Ezekiel 28:5
By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:
Original Language Analysis
בְּחֵילֶֽךָ׃
because of thy riches
H2428
בְּחֵילֶֽךָ׃
because of thy riches
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
5 of 8
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ
is lifted up
H1361
וַיִּגְבַּ֥הּ
is lifted up
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
6 of 8
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
Cross References
Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Psalms 62:10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.Ezekiel 28:2Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:Hosea 13:6According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Isaiah 5:21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Daniel 4:37Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Historical Context
Tyre's wealth was immense, and its king's lifestyle reflected that wealth. Prosperity easily produces the illusion of self-sufficiency—when we have everything we need, we forget our need for God. This spiritual danger of wealth appears throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Proverbs 30:8-9; Matthew 19:23-24). Tyre demonstrates the pattern: commercial success → pride → judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does wealth breed pride and self-sufficiency?
- What practices help us maintain humility despite prosperity?
- Why is spiritual poverty often easier to manage than material wealth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches continues crediting human commercial skill. And thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches identifies the spiritual result—pride. Riches produce pride unless counterbalanced by humility and acknowledgment of God's grace. Wealth convinces us we're self-sufficient, capable, deserving. Unless we actively resist, prosperity breeds arrogance. The phrase heart is lifted up pictures pride's upward trajectory—away from God, toward self-exaltation. Downward humility acknowledges dependence; upward pride proclaims independence.