the importance and authority of the one described.
  • "covereth" (סָכַךְ, sakhakh): This word means to cover or protect, suggesting a role of guarding or sheltering something precious in God's presence.
  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): Means set apart or sacred, reinforcing that the mountain is not just any place, but God's own dwelling.
  • "stones" (אֶבֶן, even) and "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): These words together evoke images of brilliance, purity, and perhaps danger, hinting at the awe-inspiring environment around God's throne.

Why Ezekiel 28:14 matters

  • The verse uses language that goes beyond a normal king, hinting at deeper spiritual realities and possibly drawing on the story of a fall from a high position.
  • Understanding the original terms helps clarify that the passage is not just about earthly power, but about a unique, divinely appointed role that was lost.
  • The verse connects to the wider chapter, where Ezekiel is warning the king of Tyre about pride and downfall, using this grand imagery to show how far someone can fall from a place of honor.

Where else these words appear

“covereth” Hebrew H5526 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
  • 1 Kings 8:7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
  • Psalms 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

“cherub” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.