Ezekiel 28:19

KJV

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more.

KJV (with Strong's)

All they that know {H3045} thee among the people {H5971} shall be astonished {H8074} at thee: thou shalt be a terror {H1091}, and never {H369} shalt thou be any more {H5704}{H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All who know you among the peoples will be aghast at you. You are an object of terror, and you will cease to exist.'"

Berean Standard Bible

All the nations who know you are appalled over you. You have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

American Standard Version

All they that know thee among the peoples shall be astonished at thee: thou art become a terror, and thou shalt nevermore have any being.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:19 delivers a climactic pronouncement of divine judgment against the "king of Tyrus," culminating a prophetic lament that transcends the earthly ruler to address a deeper, spiritual power. The verse vividly portrays the utter astonishment of those who once admired this entity, now reduced to an object of terror and destined for an irreversible, eternal cessation of its former glory and influence. It serves as a stark testament to the ultimate sovereignty of God and the inevitable downfall of pride and self-exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28:19 concludes a profound oracle against the city-state of Tyre, specifically focusing on its "king" (verses 11-19), distinct from the "prince" mentioned earlier (verses 1-10). This shift in address from an earthly ruler to a figure described with Edenic imagery, perfection, and a fall from a position of privilege, strongly suggests a veiled reference to a spiritual adversary, widely interpreted as Satan. The preceding verses detail this entity's original state of perfection, its pride, its fall due to iniquity, and its subsequent expulsion from the "holy mountain of God." Verse 19 acts as the final, devastating verdict, sealing the fate of this once-glorious being, emphasizing the absolute finality of its judgment and the public spectacle of its demise. This judgment on Tyre, both earthly and spiritual, is part of a larger series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and justice over all powers, human and spiritual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a powerful and wealthy Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, exquisite craftsmanship, and seemingly impregnable island fortress. Its immense prosperity and strategic location fostered a spirit of arrogance and self-sufficiency, believing itself invincible due to its wisdom and riches. The prophet Ezekiel, ministering during the Babylonian exile, frequently addressed the pride and idolatry of surrounding nations, including Tyre, which often benefited from Judah's misfortunes. The "astonishment" of the people mentioned in the verse would have resonated deeply with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a powerful city's fall, which was not merely a political event but a profound theological statement about the fragility of human power and the supremacy of divine judgment. The imagery of a "terror" reflects the horrifying and unexpected nature of such a downfall for a city once admired and feared.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 28:19 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority over all earthly and spiritual powers. The downfall of Tyre, personified by its king, illustrates that no entity, regardless of its perceived strength or wisdom, can defy the righteous judgment of the Almighty. This judgment is characterized by **Irreversible Ruin**, as the phrase "never shalt thou be any more" underscores the permanent and complete cessation of the entity's former glory and influence. This serves as a potent warning against **Pride and Self-Exaltation**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer"). The "astonishment" of onlookers highlights the **Spectacle of Divine Justice**, where the dramatic reversal of fortunes becomes a public testament to God's unexpected and devastating power, serving as a deterrent and a demonstration of His holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This word signifies not merely intellectual acquaintance but often a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge. In this context, "all they that know thee among the people" implies those who were familiar with Tyre's power, wealth, and influence, perhaps even its allies or those who traded with it. Their "knowing" suggests a prior admiration, respect, or even fear, making their subsequent astonishment all the more profound.
* **astonished (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** H8074. This term conveys more than simple surprise; it denotes a state of desolation, horror, and utter amazement, often bordering on stupefaction or numbness. It speaks to the devastating impact of the witnessed destruction, rendering observers speechless and aghast. The downfall is so complete and unexpected that it evokes a sense of desolate awe, a profound shock at the reversal of fortunes.
* **terror (Hebrew, _ballâhâh'_):** H1091. Derived from a root meaning "to alarm," this word signifies dread, destruction, or an object of terror. The entity that was once a source of admiration and perhaps a formidable force will now become an object of horror and ruin. Its end is not merely a cessation but a dreadful spectacle, a terrifying example of divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee:"** This clause sets the stage for the public nature of the judgment. Those who were intimately acquainted with the "king of Tyrus"—its power, its beauty, its perceived invincibility—will be utterly dumbfounded by its downfall. Their astonishment is not just surprise but a profound shock, a desolation of spirit at the sight of such a complete reversal. It underscores the unexpected and overwhelming nature of God's judgment, turning admiration into horror.
* **"thou shalt be a terror,"** This phrase indicates a radical transformation of the entity's identity and perception. What was once glorious and perhaps feared for its strength will now become an object of dread and ruin, a horrifying example of divine retribution. The "terror" is not something it inflicts, but something it *becomes*—a dreadful spectacle, a warning to all who witness its demise.
* **"and never [shalt] thou [be] any more."** This concluding declaration emphasizes the absolute and irreversible finality of the judgment. The combination of "never" (H369, _ʼayin_, meaning non-existence) and "any more" (H5704, _ʻad_, until; H5769, _ʻôwlâm_, eternity/time out of mind) signifies an eternal cessation, a permanent removal from its former state of being and influence. There will be no recovery, no return to glory; its end is absolute and perpetual.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of ultimate judgment. **Personification** is evident in the address to the "king of Tyrus" as a singular, proud entity, allowing for a direct and impactful pronouncement of judgment. The phrase "thou shalt be a terror" uses **Irony**, as the one who once inspired awe and perhaps fear through its power will now become an object of terror due to its utter destruction. This reversal of roles powerfully emphasizes the divine humbling. Furthermore, the declaration "never shalt thou be any more" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and eternal nature of the destruction, emphasizing that this is not a temporary setback but a complete and irreversible annihilation of its former existence and influence. This hyperbolic language serves to magnify the severity and finality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:19 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the ultimate futility of pride. It illustrates that God's sovereignty extends over all creation, including the most powerful human empires and even the spiritual forces of evil. The dramatic downfall of the "king of Tyrus" is a vivid demonstration that self-exaltation, reliance on one's own wisdom, wealth, or beauty, inevitably leads to a humiliating and irreversible judgment. It underscores the principle that true security and lasting glory are found only in humble submission to God, not in human achievement or worldly power. The astonishment of the onlookers highlights the public vindication of God's righteousness and the terrifying consequences of defying His authority.

* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon, Never to Rise Again")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:19 offers timeless lessons that resonate deeply with believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that all earthly glory, wealth, and power are fleeting and ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. In a world that often values self-reliance, accumulation of riches, and outward appearance, this verse calls us to humility and a recognition that true worth and lasting significance come only from a relationship with God. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride, self-sufficiency, or idolatry of worldly success. When we witness the rise and fall of nations, corporations, or individuals, this passage reminds us that God remains on His throne, orchestrating history and bringing justice to bear. Our focus should therefore be on building God's eternal kingdom and living lives of humble obedience, rather than chasing after temporal accolades that will ultimately perish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life might be characterized by pride or self-reliance, rather than humble dependence on God?**
* **How does the "astonishment" of onlookers at Tyre's fall challenge my own perceptions of worldly success and power?**
* **In what ways can I practically invest in eternal values today, rather than fleeting earthly achievements?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "King of Tyrus" referred to in Ezekiel 28:19, and why is his judgment so severe?**

Answer: While the initial verses of Ezekiel 28 address the earthly "prince of Tyrus" (vv. 1-10), the description of the "king of Tyrus" in verses 11-19 transcends a mere human ruler. This figure is depicted as having been in Eden, perfect in beauty and wisdom, adorned with precious stones, and having walked on the "holy mountain of God" before being cast out due to iniquity. This imagery has led many biblical scholars to interpret the "king of Tyrus" as a veiled reference to Satan, the spiritual power behind the earthly pride and rebellion of Tyre. The severity of the judgment—culminating in "never shalt thou be any more"—reflects the ultimate and irreversible doom awaiting this cosmic adversary, who, like Tyre, exalted himself against God. This judgment foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil, as seen in passages like [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan's Final Doom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:19, with its pronouncement of irreversible judgment on the proud "king of Tyrus" (understood as Satan), finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While this verse speaks of an ancient judgment, it points forward to the definitive defeat of the spiritual adversary who rebelled against God. Christ, through His obedient life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, has decisively triumphed over all the powers of darkness. The "terror" and "never...any more" of Ezekiel 28:19 are echoed in the New Testament's declaration that Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). He came to "destroy the works of the devil" [1 John 3:8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Destroys the Devil's Works") and through His death, to "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Devil"). The finality of the judgment in Ezekiel 28:19 anticipates the ultimate casting of Satan into the lake of fire, where he "will be tormented day and night forever and ever" [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan's Final Doom"). Thus, the terrifying end of the "king of Tyrus" serves as a prophetic glimpse into the complete and eternal victory secured by our Lord Jesus Christ over all the forces of evil.

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 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.

Revelation 18:21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

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,

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

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.

Isaiah 14:16

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Isaiah 14:19

But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, [and as] the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.