Ezekiel 27:26

KJV

¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy rowers {H7751} have brought {H935} thee into great {H7227} waters {H4325}: the east {H6921} wind {H7307} hath broken {H7665} thee in the midst {H3820} of the seas {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your oarsmen brought you through heavy seas. But the east wind will break you surrounded by the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea.

American Standard Version

Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the heart of the seas.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:26 vividly depicts the catastrophic downfall of Tyre, a once-mighty maritime city, through the powerful metaphor of a shipwreck. The verse declares that Tyre's own agents and policies, metaphorically "rowers," have steered it into perilous "great waters," ultimately leading to its complete and irreversible destruction by a powerful "east wind" in the open sea. This imagery underscores the divine judgment against Tyre's pride and self-sufficiency, highlighting the transience of all human power and wealth when confronted by God's sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27:26 is part of a lengthy prophetic lament, or dirge, against the city of Tyre, spanning chapters 26-28 of the book of Ezekiel. Following a specific prophecy of Tyre's destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre"), chapter 27 elaborates on this judgment by portraying Tyre as a magnificent merchant ship, meticulously built and laden with goods and sailors from various nations. This elaborate metaphor serves to highlight Tyre's global reach, immense wealth, and self-perceived invincibility. Verse 26, therefore, represents the climax of this maritime metaphor, describing the moment of the ship's complete and utter destruction, a stark contrast to the detailed descriptions of its former glory and intricate construction in the preceding verses. The immediate verses, [Ezekiel 27:27-36](/ezekiel/27-27 "Ezekiel 27:27-36 - The Lament Over Tyre's Fall"), describe the lament of the kings and merchants who witnessed Tyre's ruin, emphasizing the shock and despair caused by its unexpected demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, renowned in the ancient Near East for its immense wealth, sophisticated trade networks, and formidable naval power. It consisted of an island city and a mainland settlement, often considered impregnable due to its natural defenses and powerful fleet. Tyre's commercial prowess involved extensive trade routes across the Mediterranean, bringing in goods from across the known world, as detailed in [Ezekiel 27:3-25](/ezekiel/27-3 "Ezekiel 27:3-25 - Tyre's Commercial Empire"). Culturally, Tyre was characterized by its hubris, believing its prosperity and security were due to its own ingenuity and strength, rather than divine favor. This self-sufficiency and pride, coupled with its exploitation of other nations and its historical antagonism towards Israel (see [Joel 3:4-8](/joel/3-4 "Joel 3:4-8 - Judgment on Tyre and Sidon")), made it a target for divine judgment. The prophecy in Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a time when God was demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations, including the seemingly invincible powers like Tyre.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride and Arrogance**. Tyre's downfall is presented as a direct consequence of its excessive pride, self-reliance, and commercial hubris, echoing the principle found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction") that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Secondly, it highlights the **Transience of Earthly Power and Wealth**. Despite its unparalleled prosperity and influence, Tyre's empire is shown to be fleeting and vulnerable, subject to God's ultimate authority. This serves as a stark reminder that even the most impressive human endeavors are temporary. Lastly, the imagery conveys the theme of **Sudden and Utter Destruction**. The "east wind" symbolizes an immediate, powerful, and often divinely-sent destructive force, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's judgment, which no human power can withstand, leading to complete and irreversible ruin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rowers (Hebrew, _shûwṭ'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to push forth," but used figuratively here to mean "to lash" (the sea with oars) or "to row." By implication, it refers to those who navigate or travel. In this context, "thy rowers" signifies Tyre's own leaders, merchants, or policies—those responsible for steering the city's course and managing its vast enterprise. The implication is that their actions, driven by pride and ambition, led the city into its ultimate peril.
* **great waters (Hebrew, _rab mayim'_):** `Rab` (H7227) means "abundant," "great," or "much," while `mayim` (H4325) refers to "water" or "waters." Together, "great waters" metaphorically represent overwhelming trouble, immense peril, or the depths of despair. This is a common biblical motif for distress or judgment, suggesting that Tyre was not merely in a difficult situation but was submerged in an inescapable and life-threatening crisis, far from the safety of the shore.
* **east wind (Hebrew, _qâdîym rûwach'_):** `Qâdîym` (H6921) denotes the "fore" or "front part," hence "the East" or "eastward," often referring to the east wind. `Rûwach` (H7307) means "wind," "breath," or "spirit." The "east wind" in biblical literature frequently symbolizes a destructive, scorching, or divinely appointed force of judgment. It is often associated with drought, blight, and sudden devastation, signifying an irresistible power that brings about ruin, often directly from God (e.g., the plagues in [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "Exodus 10:13 - The East Wind Brings Locusts")). Here, it represents the irresistible force of God's wrath and judgment against Tyre.
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to burst," "to break (down, off, in pieces, up)," or "to crush." This word conveys a sense of violent, complete, and irreversible destruction. It is not merely damaged but utterly shattered, signifying the total collapse of Tyre's power, wealth, and very existence as a dominant force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters":** This clause assigns culpability for Tyre's perilous situation. It suggests that the city's own leaders, its commercial policies, its alliances, and its relentless pursuit of wealth and power, metaphorically "rowed" it into a state of profound danger and overwhelming trouble. The phrase implies a self-inflicted component to its impending doom, where its own actions led it to the brink of disaster.
* **"the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas":** This clause describes the final, decisive blow. The "east wind," symbolizing a powerful and often divinely-sent destructive force, delivers the ultimate judgment. The ship (Tyre) is "broken" – utterly shattered and destroyed – not near a safe harbor, but "in the midst of the seas," signifying complete ruin far from any hope of rescue or recovery. This emphasizes the suddenness, completeness, and inescapable nature of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Metaphor**, portraying Tyre as a magnificent ship that is ultimately shipwrecked. This extended metaphor, developed throughout [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre"), allows for a vivid and relatable depiction of the city's rise and fall, making its destruction all the more poignant. **Personification** is also evident, as Tyre, an inanimate city, is given human attributes like having "rowers" and being "broken." This device enhances the emotional impact of the prophecy, allowing the reader to empathize with the city's dramatic demise. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is heavily employed: "great waters" symbolize overwhelming peril and judgment, while the "east wind" powerfully symbolizes a destructive, often divinely-sent force of judgment, highlighting the irresistible nature of God's wrath. The image of being "broken in the midst of the seas" symbolizes total and irreversible ruin, far from any hope of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:26 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the consequences of human pride. It teaches that no earthly power, no matter how wealthy, influential, or seemingly impregnable, is beyond the reach of God's judgment. Tyre's self-inflicted peril, exacerbated by its own hubris and pursuit of worldly gain, serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in human endeavors or material possessions. God's justice is shown to be absolute, and His judgment, like an irresistible east wind, can shatter even the mightiest empires, demonstrating that true security and lasting prosperity can only be found in humility and submission to the Creator.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1 "Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Lament Over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:26 compels us to reflect on the foundations of our own security and identity. In a world that often values material wealth, power, and self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly glories are transient and vulnerable. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: is it in our own abilities, our financial stability, our societal standing, or in the unfailing sovereignty of God? The "rowers" who bring us into "great waters" can be our own misguided ambitions, our pride, our refusal to acknowledge divine guidance, or our pursuit of fleeting pleasures. The "east wind" can represent the sudden, unforeseen crises of life—economic downturns, health challenges, relational breakdowns—that expose the fragility of our self-made kingdoms. This prophecy encourages a posture of humility, a recognition of God's ultimate control over all circumstances, and a redirection of our hearts towards enduring spiritual values rather than perishable earthly treasures. It calls us to build our lives on a foundation that cannot be shattered by any storm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "rowers" in my life that might be steering me into "great waters" of peril or pride?**
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security—in God, or in my own resources and achievements?**
* **How does the swift and utter destruction of Tyre challenge my perception of worldly success and power?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, rather than self-reliance?**

### FAQ

**What does the "east wind" symbolize in this verse and other biblical passages?**

Answer: The "east wind" (Hebrew: *ruach qadim*) in Ezekiel 27:26 symbolizes a powerful, destructive, and often divinely-sent force of judgment. In biblical contexts, the east wind is frequently associated with drought, scorching heat, and devastation. For example, God used an [east wind to bring the locust plague upon Egypt](/exodus/10-13 "The East Wind Brings Locusts") and to dry up the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "The East Wind Parts the Red Sea")). Here, it represents the irresistible and overwhelming nature of God's wrath, bringing about the complete ruin of Tyre.

**Who are "Thy rowers" mentioned in Ezekiel 27:26, and what is their significance?**

Answer: "Thy rowers" metaphorically refer to Tyre's own leaders, merchants, and the policies or strategies they employed. In the extended metaphor of Tyre as a ship, the rowers are those responsible for its navigation and progress. Their significance lies in the implication that Tyre's downfall was, in part, self-inflicted. The city's relentless pursuit of wealth, its arrogant self-sufficiency, and its exploitative trade practices ultimately steered it into a precarious position, making it vulnerable to the final, devastating blow of divine judgment. It suggests that internal factors and choices contributed significantly to its ultimate ruin.

**How does the message of Ezekiel 27:26 apply to contemporary societies or individuals?**

Answer: The message of Ezekiel 27:26 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary societies and individuals. It serves as a timeless warning against excessive pride, self-reliance, and the unbridled pursuit of material wealth and power without moral grounding or acknowledgment of divine sovereignty. For nations, it cautions against hubris and exploitation, reminding them that even the most powerful economies or military forces are ultimately transient and subject to God's ultimate authority. For individuals, it encourages humility, a recognition of the fleeting nature of earthly possessions, and a call to place ultimate trust in God rather than in personal achievements or financial security. It underscores the certainty of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of rejecting His ways, urging a focus on eternal values over temporary glories.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:26, with its vivid portrayal of a mighty ship (Tyre) broken by a divine storm, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the world's transient kingdoms and the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. While Tyre's "rowers" led it to destruction in "great waters," humanity's true "rowers"—our sin and rebellion—have brought us into the "great waters" of judgment and separation from God. Yet, Christ is the ultimate Captain who navigates us through the storms of life and judgment. He is the one who calms the literal storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and, more importantly, the spiritual storms of sin and death. Unlike Tyre, which found no refuge in the "midst of the seas," those who trust in Christ find an anchor for their souls, "firm and secure" ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Our Anchor of Hope")). The "east wind" of divine judgment that broke Tyre ultimately broke upon Christ at the cross, where He bore the full wrath of God for humanity's sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Thus, while earthly empires will rise and fall, and all human endeavors will ultimately be "broken," those who build their lives on the "Rock" of Christ will stand firm against any storm ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "The Wise and Foolish Builders")). His is the Kingdom that "will never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "God's Eternal Kingdom")), offering eternal security and an unshakeable hope where no "east wind" of judgment can prevail against His redeemed.

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

Psalms 48:7

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Ezekiel 26:19

For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;

Jeremiah 18:17

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

Acts 27:14

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

Isaiah 33:23

Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.

Acts 27:41

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

Ezekiel 27:34

In the time [when] thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.