Ezekiel 28:3
Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:
Original Language Analysis
חָכָ֛ם
Behold thou art wiser
H2450
חָכָ֛ם
Behold thou art wiser
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
2 of 8
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
מִדָּֽנִאֵ֑ל
than Daniel
H1840
מִדָּֽנִאֵ֑ל
than Daniel
Strong's:
H1840
Word #:
4 of 8
daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סָת֖וּם
there is no secret
H5640
סָת֖וּם
there is no secret
Strong's:
H5640
Word #:
6 of 8
to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret
Cross References
Daniel 1:20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.Daniel 2:22He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Job 15:8Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?1 Kings 10:3And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.
Historical Context
Daniel was already famous by this time for interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and demonstrating supernatural wisdom. The king of Tyre (likely Ithobaal III) had achieved commercial success through intelligent trade management. But comparing commercial cleverness to Daniel's divine wisdom is ludicrous—the sarcasm exposes the king's absurd self-assessment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we mistake worldly success for true wisdom?
- What's the difference between shrewdness and wisdom?
- Why does commercial or tactical intelligence often produce pride rather than humility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel sarcastically compares the king of Tyre to Daniel, famous for wisdom. No secret that they can hide from thee claims omniscience. This is obvious sarcasm—the king thinks himself all-knowing. Pride inflates self-assessment beyond reality. The king believes his commercial success proves superior intelligence. But worldly success doesn't equal wisdom. The fear of the LORD is wisdom's beginning (Proverbs 9:10); without it, all human cleverness is folly. Tyre's king mistook shrewdness for wisdom, tactical skill for true understanding.