King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The men of Arvad with thine army [were] upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Men from Arvad and your own army were posted around on your walls. The Gamadim were in your towers; they hung their shields all around your walls, making your beauty perfect.
Berean Standard Bible:
Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.
American Standard Version:
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and valorous men were in thy towers; they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have perfected thy beauty.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The men{H1121} of Arvad{H719} with thine army{H2428} were upon thy walls{H2346} round about{H5439}, and the Gammadims{H1575} were in thy towers{H4026}: they hanged{H8518} their shields{H7982} upon thy walls{H2346} round about{H5439}; they have made{H3634} thy beauty{H3308} perfect{H3634}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Ezekiel 27:3
- And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, [which art] a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I [am] of perfect beauty.
Ezekiel 27:4
- Thy borders [are] in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.
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Commentary for Ezekiel 27:11
Ezekiel 27:11 is a verse from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, which contains the prophecies of the prophet Ezekiel. This particular verse is part of a larger lamentation over the city of Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city renowned for its wealth, commerce, and naval power. Tyre is personified in this chapter as a magnificent ship, and the lamentation mourns its downfall.
In the historical context, Tyre was a significant economic and political force in the ancient Near East, engaging in trade with many nations and cities, including Arvad, which was another Phoenician city-state known for its maritime prowess. The "men of Arvad" mentioned in the verse likely refers to warriors or mercenaries from Arvad who were part of Tyre's defense forces, stationed on its walls to protect the city.
The "Gammadims" is a term that has been subject to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that it refers to a class of warriors or defenders of Tyre, possibly from the island of Cyprus, which was known for its copper production (the Hebrew word for Cyprus, "Kittim," is etymologically related to the word "Gammadims"). Others propose that it might denote a group of skilled archers or even a type of shield or defensive structure.
The verse illustrates the extensive preparations Tyre had made for its defense, with soldiers and guards stationed strategically around the city. The hanging of shields on the walls was a common ancient practice to fortify a city against attack, and it also served as a display of strength and readiness to deter potential invaders.
The phrase "they have made thy beauty perfect" suggests that Tyre's defenses were so impressive and well-integrated into the city's architecture that they actually enhanced its aesthetic appeal. This reflects the pride Tyre took in its fortifications, which were not only functional but also symbolized the city's power and prosperity.
Overall, Ezekiel 27:11 captures the grandeur and confidence of Tyre at the height of its power, emphasizing the city's military preparedness and the alliances it had formed with other cities. However, the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy is a warning of the city's impending doom, as God declares judgment against Tyre for its pride and exploitation of other nations, ultimately leading to its destruction. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of human power and the biblical theme that hubris often precedes a fall.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1121
There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּן
Transliteration: bên
Pronunciation: bane
Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. - Strong's Number: H719
There are 150 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַרְוַד
Transliteration: ʼArvad
Pronunciation: ar-vad'
Description: probably from רוּד; a refuge for the roving; Arvad, an island-city of Palestine; Arvad. - Strong's Number: H2428
There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חַיִל
Transliteration: chayil
Pronunciation: khah'-yil
Description: from חוּל; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength; able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). - Strong's Number: H2346
There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חוֹמָה
Transliteration: chôwmâh
Pronunciation: kho-maw'
Description: feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection; wall, walled. - Strong's Number: H5439
There are 282 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סָבִיב
Transliteration: çâbîyb
Pronunciation: saw-beeb'
Description: or (feminine) סְבִיבָה; from סָבַב; (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around; (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. - Strong's Number: H1575
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גַּמָּד
Transliteration: gammâd
Pronunciation: gam-mawd'
Description: from the same as גֹּמֶד; a warrior (as grasping weapons); Gammadims. - Strong's Number: H4026
There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִגְדָּל
Transliteration: migdâl
Pronunciation: mig-dawl'
Description: also (in plural) feminine מִגְדָּלָה; from גָּדַל; a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers; castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. - Strong's Number: H8518
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּלָה
Transliteration: tâlâh
Pronunciation: taw-law'
Description: a primitive root; to suspend (especially to gibbet); hang (up). - Strong's Number: H7982
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁלֶט
Transliteration: sheleṭ
Pronunciation: sheh'-let
Description: from שָׁלַט; probably a shield (as controlling, i.e. protecting the person); shield. - Strong's Number: H3634
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּלַל
Transliteration: kâlal
Pronunciation: kaw-lal'
Description: a primitive root; to complete; (make) perfect. - Strong's Number: H3308
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יֳפִי
Transliteration: yŏphîy
Pronunciation: yof-ee'
Description: from יָפָה; beauty; beauty.