Ezekiel 27:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The merchants {H5503} among the people {H5971} shall hiss {H8319} at thee; thou shalt be a terror {H1091}, and never shalt be any more {H5704}{H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the merchants among the peoples are gasping at your fate; you are an object of terror, and you will cease to exist."'"

Berean Standard Bible

Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

American Standard Version

The merchants among the peoples hiss at thee; thou art become a terror, and thou shalt nevermore have any being.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 27:36 delivers the climactic and devastating pronouncement of judgment against the once-glorious maritime city of Tyre, concluding a detailed prophetic lament. It foretells a future where the very merchants who once profited from Tyre's vast trade networks will react with scorn and dismay at its utter desolation. The city itself, once a symbol of immense power and wealth, will become a terrifying spectacle, a permanent monument to divine judgment, its former glory and influence vanished forever.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the solemn and conclusive statement of the elaborate dirge over Tyre in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre"). The preceding verses meticulously describe Tyre as a magnificent ship, built with the finest materials and manned by skilled mariners and traders from numerous nations, illustrating its unparalleled wealth, extensive trade routes, and widespread influence. This detailed depiction of its former splendor intensifies the shock and finality of its prophesied downfall. [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") had already pronounced judgment against Tyre, focusing on its physical destruction, while Chapter 27 elaborates on the economic and social ramifications, culminating in this verse's declaration of absolute cessation of its former status.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade and formidable defenses, including its island fortress. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Tyre was a dominant economic power in the ancient Near East, engaging in extensive commerce across the Mediterranean and beyond. Its wealth and strategic position fostered a deep sense of pride and self-sufficiency, which the prophets often condemned as an affront to God's sovereignty. The "merchants among the people" refer to those who benefited directly from Tyre's vast commercial empire, and their "hissing" is a culturally understood expression of astonishment, derision, or dismay at a catastrophic downfall, often accompanied by a shaking of the head. This reaction underscores the sheer disbelief at the collapse of such an apparently unassailable power.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre") and this concluding verse powerfully articulate several core theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all nations, regardless of their perceived strength or wealth. The fall of Tyre serves as a stark reminder that no human empire can withstand the divine will, a truth echoed in passages like [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, the passage emphasizes **The Fall of Pride**, portraying Tyre's downfall as a direct consequence of its arrogance, which stemmed from its immense prosperity and strategic dominance. This theme resonates with the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," as stated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction"). Thirdly, the phrase "never [shalt be] any more" underscores the **Finality of Destruction** concerning Tyre's former glory and influence, signifying a permanent cessation of its status as a leading maritime power. Lastly, the lament serves as a poignant warning about the **Fleeting Nature of Worldly Power and Riches**, revealing the insecurity of placing ultimate trust in material wealth and human strength, as those who once profited from Tyre's trade are now left to "hiss" in shock and derision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merchants (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** From the primitive root H5503, meaning "to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate; go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick." This word specifically refers to those engaged in extensive trade and commerce, highlighting the economic relationships Tyre had forged and the self-serving nature of these alliances. Their reaction underscores the self-interest inherent in worldly partnerships, as they lament the loss of their own profit rather than Tyre's suffering.
* **Hiss (Hebrew, _shâraq'_):** From the primitive root H8319, meaning "to be shrill, i.e. to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn)." In this context, "hiss" conveys a multifaceted reaction: it can denote scorn and derision, expressing contempt for a fallen foe; astonishment and dismay, reflecting disbelief at the utter collapse of such a mighty power; or even a sound of lamentation, mourning the loss of a profitable trading partner. It's a visceral, audible expression of the world's reaction to Tyre's humiliation.
* **Terror (Hebrew, _ballâhâh'_):** From H1091, derived from a root meaning "to alarm; hence, destruction; terror, trouble." This word describes the state Tyre will be reduced to. It will not merely be destroyed, but will become an object lesson, a terrifying spectacle that instills dread and awe in all who witness or hear of its fate. Its former glory will be replaced by a reputation for utter ruin, serving as a warning to other proud nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee":** This clause highlights the global impact of Tyre's fall. The "merchants among the people" represent the vast network of nations and individuals who benefited from Tyre's extensive trade. Their "hissing" is a powerful image of their reaction, signifying not only scorn or derision but also shock and dismay at the sudden and complete collapse of a major economic hub from which they profited. It underscores the transactional nature of worldly alliances, where concern is primarily for lost gain rather than for the fallen entity itself.
* **"thou shalt be a terror":** This phrase declares that Tyre, once a source of admiration and envy, will become an object of dread and a cautionary tale. Its destruction will be so complete and spectacular that it will serve as a terrifying example of divine judgment, instilling fear in any who might consider emulating its pride or challenging God's sovereignty. The city itself, or its ruins, will embody destruction and ruin.
* **"and never [shalt be] any more":** This final, emphatic declaration signifies the absolute and permanent cessation of Tyre's former status, power, and glory. While the city of Tyre was indeed rebuilt and continued to exist in some form throughout history, this prophetic statement refers to the complete and irreversible end of its preeminent position as the unchallenged "queen of the seas" and a global economic powerhouse. It speaks to the finality of God's judgment against its pride and self-sufficiency, ensuring that its unparalleled influence would never be restored to its previous magnitude.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of ultimate judgment. The entire chapter, culminating in this verse, is a **Lament** or **Dirge**, a funeral song mourning the death of a great entity, which lends a somber, mournful tone to the prophecy. **Personification** is evident throughout [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre"), where Tyre is depicted as a magnificent ship, and in this verse, the city itself becomes an object of scorn and terror, capable of evoking reactions from others. There is profound **Irony** in the merchants' reaction: those who once lauded and profited from Tyre's prosperity now "hiss" in derision, highlighting the fickle nature of worldly allegiances and the self-serving motives that often underpin them. Finally, the phrase "never [shalt be] any more" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the completeness and permanence of Tyre's fall from its former glory. While the city might physically persist, its unparalleled status and influence are irrevocably gone, underscoring the absolute nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 27:36 profoundly underscores the transient nature of all human glory, wealth, and power when confronted with the sovereign will of God. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most formidable and prosperous human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The "hissing" of the merchants and the declaration that Tyre will become a "terror" speak to the public and undeniable humiliation that awaits those who elevate themselves in pride and forget their dependence on the Almighty. This passage affirms God's justice, demonstrating that He holds nations accountable for their arrogance, exploitation, and disregard for His ways, even if their downfall seems economically or politically improbable. It is a powerful testament to the truth that true security and lasting significance are found not in accumulated riches or strategic advantage, but in humble submission to the Creator.

* [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Merchants Lament Over Babylon")
* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1 "Isaiah 23:1-18 - The Oracle Concerning Tyre")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 27:36 offers timeless lessons for individuals and societies navigating the complexities of success, wealth, and power. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and derive our security. The fate of Tyre is a powerful warning against the insidious nature of pride, which can blind us to our true vulnerabilities and lead us to believe we are self-sufficient, independent of God. It compels us to consider where our ultimate trust lies: in fleeting material possessions, human achievements, or the unchanging character of God. In a world that often measures worth by accumulation and influence, this verse calls us to humility, reminding us that all earthly glory is temporary and can vanish in an instant. Our ultimate hope and security should be anchored in the eternal, not the temporal, recognizing that true flourishing comes from aligning our lives with God's righteous standards and acknowledging His supreme sovereignty over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Tyres" in my own life or in my society—areas of pride, wealth, or power that might be built on insecure foundations?**
* **How does the "hissing" of the merchants challenge my understanding of worldly relationships and alliances? Do I prioritize genuine connection or transactional benefit?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to place my security in material possessions or human achievements rather than in God?**
* **How does the finality of Tyre's judgment encourage me to live with greater humility and dependence on God today?**

### FAQ
**Did Tyre truly "never" exist again after this prophecy?**
Answer: The phrase "never [shalt be] any more" (Hebrew: _ʻad ʻôwlâm_) in [Ezekiel 27:36](/ezekiel/27-36 "Ezekiel 27:36 - The Finality of Tyre's Fall") signifies the complete and permanent cessation of Tyre's *former glory, influence, and status* as the preeminent maritime power, rather than its absolute physical disappearance from the map. While Tyre was indeed besieged by Nebuchadnezzar for 13 years (586-573 BC), which significantly weakened it, and later completely destroyed by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, the city was eventually rebuilt and continued to exist as a port. However, it never regained the unparalleled commercial dominance and global influence described in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre"). The prophecy emphasizes the irreversible end of its golden age and its role as a proud, self-sufficient empire, making it a "terror" or object lesson for all time.

**What is the significance of the "hissing" of the merchants?**
Answer: The "hissing" (Hebrew: _shâraq_) of the merchants in [Ezekiel 27:36](/ezekiel/27-36 "Ezekiel 27:36 - The Merchants' Reaction to Tyre's Fall") is a powerful and multi-layered expression. Culturally, hissing could signify scorn, derision, astonishment, or dismay. In this context, it conveys the shock and disbelief of those who once benefited from Tyre's vast wealth and trade, now witnessing its utter ruin. It highlights the transactional and self-serving nature of worldly alliances; the merchants are not mourning Tyre out of genuine sorrow for its people, but out of dismay for their lost profits and the collapse of a system from which they gained. It underscores the fleeting and unreliable nature of worldly support when judgment falls.

**How does Tyre's fate relate to modern nations or individuals?**
Answer: The prophetic judgment against Tyre in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - The Dirge Over Tyre"), culminating in [Ezekiel 27:36](/ezekiel/27-36 "Ezekiel 27:36 - A Warning to the Proud"), serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of excessive pride, self-sufficiency, and placing ultimate trust in material wealth and worldly power. For nations, it cautions against economic exploitation, moral decay, and forgetting divine sovereignty in the pursuit of global dominance. For individuals, it reminds us that all earthly possessions, achievements, and even relationships founded on self-interest are temporary and can be lost. It calls us to cultivate humility, seek justice, and place our ultimate hope and security in God, whose kingdom and righteousness endure forever, unlike the fleeting empires of this world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic downfall of Tyre, from a pinnacle of worldly glory to an object of terror and a forgotten power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the fleeting nature of earthly kingdoms and the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Tyre's pride and self-sufficiency, which led to its ruin, stand in opposition to Christ's radical humility, who, "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" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). The "hissing" merchants and the city becoming a "terror" foreshadow the world's ultimate judgment, a theme powerfully depicted in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), where the merchants of the earth mourn the fall of "Babylon the Great," a spiritual archetype of worldly systems built on pride and opposition to God. Christ's triumph on the cross and His resurrection demonstrate that true power is found not in earthly might or accumulated riches, but in sacrificial love and obedience to God. He is the true "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), whose dominion is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")) and whose Kingdom "will never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Unlike Tyre, which was reduced to "never [being] any more" in its former glory, Christ offers an eternal inheritance and a secure future for those who trust in Him, where "neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")). The judgment on Tyre serves as a powerful prophetic warning, pointing to the ultimate and final judgment of all human systems that reject God, and simultaneously highlighting the enduring, unshakeable hope found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one true source of lasting security and eternal 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

Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

Psalms 37:10

For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].

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.

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Psalms 37:36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Ezekiel 26:14

And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be [a place] to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.