Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:

EZEKIEL 28:3KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“hide” Hebrew H6004 · used in 3 verses

  • Lamentations 4:1 How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.
  • Ezekiel 31:8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty.

“secret” Hebrew H5640 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 26:15 For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
  • Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

“Daniel” Hebrew H1840 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
  • Daniel 1:10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.
  • Daniel 9:22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

“wiser” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.