Ezekiel 27:13

KJV

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they [were] thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

KJV (with Strong's)

Javan {H3120}, Tubal {H8422}, and Meshech {H4902}, they were thy merchants {H7402}: they traded {H5414} the persons {H5315} of men {H120} and vessels {H3627} of brass {H5178} in thy market {H4627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greece, Tuval and Meshekh traded with you, exchanging slaves and articles of bronze for your wares.

Berean Standard Bible

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise.

American Standard Version

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy traffickers; they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass for thy merchandise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:13 meticulously details specific trading partners of Tyre—Javan, Tubal, and Meshech—and the distinct commodities they exchanged in the city's bustling marketplace. This verse powerfully illustrates Tyre's expansive commercial reach and immense prosperity, yet it simultaneously exposes the morally troubling foundation of its wealth, highlighting the trade in human beings alongside valuable metals like brass. It serves as a stark prophetic indictment, revealing the ethical complexities inherent in ancient economies and foreshadowing the divine judgment awaiting a city whose opulence was built, in part, on exploitation and a disregard for human dignity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a profound and elaborate dirge, or funeral lament, for Tyre, metaphorically portrayed as a magnificent, perfectly crafted ship. The chapter systematically catalogs Tyre's unparalleled splendor, from its construction materials and skilled mariners to its vast network of international trading partners, each contributing to its immense wealth and influence. This detailed description, which includes a comprehensive list of nations and their specific contributions (of which verse 13 is a part), serves to magnify the sheer scale of Tyre's commercial empire. The subsequent depiction of the city's catastrophic downfall in [Ezekiel 27:26-36](/ezekiel/27-26-36 "Ezekiel 27:26-36 - The Fall of Tyre") is made all the more impactful by the preceding portrayal of its grandeur. Verse 13, by identifying key nations like Javan, Tubal, and Meshech and the goods they supplied, provides concrete examples within this broader metaphorical framework, emphasizing the global nature of Tyre's economic dominion, which is central to the prophecies against Tyre found in [Ezekiel chapters 26-28](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26-28 - Prophecies Against Tyre").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was the preeminent Phoenician city-state, celebrated throughout the ancient world for its unparalleled maritime prowess and extensive trade routes that crisscrossed the Mediterranean Sea and extended far beyond. In the ancient Near East, commerce was the lifeblood of powerful urban centers, and cities like Tyre became crucial hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and populations from across the known world. The nations specifically mentioned in this verse—Javan (referring to the Ionians or Greeks), Tubal, and Meshech (often identified with regions in modern-day Turkey, particularly around the Black Sea)—were recognized for their distinct resources. Javan represented Tyre's significant trade connections with the Western world, while Tubal and Meshech were renowned for their metalworking capabilities and as primary sources of enslaved people. The trade in "persons of men" was a pervasive, albeit brutal, aspect of ancient economies, where captives of war, debtors, or those born into servitude were treated as valuable commodities. "Vessels of brass" (likely bronze or copper items) were indispensable for tools, weapons, and household goods, underscoring the vital importance of metal resources in this era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Tyre's Vast Trade Network**, showcasing the truly international scope of its commercial empire, which extended from the Aegean world to regions north of the Black Sea. This global reach was a source of Tyre's immense pride and self-sufficiency. Secondly, the verse starkly exposes **The Dark Reality of Human Trafficking**, highlighting that human beings were considered a valuable, yet abhorrent, commodity in Tyre's market. This dehumanizing practice was a pervasive element of ancient economies and is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, finding a powerful echo in the later lament over Babylon's merchandise, which chillingly includes the "souls of men" in [Revelation 18:13](/revelation/18-13 "Revelation 18:13 - The Merchandise of Babylon"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly connects Tyre's immense **Material Wealth with Moral Corruption**. God's impending judgment on Tyre, detailed extensively in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"), is not solely a consequence of its pride and self-exaltation but also its active engagement in unjust and exploitative commerce, where the relentless pursuit of profit overshadowed human dignity and ethical conduct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nephesh (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. In the phrase "persons of men" (Hebrew: _nephesh 'adam_), the term _nephesh_ emphasizes that it was not merely physical bodies but the very "souls," "lives," or "beings" of human individuals that were being traded. This usage profoundly underscores the dehumanization inherent in the practice of slavery, reducing persons to mere commodities.
* **nâthan (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. The verb "traded" (derived from _nâthan_) signifies the active exchange or commercial transaction of goods. Its broad semantic range highlights the comprehensive transactional nature of the relationship between Javan, Tubal, and Meshech as suppliers and Tyre as the central market, emphasizing the deliberate and systematic nature of their commercial dealings.
* **maʻărâb (Hebrew, _maʻărâb'_):** From עָרַב, in the sense of trading; traffic; by implication, mercantile goods; market, merchandise. The term "market" refers to the specific place or, more broadly, the entire system of commercial exchange. In this context, it denotes Tyre's role as a bustling, central hub for international trade, where a vast array of goods—including human beings—flowed in and out, underscoring the city's identity as a global commercial powerhouse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants:"** This initial clause precisely identifies three distinct geographical regions or peoples who served as consistent and significant trading partners for Tyre. Javan, representing the Ionian Greeks, signifies Tyre's extensive westward commercial reach into the Aegean and Mediterranean worlds. Tubal and Meshech, typically associated with regions in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and the Black Sea area, point to Tyre's vital northern and eastern connections. Their designation as "merchants" underscores their active and regular role in supplying goods to Tyre, thereby highlighting the city's vast, diverse, and well-established network of international suppliers.
* **"they traded the persons of men"** This chilling and morally reprehensible phrase exposes a dark underbelly of Tyre's commerce. The "persons of men" (Hebrew: _nephesh 'adam_, literally "soul of man") unequivocally states that human beings were bought and sold as commodities. This practice reveals the pervasive reality of slavery and human trafficking in the ancient world, where individuals were stripped of their inherent dignity and reduced to mere property. This trade was not incidental but a significant component of Tyre's economic power, yet it stood in stark opposition to divine principles of justice, compassion, and human worth.
* **"and vessels of brass in thy market."** Alongside the trade in human beings, these nations also supplied "vessels of brass" (likely referring to items made of bronze or copper). This detail highlights the importance of metal goods in ancient economies, which were essential for tools, weapons, armor, and various household utensils. The juxtaposition of human beings and manufactured goods within the same commercial context, all flowing through Tyre's "market" (Hebrew: _maʻărâb_, meaning "traffic" or "merchandise"), powerfully emphasizes the city's comprehensive commercial activity, where virtually everything, including human life, was subjected to the cold calculations of supply and demand.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:13, as an integral part of the broader chapter, employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The overarching device for the chapter is **Personification**, where Tyre is vividly depicted as a magnificent, richly adorned ship, sailing the seas and engaging in global commerce. This extended metaphor frames the entire lament, with various nations and their contributions forming the "parts" and "cargo" of this grand vessel. Within this larger metaphorical structure, the verse specifically utilizes **Catalogue/List** by enumerating precise trading partners (Javan, Tubal, Meshech) and the particular goods they supplied ("persons of men and vessels of brass"). This detailed enumeration lends a powerful sense of realism, historical specificity, and comprehensive scope to the prophecy, underscoring the tangible nature of Tyre's vast commercial enterprise. Most strikingly, there is a profound **Juxtaposition** between the valuable, yet inanimate, "vessels of brass" and the infinitely more valuable "persons of men." This stark contrast serves to highlight the moral depravity of a system that commodified human life alongside mere objects, thereby powerfully exposing the ethical bankruptcy that contributed to Tyre's eventual judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:13 offers profound theological insights into God's unwavering regard for human dignity, His demand for justice, and the inherent perils of unchecked ambition and avarice. The chilling inclusion of "persons of men" as a trade commodity unequivocally exposes the inherent evil of human exploitation, a practice consistently and vehemently condemned throughout the entirety of Scripture. God's impending judgment on Tyre is not merely a consequence of its pride or political opposition, but fundamentally rooted in its active participation in systems that systematically dehumanized individuals for the sake of profit. This verse serves as a timeless and urgent reminder that true, enduring prosperity cannot be built upon foundations of injustice, exploitation, or the trampling of human worth. It compels believers across all generations to critically examine the ethical implications of economic systems, both ancient and modern, and to champion the inherent and inalienable value of every single person, recognizing them as uniquely created in God's divine image, regardless of their social standing, economic status, or perceived utility.

* [Deuteronomy 24:7](/deuteronomy/24-7 "Deuteronomy 24:7 - Law Against Kidnapping and Slavery")
* [Revelation 18:11-13](/revelation/18-11-13 "Revelation 18:11-13 - The Merchants Lament Over Babylon's Fall")
* [Amos 1:9-10](/amos/1-9-10 "Amos 1:9-10 - Prophecy Against Tyre for Slave Trade")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:13 compels us, as modern readers, to confront the enduring and pervasive reality of human exploitation and the profound moral compromises that are frequently made in the relentless pursuit of wealth and power. Tyre's catastrophic downfall, precipitated in part by its deeply unethical involvement in the trade of human lives, stands as a potent and timeless cautionary tale for individuals, corporations, and entire societies today. This verse challenges us to undertake a rigorous self-examination, scrutinizing the sources of our own prosperity and the ethical implications of our economic choices, whether we operate as consumers, investors, or leaders within the business world. The inherent and sacred dignity of every human being, unequivocally created in the very image of God, stands in stark and irreconcilable contrast to any system or practice that treats people as mere commodities, disposable means to an end. This powerful verse calls us to actively resist, expose, and speak out against all forms of modern-day human trafficking, forced labor, and any economic practice that devalues or exploits human life for the sake of profit. Ultimately, it encourages us to be fervent advocates for justice, to uphold ethical commerce in all our dealings, and to remember that true, lasting flourishing for humanity and society is rooted in righteousness, integrity, and compassion, rather than in mere accumulation of riches.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ancient commodification of "persons of men" in Tyre illuminate and challenge our contemporary understanding of human dignity and worth in a globalized economy?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might individuals or communities today, even unknowingly, participate in or benefit from economic systems that exploit human beings or devalue their labor?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can believers and communities of faith take to actively combat modern-day human trafficking, advocate for fair labor practices, and promote genuinely ethical economic models?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech" in ancient trade?**

Answer: Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were highly significant trading partners for Tyre, representing distinct geographical and economic spheres crucial to Tyre's vast commercial empire. Javan refers to the Ionians, or Greeks, indicating Tyre's extensive and vital trade connections with the Aegean and broader Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural influences from the West. Tubal and Meshech are typically identified with regions in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), particularly around the Black Sea. These northern regions were renowned in antiquity for their rich metal resources, supplying copper and bronze, and also served as primary sources of enslaved people. Their inclusion in this detailed list highlights the truly vast and diverse network of Tyre's commercial empire, which stretched comprehensively from the West to the North, underscoring its role as a central hub for global commerce.

**Does the Bible condemn slavery, given its mention in ancient texts like Ezekiel 27:13?**

Answer: While slavery was an unfortunate and pervasive reality in the ancient world, and is indeed described in various biblical texts, the Bible consistently upholds the inherent dignity of human beings as image-bearers of God and contains strong ethical principles that stand in stark contrast to the dehumanizing aspects of slavery as practiced in the broader ancient world. Old Testament law, for instance, provided specific protections for enslaved persons and unequivocally condemned practices like kidnapping people to sell them into slavery, as seen in [Deuteronomy 24:7](/deuteronomy/24-7 "Deuteronomy 24:7 - Law Against Manstealing"). Prophets like Ezekiel explicitly condemn the unjust trade in "persons of men," revealing God's displeasure with such exploitation. The New Testament, while not issuing an immediate, explicit abolitionist decree for the Roman Empire, lays the foundational theological groundwork for the eventual demise of slavery by emphasizing the spiritual equality and unity of all people in Christ, declaring that "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Equality in Christ")). The ultimate biblical trajectory, therefore, is toward freedom, justice, and the full restoration of human dignity, viewing human trafficking and the commodification of persons as a grave sin against God's creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:13, with its chilling depiction of the trade in "persons of men" and the commodification of human life, finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The bustling market of Tyre, where human souls were reduced to mere commodities, stands in stark and powerful contrast to the divine economy of grace, where every single human soul possesses infinite and incalculable value in the eyes of God. Humanity, once tragically enslaved to the tyrannical dominion of sin and death, was not "traded" for perishable goods like brass or fleeting earthly gain, but was purchased at the immeasurable, eternal cost of Christ's own precious life. The Apostle Peter beautifully reminds us that we were "ransomed from the empty way of life inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Ransomed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, came into our broken world not merely to condemn the exploitation of humanity, but actively to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Inaugural Mission Statement")). He did not simply preach against injustice; He entered into our profound brokenness, bore the crushing weight of our sin on the cross, and offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, thereby freeing us from the ultimate slavery—bondage to sin and the fear of death. Thus, the inherent value of every "person of men" is eternally affirmed, not by what they can be bought or sold for in any earthly market, but by the unfathomable price Christ willingly paid to redeem them, elevating human dignity to an unparalleled height and calling His followers to champion freedom, justice, and the sacred worth of all people.

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

Genesis 10:2

The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Ezekiel 39:1

¶ Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

Revelation 18:13

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

1 Chronicles 1:5

The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

Ezekiel 32:26

There [is] Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

Joel 3:3

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.