Ezekiel 27:16

KJV

Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Syria {H758} was thy merchant {H5503} by reason of the multitude {H7230} of the wares of thy making {H4639}: they occupied {H5414} in thy fairs {H5801} with emeralds {H5306}, purple {H713}, and broidered work {H7553}, and fine linen {H948}, and coral {H7215}, and agate {H3539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aram traded with you, because you were so wealthy; for your goods they exchanged green feldspar, purple stuff, embroidery, fine linen, coral and rubies.

Berean Standard Bible

Aram was your customer because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares.

American Standard Version

Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of thy handiworks: they traded for thy wares with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and rubies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:16 details the vibrant commercial relationship between the powerful maritime city of Tyre and Syria (Aram), portraying Syria as a key merchant in Tyre's bustling markets. The verse meticulously lists a variety of luxurious and valuable commodities—emeralds, purple fabrics, intricate broidered work, fine linen, coral, and agate—that were traded, underscoring Tyre's immense wealth, global reach, and its role as a central hub for high-end goods in the ancient world. This specific inventory contributes to the broader prophetic lament over Tyre, highlighting the very sources of its pride and prosperity that would ultimately lead to its downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is a profound lamentation, an elegy, over the city of Tyre, personified as a magnificent, richly adorned ship that sails the seas, gathering wealth from all nations. This chapter is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Tyre, beginning in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre"), which foretells its complete destruction due to its arrogance and commercial exploitation. Verse 16 specifically fits into a detailed inventory (verses 12-25) of Tyre's extensive trade partners and the specific goods exchanged, illustrating the city's unparalleled commercial network and the vast array of commodities that flowed into its markets. The meticulous cataloging of goods and partners serves to emphasize the sheer scale of Tyre's prosperity, making its prophesied ruin all the more striking. The lament culminates in the ship's sinking, symbolizing Tyre's utter collapse and disappearance from the global stage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre, a Phoenician city-state located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, was renowned in the ancient Near East for its maritime prowess, sophisticated trade networks, and production of highly valued goods, particularly its famous purple dye derived from murex snails. This purple was a symbol of royalty and immense wealth, making it a coveted commodity. Syria (Aram), a powerful kingdom to Tyre's northeast, was a significant regional player, known for its strategic location and various resources. The trade relationship depicted in [Ezekiel 27:16](/ezekiel/27-16 "Ezekiel 27:16 - Tyre's Trade with Syria") illustrates the intricate web of ancient commerce, where raw materials and finished luxury goods were exchanged across vast distances. The mention of specific precious stones like emeralds and agate, and high-quality textiles like fine linen and broidered work, points to a sophisticated economy catering to an elite market, further solidifying Tyre's reputation as a center of luxury and craftsmanship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Tyre's Global Economic Dominance** and its unparalleled commercial reach, showcasing how its pride grew from its material success and extensive network of trade. Secondly, the detailed list of luxury items underscores the theme of **Earthly Wealth and Opulence**, demonstrating the transient nature of material prosperity when it becomes an object of ultimate trust or idolatry. The "wares of thy making" also points to Tyre's **Industrial Prowess**, indicating it was not merely a transit point but a significant producer and finisher of goods, adding value to raw materials. This economic might, however, ultimately fueled its arrogance, leading to its divine judgment, a recurring theme in Ezekiel's prophecies against nations (e.g., [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre")). The meticulous detail also reflects God's **Sovereignty Over Nations and Economies**, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of even the most intricate human affairs and His ultimate control over their rise and fall, as seen in Tyre's eventual destruction, prophesied in [Ezekiel 26:14](/ezekiel/26-14 "Ezekiel 26:14 - Tyre's Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **merchant (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** (H5503) This root word implies traveling round, specifically as a peddler or one who trades. In the context of Tyre, it signifies a bustling commercial activity, indicating that Syria was not merely a supplier but an active participant in the exchange of goods, engaging in the buying and selling within Tyre's markets. It emphasizes the active, dynamic nature of the trade relationship.
* **wares of thy making (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** (H4639) Derived from a root meaning "to do" or "to make," this term refers to a product, something made or wrought. This is crucial as it indicates that Tyre was not just a conduit for goods, but a significant manufacturing and finishing center. The goods Syria traded for were often products of Tyrian craftsmanship, adding value to raw materials and showcasing Tyre's advanced industries, such as textiles and possibly gem-cutting.
* **occupied (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This versatile primitive root means "to give," but with a broad range of applications including "to put," "to make," "to apply," or "to trade." In this context, "occupied" signifies that Syria *gave* or *supplied* these specific goods in exchange for Tyre's products. It highlights the active engagement of Syria in the exchange, contributing their valuable commodities to Tyre's international fairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making:"** This clause establishes the primary trading partner, Syria (Aram), and its role as a "merchant" to Tyre. The phrase "multitude of the wares of thy making" emphasizes the vast quantity and variety of goods that Tyre itself produced or processed, which attracted traders like Syria. It paints a picture of Tyre as a manufacturing powerhouse, whose abundant and diverse products were highly sought after.
* **"they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate."** This part specifies the nature of the trade from Syria's side. "They occupied in thy fairs" indicates active participation in Tyre's commercial gatherings or markets. The subsequent list—emeralds, purple, broidered work, fine linen, coral, and agate—details the luxurious and valuable commodities that Syria brought to exchange. This inventory underscores the high value of the trade and the opulence associated with Tyre's commerce, revealing the specific types of wealth that flowed into the city.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:16 employs several literary devices to enhance its descriptive power and thematic impact. The most prominent is **Catalog/Inventory**, as the verse provides a meticulous list of specific, high-value commodities (emeralds, purple, broidered work, fine linen, coral, agate). This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the immense wealth and luxurious nature of Tyre's trade, making its eventual downfall all the more poignant. The use of **Metonymy** is also present, where "Syria" represents the merchants and people from that region who engaged in trade with Tyre, rather than the geopolitical entity itself. Furthermore, the overall chapter's extended **Personification** of Tyre as a magnificent ship, though not explicit in this single verse, frames the economic activities detailed here as the "cargo" and "crew" that contribute to the ship's glory, making the subsequent description of its trade partners and goods a vital part of this larger metaphor. The specific mention of **Symbolism** in items like "purple" (representing royalty, wealth, and status) and precious stones (representing enduring value and beauty) further enriches the text, highlighting the aspirational and luxurious aspects of Tyre's commercial empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:16, within the broader lament over Tyre, serves as a powerful theological statement about the transient nature of earthly wealth and the dangers of pride rooted in material prosperity. The meticulous description of Tyre's commercial success and the specific luxury goods traded highlights the city's immense human achievement and economic prowess. However, this detailed inventory ultimately underscores the vanity of placing ultimate trust and security in such fleeting possessions. God's exhaustive knowledge of Tyre's intricate trade networks and its partners demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and economies, revealing that even the most powerful human enterprises are subject to His divine will and judgment. The passage implicitly warns against the idolatry of wealth, where the creation (material prosperity) becomes more revered than the Creator, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")
* [James 4:13-16](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-16 - Boasting About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:16, embedded in the narrative of Tyre's rise and fall, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to examine the foundations of our security and identity. While the pursuit of excellence, industry, and even wealth is not inherently sinful, the passage warns against the subtle yet pervasive danger of allowing material prosperity to become the ultimate source of our pride, trust, or purpose. Tyre's detailed inventory of luxury goods serves as a stark reminder that all earthly achievements, no matter how grand or meticulously built, are ultimately transient. True and lasting fulfillment is not found in the accumulation of possessions or the expansion of our worldly influence, but in a humble, dependent relationship with the Creator who grants all blessings. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of gratitude, recognizing God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including our economic endeavors, and to align our pursuits with His eternal kingdom, rather than the fleeting kingdoms of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to place ultimate trust in material wealth or human achievement, similar to Tyre?**
* **How does the detailed description of Tyre's trade challenge my perception of God's involvement in human economies and global affairs?**
* **What "treasures" am I currently investing in, and how do they align with the eternal values taught in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why does Ezekiel provide such a detailed list of Tyre's trade goods and partners?**

Answer: Ezekiel's meticulous detailing of Tyre's trade goods and partners, as seen in [Ezekiel 27:16](/ezekiel/27-16 "Ezekiel 27:16 - Tyre's Trade with Syria") and the surrounding verses, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the immense scale and global reach of Tyre's commercial empire, emphasizing the city's unparalleled wealth and influence in the ancient world. This detailed inventory underscores the very sources of Tyre's pride and arrogance, which ultimately led to its divine judgment. Secondly, it highlights God's omniscience and sovereignty, demonstrating that He is intimately aware of every aspect of human affairs, including the most intricate economic transactions of a powerful nation. This level of detail makes the prophesied downfall all the more impactful, as it shows that even a city built on such a vast and sophisticated network of wealth is not beyond God's reach or judgment. Finally, it serves as a historical record, providing valuable insights into the trade routes, commodities, and economic structures of the ancient Near East.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed account of Tyre's commercial splendor in [Ezekiel 27:16](/ezekiel/27-16 "Ezekiel 27:16 - Tyre's Trade with Syria") and the subsequent prophecy of its downfall find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's teachings on the nature of true wealth, enduring kingdoms, and the ultimate merchant. Tyre's reliance on its vast material possessions and global trade, which ultimately led to its pride and destruction, stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of God, which is not built on earthly commodities but on spiritual realities. Jesus himself taught against the accumulation of earthly treasures that "moth and rust destroy" and where "thieves break in and steal," urging His followers instead to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Treasures in Heaven")). The transient nature of Tyre's wealth foreshadows the impermanence of all worldly kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of Christ's eternal reign ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Moreover, while Tyre was a merchant of earthly goods, Christ is presented as the ultimate "merchant" who seeks "fine pearls" (representing those who truly seek Him) and gives everything to acquire them ([Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Pearl of Great Price")). He offers true, enduring riches—salvation, righteousness, and eternal life—which are not bought with silver or gold, but are freely given through His atoning sacrifice ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, Ezekiel's lament over Tyre's material fall directs our gaze to the spiritual and eternal kingdom established by Christ, where true value and security are found not in what we possess, but in who possesses us.

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

Judges 10:6

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.

Ezekiel 28:13

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Isaiah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, [that] Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

Isaiah 7:8

For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

Genesis 28:5

And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother.

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

2 Samuel 10:6

¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.