Ezekiel 28:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 28:3 mean?

Ezekiel 28:3 describes someone being called wiser than Daniel, with no secret hidden from them. The verse is highlighting the reputation for wisdom and insight that this person has, suggesting that nothing is beyond their understanding.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the ruler of Tyre, a powerful city-state. The verse uses the fame of Daniel—known for his wisdom and ability to interpret mysteries—as a benchmark, implying the ruler of Tyre sees himself as even greater. This sets up a tone of irony, as the surrounding verses show God is actually criticizing the ruler’s pride and self-confidence.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 28:3

• "wiser" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word means wise or skillful. Here, it is used to emphasize the ruler’s claimed intelligence, but the context suggests this is an exaggerated or self-given title.
• "Daniel" (דָּנִאֵל, Dāniʾēl): Refers to the biblical Daniel, famous for interpreting dreams and solving mysteries. Mentioning Daniel underlines how highly the ruler of Tyre thinks of himself.
• "secret" (סָתוּם, sāṯūm): This word means something hidden or mysterious. The verse says there is no secret that can be kept from the ruler, again stressing his supposed unmatched understanding.
• "hide" (סָתַם, sāṯam): This verb means to conceal or cover up. The phrase suggests that, in the ruler’s view, nothing can be kept from him—no matter how well it is hidden.

Why Ezekiel 28:3 matters

• Ezekiel 28:3 helps clarify that the ruler of Tyre is being compared to Daniel not to praise him, but to highlight his arrogance and self-deception.
• The verse is part of a larger passage where God exposes the pride of Tyre’s leader, showing that human wisdom has limits and is no match for God’s knowledge.
• Understanding the reference to Daniel and the language about secrets makes it clear that the verse is setting up a contrast between human claims and divine reality.