Ezekiel 27:34

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the time {H6256} when thou shalt be broken {H7665} by the seas {H3220} in the depths {H4615} of the waters {H4325} thy merchandise {H4627} and all thy company {H6951} in the midst {H8432} of thee shall fall {H5307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now you have been wrecked by the waves, sunk in the watery depths; your merchandise and all your people have gone down with you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you.

American Standard Version

In the time that thou wast broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, thy merchandise and all thy company did fall in the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:34 vividly portrays the catastrophic and irreversible downfall of Tyre, once a preeminent maritime trading power, through the powerful metaphor of a magnificent ship utterly destroyed and sinking into the ocean's deepest abysses. This verse serves as the poignant climax of a lamentation, emphasizing the complete and final loss of the city's immense wealth, its extensive commercial network, and its entire population, underscoring the impermanence of earthly might and the inevitability of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 27 is an elaborate funeral dirge, or lamentation, for the city of Tyre, forming part of a larger section (chapters 25-32) that pronounces judgment against various nations surrounding Israel. This chapter personifies Tyre as a grand, perfectly constructed ship, built from the finest materials and manned by a diverse crew representing its vast trading partners. The preceding verses meticulously detail Tyre's unparalleled prosperity, its extensive trade routes spanning the known world, and the many peoples who contributed to its immense wealth and power. Verse 34 functions as the tragic culmination of this extended metaphor, depicting the ultimate shipwreck of this seemingly invincible city, where all its glory, wealth, and inhabitants are swallowed by the "seas in the depths of the waters," signifying a total and inescapable annihilation. The lament begins with Tyre’s rise and magnificent construction (Ezekiel 27:1-9), details its extensive trade and partners (Ezekiel 27:10-25), and then shifts to its dramatic collapse (Ezekiel 27:26-36), with this verse delivering the final, crushing blow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city-state, renowned in the ancient Near East for its naval prowess, extensive trade networks, and impressive fortifications. Located on an island off the coast of modern-day Lebanon, its strategic position and advanced maritime technology made it a hub for international commerce, importing and exporting goods across the Mediterranean and beyond. Its wealth was legendary, fueling a sense of self-sufficiency and pride, which biblical prophets often condemned as arrogance against God. Historically, Tyre faced significant sieges, most notably by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC), which significantly weakened it, and later by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, which led to its ultimate destruction and the building of a causeway to the island. The imagery of a ship breaking apart in the sea would have resonated deeply with a maritime people like the Tyrians, symbolizing the complete undoing of their very identity and source of power.
* **Key Themes:** The lament over Tyre in Ezekiel 27, culminating in verse 34, contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Pride and Fall**, demonstrating that even the most powerful and self-sufficient earthly kingdoms are ultimately subject to divine judgment when their pride leads them to defy God or become consumed by their own glory, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall"). Second, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, affirming God's absolute control over all nations and economies, proving that no earthly power can stand against His righteous decrees. Third, the verse highlights the **Transience of Earthly Riches and Power**, as Tyre's "merchandise and all thy company" are utterly lost in the depths, serving as a stark warning against placing ultimate trust in material wealth or human achievements, a message consistent with the wisdom found in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). Finally, the imagery of total destruction emphasizes the **Completeness of God's Judgment**, leaving nothing behind of what once seemed invincible.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_ H7665):** This word signifies a violent shattering, crushing, or bursting. It implies a forceful and destructive action, not a gentle collapse. In the context of Tyre, it emphasizes the severity and totality of the destruction, suggesting that the city's structure, both physical and economic, would be violently fragmented beyond repair, much like a ship dashed against rocks.
* **depths (Hebrew, _maʻămâq'_ H4615):** Derived from a root meaning "to be deep," this term refers to the profound, lowest parts of the sea. Its use here intensifies the imagery of destruction, indicating that Tyre's fall would not be superficial but would involve complete submersion and disappearance, signifying utter ruin and the impossibility of recovery.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_ H5307):** This primitive root is broadly used for "to fall" in various applications, both literal and figurative, often implying a descent, collapse, or overthrow. In this verse, it vividly describes the irreversible descent of Tyre's wealth and people into the watery abyss, confirming the finality of its judgment and the loss of all that it valued and relied upon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the time [when] thou shalt be broken by the seas":** This clause sets the stage for the inevitable judgment, emphasizing that the destruction of Tyre is a decreed event, occurring at a specific, divinely appointed "time." The passive voice "shalt be broken" highlights that Tyre is the recipient of this violent action, not the agent. The "seas" are personified as the instruments of this shattering, symbolizing the overwhelming forces of judgment that will dismantle Tyre's maritime power and very existence.
* **"in the depths of the waters":** This phrase further specifies the location and nature of Tyre's demise. It's not merely a surface-level destruction but a descent into the profound, unrecoverable "depths." The "waters" here represent the overwhelming, chaotic forces of judgment that will completely engulf and submerge the city, ensuring its total disappearance from prominence and memory.
* **"thy merchandise and all thy company":** This identifies what will be lost in the catastrophe. "Thy merchandise" refers to Tyre's vast wealth, its trading goods, and the entire economic empire it had built. "All thy company" refers to its people, its sailors, its merchants, and all who contributed to its power and prosperity. This highlights that the judgment is comprehensive, affecting both the material assets and the human capital of the city.
* **"in the midst of thee shall fall.":** This final clause underscores the internal nature of the collapse and its inevitability. The fall happens "in the midst of thee," suggesting that the destruction originates from within or is so pervasive that it consumes everything centrally associated with Tyre. The verb "shall fall" confirms the certainty and finality of this catastrophic event, leaving no doubt about the city's ultimate ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 27:34 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Personification** is central, as the city of Tyre is consistently depicted as a magnificent ship throughout the chapter, and here, it is this "ship" that is "broken by the seas." This extends into a powerful **metaphor**, where the destruction of Tyre is equated to a shipwreck, vividly conveying the idea of a once-proud vessel being utterly overwhelmed and submerged. The imagery of being "broken by the seas in the depths of the waters" employs potent **sensory imagery**, evoking the violent crashing of waves, the splintering of wood, and the terrifying descent into the dark, crushing depths, appealing to the reader's sense of sight and dread. The phrase "all thy company" falling "in the midst of thee" uses **synecdoche**, where the part (the company/crew) represents the whole (the entire population and all associated with Tyre's enterprise). The overall tone of the chapter, culminating in this verse, is a **lament** or **dirge**, a mournful song of sorrow for a great loss, which heightens the emotional impact of Tyre's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:34 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the impermanence of earthly power. It illustrates that God's sovereignty extends over all nations, and even the most seemingly invincible human achievements and economic empires are subject to His righteous decrees. The fall of Tyre, driven by its pride and reliance on its own wealth, stands as a timeless warning against idolatry of material possessions and self-sufficiency, reminding humanity that true security and lasting value are found only in God. This passage resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God’s judgment on arrogant powers, foreshadowing ultimate divine justice.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Revelation 18:11-19](/revelation/18-11 "Revelation 18:11-19 - The Merchants Lament Over Babylon")
* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches Will Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:34 offers a stark and sobering reflection for believers today, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and sources of security. In a world that often measures success by wealth, influence, and material accumulation, the complete and sudden collapse of Tyre serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly kingdoms, economies, and personal empires are ultimately transient and vulnerable. This passage calls us to cultivate a profound humility, recognizing that true prosperity and lasting peace are not found in the fleeting treasures of this world, but in a steadfast relationship with God. It encourages us to examine where our ultimate trust lies, urging us to invest in eternal values—such as spiritual growth, service to others, and the pursuit of righteousness—rather than in assets that can be "broken by the seas" and "fall" into oblivion. The certainty of Tyre's judgment also provides comfort, reminding us that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing down all that exalts itself against Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and find my security: in earthly achievements and possessions, or in God alone?**
* **How might the pursuit of wealth or worldly influence subtly lead to pride and self-sufficiency in my own life?**
* **What "merchandise" or "company" in my life, if lost, would cause me the most distress, and what does that reveal about my true priorities?**
* **How can I actively shift my focus from accumulating temporary riches to investing in eternal values and spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary sin of Tyre that led to its downfall?**

Answer: While not explicitly stated as a single "sin" in Ezekiel 27:34, the broader context of the prophecies against Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28) reveals that its primary sin was its immense pride, arrogance, and self-sufficiency, stemming from its unparalleled wealth and power. Tyre boasted of its perfection and believed its strategic location and commercial might made it invincible, even rejoicing over the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 26:2). This hubris led to a disregard for God and an idolatry of its own achievements and riches. The prophet also condemns Tyre for its oppressive trading practices and its involvement in the slave trade, particularly with the people of Judah and Jerusalem (Joel 3:4-6; Amos 1:9-10). Ultimately, Tyre's downfall was a judgment against its spiritual arrogance and its oppressive actions, demonstrating that God opposes the proud (James 4:6).

**How was the prophecy of Tyre's destruction fulfilled historically?**

Answer: The prophecy of Tyre's destruction saw a significant initial fulfillment through the thirteen-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (c. 586-573 BC), as foretold in Ezekiel 26:7-14. While the island city itself was not completely destroyed at this time, the mainland city was devastated, and Tyre's economic power was severely crippled. The prophecy of being "broken by the seas" found its more complete and literal fulfillment centuries later with Alexander the Great's siege in 332 BC. To conquer the island city, Alexander famously built a causeway from the mainland using the rubble of the old city. After a seven-month siege, Tyre was finally conquered, its fortifications were breached, and its inhabitants were massacred or sold into slavery. This event effectively ended Tyre's dominance as a major maritime power, fulfilling the prophetic imagery of its merchandise and company falling into the depths, and the city becoming a "bare rock" where fishermen spread their nets, as described in [Ezekiel 26:14](/ezekiel/26-14 "Ezekiel 26:14 - Tyre a Bare Rock").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 27:34, depicting the catastrophic fall of Tyre, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy of Jesus, but in its powerful theological themes that point to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the true nature of lasting security. Tyre's reliance on its immense wealth and naval strength, only to be "broken by the seas" and have all its "merchandise and company" fall, starkly contrasts with the enduring and unshakable kingdom established by Christ. While earthly empires rise and fall, built on temporary foundations, the kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, is eternal and cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Jesus himself taught against storing up treasures on earth, which are subject to decay and theft, urging His followers instead to lay up treasures in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")), directly addressing the very folly that led to Tyre's demise. The "depths of the waters" that swallow Tyre can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and judgment that ultimately consume all that is built apart from God. In contrast, Christ is the one who calms the literal seas ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and overcomes the spiritual forces of chaos and death, offering a salvation that is secure and eternal. The "fall" of Tyre's company highlights the perishing of those who trust in worldly might, while Christ offers eternal life to all who believe in Him, ensuring that His "company"—the church—will never fall or be overcome by the gates of Hades ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Thus, the lament over Tyre ultimately underscores the necessity of turning from fleeting earthly glories to the enduring and sovereign reign of Christ, the true King whose kingdom will never be broken.

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 27:26

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

Ezekiel 27:27

Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that [are] in thee, and in all thy company which [is] in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

Zechariah 9:3

And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

Zechariah 9:4

Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.

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;

Ezekiel 26:21

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.

Ezekiel 26:12

And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.