Ezekiel 26:21

KJV

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will make {H5414} thee a terror {H1091}, and thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for {H1245}, yet shalt thou never {H5769} be found {H4672} again, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make you horrible; you will cease to exist. People will seek you but never more find you,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

I will make thee a terror, and thou shalt no more have any being; though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 26:21 delivers a stark and definitive prophecy of judgment against the formidable city of Tyre, declaring its complete and irreversible annihilation. This verse serves as the powerful culmination of divine pronouncements, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty in transforming a once-proud maritime power into a desolate ruin, destined never to be found or restored to its former glory. It underscores the finality of divine wrath against human arrogance and the transient nature of all earthly power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 26:21 concludes a prolonged and meticulously detailed prophecy against Tyre, spanning the entirety of chapter 26. The preceding verses meticulously describe the various stages of Tyre's impending destruction, beginning with the initial siege by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon ([Ezekiel 26:7-11](/ezekiel/26-7-11 "Ezekiel 26:7-11 - Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre")), and culminating in its complete desolation. The chapter opens with Tyre's gloating over Jerusalem's fall ([Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")), setting the stage for God's righteous judgment. Verse 21 acts as a powerful, climactic statement, sealing the city's fate with an emphasis on its permanent disappearance from prominence. The imagery of being "sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again" echoes the earlier pronouncements of Tyre becoming "a bare rock" ([Ezekiel 26:4](/ezekiel/26-4 "Ezekiel 26:4 - Tyre as a Bare Rock")) and "a place for the spreading of nets" ([Ezekiel 26:5](/ezekiel/26-5 "Ezekiel 26:5 - Tyre as a Fishing Ground")), signifying its utter and irreversible ruin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city-state, renowned throughout the ancient world for its maritime trade, immense wealth, and impressive fortifications, particularly its island stronghold. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it served as a vital hub of international commerce, dealing in goods from across the known world. Its strategic location and powerful navy made it appear virtually impregnable. Culturally, Tyre was celebrated for its skilled artisans, its production of highly prized purple dye, and its extensive trade networks, which brought it immense influence and prosperity. The prophecy in Ezekiel 26 was delivered around 587 BC, shortly after Jerusalem's destruction. Historically, Tyre faced a thirteen-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in the early 6th century BC, which significantly weakened the mainland city. However, the island city remained. The ultimate fulfillment of the "never be found again" aspect, particularly concerning its status as a world power, came centuries later with Alexander the Great's devastating siege in 332 BC. Alexander famously built a causeway from the mainland to the island, literally scraping the debris of the old city into the sea, effectively destroying the city and ensuring its permanent decline as a major world power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader prophecy against Tyre, contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature as a whole. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, even those seemingly invincible. Tyre's fall is not a random historical event but a direct act of God's will, as indicated by the repeated "saith the Lord GOD." This reinforces the prophetic message that God is the ultimate ruler of history, able to humble the proud and bring low the mighty, a theme echoed in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Utter Desolation and Irreversibility**. The phrases "thou shalt be no more" and "shalt never be found again" convey a complete and permanent obliteration, distinguishing Tyre's fate from mere defeat or temporary ruin. This stands in stark contrast to God's promises of restoration for Israel, emphasizing the finality of judgment for those who oppose His purposes and gloat over His people. Finally, the prophecy underscores the **Folly of Human Pride and Self-Sufficiency**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire context of [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") reveals Tyre's arrogance and reliance on its own strength and wealth as the primary catalyst for its downfall. It serves as a potent reminder that all earthly achievements and power are fragile and temporary before the eternal purposes of God, a concept frequently addressed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **terror (Hebrew, _ballâhâh'_):** From H1091, this word signifies alarm, dread, or sudden destruction. In this context, it implies that Tyre itself will become an object of horror and a terrifying example of divine judgment to other nations. It's not merely that Tyre will experience terror, but that its very existence, or rather its non-existence as a power, will embody terror, serving as a stark warning to any who would defy God.
* **sought for (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** From H1245, this primitive root means "to search out (by any method), to strive after, to enquire, to seek." Here, it conveys the idea that despite any future attempts by merchants, sailors, or even historians to locate or restore Tyre to its former prominence, or perhaps even to find its remnants as a significant entity, such efforts will be utterly fruitless. The search for its past glory or even its physical presence as a world power will yield nothing.
* **never (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, this word signifies "time out of mind (past or future), eternity, always, forever." When combined with "be found again" (from H4672, _mâtsâʼ_), it conveys an absolute and perpetual non-existence in terms of its former status. It's not merely a temporary absence but a permanent cessation of its significant presence or influence on the world stage. The city would be so utterly destroyed and its remnants so scattered that it would cease to exist as a recognizable entity of power or influence for all time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will make thee a terror":** This opening declarative statement emphasizes God's active and intentional role in Tyre's downfall. It is not a passive observation but a divine decree. Tyre, once a source of admiration and commercial power, will be transformed into an object lesson in divine judgment, inspiring fear and dread in those who witness or hear of its fate. Its destruction will serve as a terrifying example of God's power and justice against human pride.
* **"and thou shalt be no more":** This clause pronounces a complete and absolute end to Tyre's existence as a significant entity. It signifies not just defeat or decline, but an obliteration of its identity and power. The city's former glory, wealth, and influence will vanish entirely, leaving nothing of its past prominence or a basis for its future resurgence.
* **"though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD":** This final, powerful declaration underscores the permanence and irreversibility of Tyre's destruction. Even if future generations or those who once admired its power were to search for its remnants or its former status, they would find nothing that resembles its past glory. The concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," serves as a divine seal, authenticating the prophecy as the infallible word of the sovereign God, Adonai Yahweh, whose word cannot fail. It leaves no doubt about the certainty and finality of Tyre's demise as a dominant power.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 26:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of irreversible judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declarations "thou shalt be no more" and "shalt never be found again," emphasizing a destruction so complete that it transcends typical military defeat, suggesting a near-erasure from memory and history as a significant power. While Tyre's physical location remains, its identity as a powerful, independent entity is utterly annihilated. The phrase "I will make thee a terror" uses **personification**, attributing an abstract quality (terror) to the city itself, implying that Tyre's very existence (or non-existence as a power) will embody a warning to others. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **divine decree** or **pronouncement of judgment**, marked by the authoritative "saith the Lord GOD," which imbues the prophecy with absolute certainty and divine authority. This authoritative declaration transforms the prediction into a guaranteed outcome, highlighting God's unwavering control over the destinies of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 26:21 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. Tyre's destruction serves as a vivid object lesson that no human achievement, wealth, or strategic advantage can ultimately stand against the divine decree. This verse underscores the transient nature of worldly kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's will, reminding us that pride and opposition to God's purposes inevitably lead to ruin. It speaks to a cosmic justice where even the most formidable human constructs are fragile before the Almighty, demonstrating that God alone holds the power to raise up and cast down nations according to His righteous plan.

* [Psalm 9:5-6](/psalm/9-5-6 "Psalm 9:5-6 - God Rebukes Nations and Erases Their Memory")
* [Isaiah 14:23](/isaiah/14-23 "Isaiah 14:23 - Babylon's Desolation and God's Purpose")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 26:21 offers profound lessons for both individuals and nations in every age. It serves as a sobering reminder that reliance on material wealth, military might, or strategic advantage, apart from God, is ultimately futile and invites divine judgment. Tyre's fall demonstrates that pride, self-sufficiency, and hostility towards God's people or His purposes lead to inevitable ruin. For believers, this verse provides a powerful affirmation of God's justice and His ultimate control over history. It encourages humility, urging us to recognize that all our accomplishments and possessions are temporary and that true security is found only in God. It also offers comfort, assuring us that even when unrighteous powers seem to flourish, God's justice will prevail in His appointed time, and no earthly kingdom can thwart His eternal purposes. This should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and aligning our lives with God's righteous will, rather than chasing fleeting worldly glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "Tyres" (sources of pride, wealth, or security) might I be tempted to trust in more than God?**
* **How does the irreversible judgment on Tyre shape my understanding of God's justice and sovereignty in the world today?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate humility and an eternal perspective in a world that often values temporary power and possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Tyre singled out for such a complete and permanent destruction?**

Answer: Tyre was singled out primarily for its immense pride, its reliance on its own wealth and power, and crucially, for its gloating over the destruction of Jerusalem, God's holy city ([Ezekiel 26:2](/ezekiel/26-2 "Ezekiel 26:2 - Tyre's Reaction to Jerusalem's Fall")). Tyre saw Jerusalem's fall as an economic opportunity, believing it would gain more trade routes and influence. This attitude of hubris and opportunistic contempt for God's people provoked divine wrath. The prophecy emphasizes the finality of its judgment to serve as a stark, enduring example of God's sovereignty over all nations and His response to human arrogance and opposition to His divine plan. The "never be found again" aspect highlights that its influence and power would be utterly erased, not just diminished, serving as a perpetual warning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 26:21, with its pronouncement of irreversible judgment upon Tyre, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a specific event, but in the broader redemptive narrative of God's triumph over all earthly opposition and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Tyre, a symbol of human pride, commercial power, and self-sufficiency apart from God, prefigures all worldly systems and kingdoms that set themselves against the divine will. Just as Tyre was utterly destroyed and "never found again" in its former glory, so too will all earthly empires and systems that reject God face a final and complete judgment. The New Testament reveals that this ultimate judgment is executed through Jesus Christ, who will return in glory to judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ's Judgment")). The book of Revelation vividly portrays the downfall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of all ungodly worldly power and economic systems, which will be cast down "with violence" and "found no more at all" ([Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon")). This echoes the fate of Tyre, signifying that no human construct, however mighty or wealthy, can withstand the Lamb of God. Ultimately, Christ's victory ushers in a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), replacing all transient, rebellious earthly kingdoms with His eternal and unshakable reign, where His people will dwell in perfect peace and security, found forever in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 27:36

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.

Revelation 18:21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Ezekiel 28:19

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more.

Psalms 37:36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Jeremiah 51:64

And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah.

Ezekiel 26:14

And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be [a place] to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 26:16

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.