Ezekiel 27:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto Tyrus {H6865}, O thou that art situate {H3427} at the entry {H3997} of the sea {H3220}, which art a merchant {H7402} of the people {H5971} for many {H7227} isles {H339}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; O Tyrus {H6865}, thou hast said {H559}, I am of perfect {H3632} beauty {H3308}.

Complete Jewish Bible

say to Tzor, located at the gateways to the sea, merchant for peoples to many coastlands, that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Tzor, you have said, "My beauty is perfect."

Berean Standard Bible

Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’

American Standard Version

and say unto Tyre, O thou that dwellest at the entry of the sea, that art the merchant of the peoples unto many isles, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou, O Tyre, hast said, I am perfect in beauty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:3 initiates a profound lamentation over the ancient city-state of Tyre, a dominant maritime power renowned for its extensive trade networks and strategic location. The verse vividly captures Tyre's self-perception as a city of unparalleled splendor and self-sufficiency, boasting of its "perfect beauty" derived from immense wealth and global commercial influence. This declaration of self-exaltation sets the stage for the divine pronouncements of judgment that follow, revealing the Lord GOD's sovereign response to human pride and misplaced trust in material prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is meticulously crafted as an extended lamentation, or dirge, over Tyre, immediately following the direct prophecy of its destruction in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre"). This chapter employs a vivid and intricate allegorical metaphor, portraying Tyre as a magnificent, perfectly constructed ship that sails the vast seas, accumulating immense riches from every corner of the known world. Verse 3 serves as the opening address of this lament, directly confronting Tyre's self-perception and its identity as a global merchant. It precisely sets the tone by highlighting the city's hubris and its foundational role in international commerce, which directly precedes the detailed, almost poetic, description of its impressive yet ultimately doomed commercial enterprise and its catastrophic demise. The lamentation format underscores the tragic and inevitable fall of a once-glorious entity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre (modern-day Sur, Lebanon) was a preeminent Phoenician city-state strategically located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, comprising both an island fortress and a mainland settlement. From the second millennium BCE onward, it flourished as the undisputed hub for international maritime trade, controlling vast commercial routes and engaging in extensive commerce with nations across the Mediterranean, the Near East, and beyond. Its legendary wealth stemmed from its renowned purple dye industry (Tyrian purple), highly prized cedar timber, exceptional skilled artisans, and an expansive network of colonies and trading posts. This verse masterfully encapsulates the very essence of Tyre's identity as a commercial titan, whose unparalleled economic prowess and formidable naval strength cultivated a deep-seated sense of security and profound pride, leading it to believe it was utterly invincible and entirely self-sufficient.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several critical themes that permeate Ezekiel's broader prophecies against Tyre and other nations. Firstly, it starkly highlights **Pride and Self-Exaltation**, as Tyre's audacious declaration, "I am of perfect beauty," reveals an arrogant and inflated self-assessment. This hubris stems from its belief that its prosperity, strategic position, and material accomplishments made it inherently superior and entirely independent of divine favor. This pervasive motif of human arrogance preceding a fall is a recurring warning throughout biblical literature, powerfully echoed in passages such as [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Secondly, the verse unequivocally emphasizes **Material Wealth and Global Trade** as the very foundation of Tyre's identity and its overweening pride, describing it as "a merchant of the people for many isles." This underscores how its vast and intricate commercial network brought immense riches and unparalleled influence, shaping its worldview. Finally, Tyre's boast implicitly but powerfully foreshadows **Divine Judgment**, as the authoritative declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD" signals that the true Sovereign will directly challenge Tyre's self-proclaimed perfection and orchestrate its inevitable downfall, demonstrating that ultimate power, true beauty, and lasting dominion belong to Him alone, a theme further developed with chilling detail in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **situate (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain." In this context, it powerfully emphasizes Tyre's fixed, established, and seemingly unassailable position at the "entry of the sea." This word conveys a sense of permanence, stability, and strategic advantage, implying that Tyre's geographical location was a pivotal factor in its perceived invincibility and unparalleled prosperity. It highlights the city's settled, dominant, and enduring presence in the maritime world.
* **merchant (Hebrew, _râkal'_):** From H7402, a primitive root meaning "to travel for trading." This term precisely identifies Tyre's primary industry and the very source of its legendary wealth. It portrays Tyre not merely as a city engaged in trade, but as embodying the very essence of commerce itself, actively traveling, navigating, and engaging in extensive mercantile activities across vast distances. This reinforces its global reach, its economic power, and the commercial identity that fueled its profound pride.
* **perfect beauty (Hebrew, _kâlîyl yŏphîy'_):** A potent combination of H3632 (_kâlîyl_), meaning "complete; as noun, the whole, perfect," and H3308 (_yŏphîy_), meaning "beauty." Together, this phrase signifies Tyre's audacious claim of absolute, unblemished perfection and aesthetic splendor. Tyre's self-assessment is not merely about possessing beauty, but about being entirely complete, flawless, and self-sufficient in its own eyes, needing nothing and lacking nothing. This expresses the pinnacle of its self-exaltation, its perceived invincibility, and its spiritual arrogance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea,"**: This opening command from the Lord GOD to the prophet Ezekiel immediately sets the stage for the divine message directed at Tyre. The descriptive phrase "situate at the entry of the sea" instantly identifies Tyre's critically important geographical and strategic position. It highlights its prime location as a natural gateway to maritime trade, an ideal harbor, and a dominant force in naval commerce, which served as the bedrock of its immense power and far-reaching influence in the ancient world.
* **"which art a merchant of the people for many isles,"**: This clause further elaborates on Tyre's core identity, unequivocally emphasizing its role as a global commercial powerhouse. As a "merchant of the people," Tyre facilitated trade for numerous nations and diverse peoples, extending its commercial reach to "many isles" (a synecdoche for coastal regions, islands, and distant lands across the Mediterranean and beyond). This underscores the vastness and complexity of its trade network, the immense wealth it accumulated, and its central, indispensable role in the ancient world's economy, all of which significantly contributed to its inflated self-perception of grandeur and invincibility.
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;"**: This declarative statement serves as a powerful divine authentication of the entire prophetic message. It unequivocally asserts that the subsequent words are not merely Ezekiel's human observations or opinions, but a direct, authoritative revelation from the sovereign God, Yahweh (H3069), the Lord (H136). This phrase elevates the prophecy from a human lament to a divinely inspired pronouncement, underscoring the absolute authority, certainty, and inevitability of the judgment that is to follow.
* **"O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty."**: This is the climactic and most revealing declaration of the verse, exposing Tyre's profound self-exaltation and deep-seated hubris. Tyre's boast, "I am of perfect beauty," signifies its belief in its own inherent completeness, absolute flawlessness, and utter self-sufficiency. It reflects a pride rooted in its material wealth, its strategic advantage, and its perceived invincibility, demonstrating a complete disregard for any reliance on a higher power. This statement encapsulates the spiritual arrogance that consistently precedes and provokes divine judgment throughout biblical narrative.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:3 masterfully employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message of pride and impending judgment. **Personification** is central to the verse, as Tyre is directly addressed as if it were a sentient being capable of speech and self-assessment, boldly declaring, "I am of perfect beauty." This imbues the city with a distinct, arrogant character, vividly emphasizing its inflated self-perception. The phrase "entry of the sea" skillfully utilizes **metonymy**, where "entry" stands for the strategic access and unparalleled control Tyre held over vital maritime routes and global commerce. The description of Tyre as "a merchant of the people for many isles" employs **hyperbole** to underscore the vastness and unparalleled scope of its commercial empire, effectively highlighting its global reach and economic dominance. Finally, the entire verse functions as an **apostrophe**, a direct and dramatic address to an inanimate object (the city of Tyre) as if it were present and capable of hearing, intensifying the prophetic condemnation and setting a somber, yet powerful, tone for the extended lamentation that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:3 profoundly illustrates the timeless biblical theme of human pride and self-exaltation, particularly when such arrogance is rooted in material prosperity, worldly achievements, and perceived invincibility. Tyre's audacious boast of "perfect beauty" reflects a pervasive human tendency to find ultimate security, identity, and worth in self-made success, accumulated wealth, or temporal power, rather than in the sovereign God. This misplaced confidence represents a recurring theological concern throughout Scripture, as it directly challenges God's supreme authority, His position as the ultimate source of all blessings, and the very definition of true beauty. The divine response, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," immediately contrasts Tyre's self-assertion with the ultimate authority of the Creator, foreshadowing the inevitable judgment that awaits those who elevate themselves above Him. This serves as a timeless and poignant warning against the spiritual dangers of hubris and materialism, powerfully reminding us that true completeness, lasting security, and enduring beauty are found only in humble submission to God.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against Pride")
* [Daniel 4:30-31](/daniel/4-30-31 "Daniel 4:30-31 - Nebuchadnezzar's Pride and Humiliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:3 stands as a potent and enduring mirror for both societies and individuals in every age. In a contemporary world that frequently measures worth by economic prowess, physical appearance, or self-achieved success, Tyre's boast, "I am of perfect beauty," resonates with striking relevance. This verse challenges us to critically examine the underlying foundations of our own sense of "perfect beauty" or completeness. Are we, much like ancient Tyre, prone to deriving our identity, security, and pride from our accomplishments, our material possessions, our social influence, or even our physical attributes? The prophetic voice of Ezekiel powerfully reminds us that such self-exaltation, while superficially empowering, ultimately leads to a spiritual, and often literal, fall. True and lasting beauty, genuine security, and profound completeness are not found in what we accumulate or achieve, but rather in our humble recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and His sustaining grace. This passage serves as a powerful call to shift our gaze from self-admiration to divine adoration, understanding deeply that all true worth, enduring glory, and authentic beauty originate solely from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life, talents, or identity do I tend to boast about or rely on for a sense of "perfect beauty" or completeness?**
* **How does my personal pursuit of success, wealth, or recognition align with or diverge from a humble reliance on God's provision and grace?**
* **In what specific ways might my community or culture, much like ancient Tyre, be placing its ultimate trust in material prosperity, self-sufficiency, or worldly power?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of genuine humility that consistently acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all good things, rather than taking personal credit for blessings?**

### FAQ

**What was Tyre known for in the ancient world?**

Answer: Tyre was renowned as a preeminent Phoenician maritime city-state, famous for its unparalleled wealth, extensive trade networks, and formidable naval power. It was strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, serving as a vital hub for international commerce, exporting highly valuable goods such as the coveted purple dye (Tyrian purple), prized cedar timber, and exquisite craftsmanship by its skilled artisans. Its commercial reach extended across the entire Mediterranean basin, making it a dominant economic and political force, precisely as highlighted by its description as "a merchant of the people for many isles" in [Ezekiel 27:3](/ezekiel/27-3 "Ezekiel 27:3 - Tyre's Self-Proclaimed Beauty").

**Why is Tyre's statement "I am of perfect beauty" so significant?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it encapsulates Tyre's deep-seated pride and profound self-exaltation. "Perfect beauty" (Hebrew: _kâlîyl yŏphîy_) implies absolute completeness, inherent flawlessness, and utter self-sufficiency in Tyre's own estimation. It reveals a city that firmly believed its prosperity, strategic location, and immense material wealth made it invincible and inherently beautiful, needing no external help or divine intervention. This hubris directly challenges God's sovereignty and sets the stage for the dramatic divine judgment that inevitably follows, as the Lord GOD will powerfully demonstrate that true power, lasting beauty, and ultimate authority belong to Him alone. It stands as a classic biblical example of pride preceding a fall, a consistent and vital theme seen throughout Scripture, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:3, with Tyre's audacious boast of "perfect beauty" rooted in its self-achieved glory and material wealth, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human pride and divine humility, and between fleeting worldly beauty and the true, redemptive beauty of Christ. While Tyre exalted itself, believing it lacked nothing and was complete in its own splendor, Christ, in astonishing humility, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). The "perfect beauty" Tyre claimed was external, superficial, and ultimately destined for destruction; yet, the true and eternal beauty of God is perfectly revealed in Christ's sacrificial love on the cross, which offers eternal life and spiritual transformation to all who believe. He is the one who truly makes us "complete" and "perfect," not through our own works or self-exaltation, but solely "in him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). The impending judgment against Tyre for its self-exaltation foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all who reject God's sovereignty and rely on their own strength, but it also gloriously highlights the divine alternative: the humble King who offers true, lasting beauty, spiritual completeness, and eternal redemption to all who turn from self-reliance to Him, the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")).

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 27:4

Thy borders [are] in the midst of the seas, thy builders have perfected thy beauty.

Revelation 18:11

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Revelation 18:15

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

Ezekiel 27:36

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

Ezekiel 28:12

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Ezekiel 28:17

Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.