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;
Original Language Analysis
וְֽיָרְד֞וּ
shall come down
H3381
וְֽיָרְד֞וּ
shall come down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 12
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
כֹּ֚ל
H3605
כֹּ֚ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י
And all that handle
H8610
תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י
And all that handle
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
4 of 12
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיָּ֑ם
of the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֑ם
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
9 of 12
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Historical Context
Tyre's maritime dominance lasted over 1,000 years. Phoenician ships reached Britain for tin, circumnavigated Africa, and established Carthage. Tyrian purple dye and cedar wood were legendary. The city's commercial network spanned the known world (27:12-24). When Babylon besieged Tyre (585-573 BC), this economic empire began its collapse.
Questions for Reflection
- How do economic empires built on pride eventually face God's judgment?
- What does the image of sailors abandoning ships teach about the instability of worldly wealth?
- How does Revelation 18's echo of this passage apply to modern commercial powers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships—The lament for Tyre continues from verse 1. Those who תֹּפְשֵׂי מָשׁוֹט (tōphĕśê māshôṭ, 'handle the oar'), the חֹבְלִים (ḥōbĕlîm, 'sailors'), and כֹּל חֹבְלֵי הַיָּם (kōl ḥōbĕlê hayyām, 'all pilots of the sea') abandon ship.
This vivid imagery depicts maritime professionals—whose livelihood depends on sailing—leaving their vessels to stand on shore. It's an unnatural act, signaling the end of seafaring itself. When Tyre, the ancient world's commercial hub, falls, international trade collapses. Those who profited from Tyre's wealth watch helplessly as their economic system crumbles. Revelation 18:17-19 echoes this passage in describing Babylon's fall, showing the pattern of commercial empire collapse continues throughout history.