Ezekiel 27:33
When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.
Original Language Analysis
בְּצֵ֤את
went forth
H3318
בְּצֵ֤את
went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
עִזְבוֹנַ֙יִךְ֙
When thy wares
H5801
עִזְבוֹנַ֙יִךְ֙
When thy wares
Strong's:
H5801
Word #:
2 of 12
trade, i.e., the place (mart) or the payment (revenue)
מִיַּמִּ֔ים
out of the seas
H3220
מִיַּמִּ֔ים
out of the seas
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
3 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
הִשְׂבַּ֖עַתְּ
thou filledst
H7646
הִשְׂבַּ֖עַתְּ
thou filledst
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
4 of 12
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
עַמִּ֣ים
people
H5971
עַמִּ֣ים
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 12
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
וּמַ֣עֲרָבַ֔יִךְ
and of thy merchandise
H4627
וּמַ֣עֲרָבַ֔יִךְ
and of thy merchandise
Strong's:
H4627
Word #:
9 of 12
traffic; by implication, mercantile goods
Historical Context
Tyre's island location made it nearly impregnable to ancient siege warfare. It resisted Assyrian king Shalmaneser V for five years (724-720 BC) and Nebuchadnezzar for thirteen years (585-573 BC). Many doubted Tyre could fall. Yet Alexander the Great destroyed it in 332 BC by building a causeway from mainland to island—a feat considered impossible. The rhetorical question proved ironic: Tyre's uniqueness made her fall more stunning.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern powers seem 'like Tyre'—too established to fall?
- How does human shock at judgment reveal our false confidence in worldly security?
- What does Tyre's uniqueness-turned-vulnerability teach about pride?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?—The rhetorical question מִי כְצוֹר כַּדּוּמָה בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם (mî khĕṣôr kaddûmāh bĕthôkh hayyām, 'who is like Tyre, like the silenced in the midst of the sea?') uses דּוּמָה (dûmāh, 'silence/desolation'), suggesting Tyre's voice is stilled forever.
This echoes laments over Babylon ('who is like Babylon?'—Revelation 18:18) and represents humanity's astonishment when seemingly invincible powers fall. Tyre appeared impregnable: island fortress, commercial dominance, wealth beyond measure. Yet God silenced her. The question highlights not just Tyre's uniqueness but the shock of her destruction—if mighty Tyre can fall, no human achievement is secure. Only God's kingdom is unshakable (Hebrews 12:27-28).