Ezekiel 28:2

KJV

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, say {H559} unto the prince {H5057} of Tyrus {H6865}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because thine heart {H3820} is lifted up {H1361}, and thou hast said {H559}, I am a God {H410}, I sit {H3427} in the seat {H4186} of God {H430}, in the midst {H3820} of the seas {H3220}; yet thou art a man {H120}, and not God {H410}, though thou set {H5414} thine heart {H3820} as the heart {H3820} of God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, tell the prince of Tzor that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Because you are so proud and have said, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of God, surrounded by the sea"; yet you are a man, not God, even though you think that you think like God.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

American Standard Version

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyre, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thy heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art man, and not God, though thou didst set thy heart as the heart of God;—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:2 delivers a powerful divine indictment against the human ruler of Tyre, exposing the core sin of his heart: an audacious and blasphemous pride that led him to declare himself a god, seated in a divine throne amidst his vast maritime empire. The Lord GOD, however, starkly refutes this delusion, asserting the prince's true identity as merely a man, not God, despite his self-exalted aspirations. This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the dangers of human arrogance and the absolute sovereignty of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of prophetic oracles delivered by Ezekiel against various foreign nations, found in [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Oracle Against the Prince and King of Tyre") contains two distinct prophecies against Tyre: the first, targeting the "prince of Tyrus" (verses 1-10), and the second, a lamentation over the "king of Tyrus" (verses 11-19), often interpreted as a reference to a spiritual power behind the earthly ruler, or the earthly king in his full, glorious, but ultimately fallen state. Verse 2 immediately sets the tone for the first oracle, pinpointing the spiritual root of Tyre's downfall—the king's hubris and self-deification—before detailing the consequences of this pride in subsequent verses, leading to his violent demise at the hands of foreign invaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a formidable Phoenician city-state situated on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its immense wealth derived from extensive maritime trade, strategic location, and skilled craftsmanship (e.g., purple dye, cedar wood). Its prosperity and apparent invincibility, bolstered by its island fortress, likely fostered an inflated sense of self-importance among its inhabitants and especially its ruler, likely Ittobaal II, during the time of Nebuchadnezzar's siege. In the ancient Near East, kings often held elevated status, sometimes even being considered divine representatives or semi-divine figures. However, the claim of the Tyrian prince to *be* God, and to sit in the "seat of God," went beyond typical royal ideology, representing a direct usurpation of the divine prerogative, particularly offensive to the monotheistic worldview of Israel and their God, Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **blasphemous pride and self-deification** of humanity. The prince's audacious declaration, "I am a God," represents the pinnacle of human arrogance, where a creature attempts to usurp the Creator's place, an ultimate affront to the one true God. This is sharply contrasted with the **limits of humanity**, as the Lord God starkly reminds the prince, "yet thou art a man, and not God," emphasizing that despite his power and strategic position, he remains a finite human being, subject to God's ultimate authority, as seen in [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalm/146-3 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do Not Trust in Princes"). The verse also highlights the **peril of prosperity**, suggesting that Tyre's vast wealth and dominance fueled the prince's inflated sense of self-importance, serving as a warning that material success can lead to a dangerous delusion of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores **God's unquestionable sovereignty**, asserting that it is the one true God who speaks, judges, and holds all authority, even over the most powerful earthly rulers and nations, as affirmed in [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Everlasting Dominion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** From the root H1361, meaning "to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty." This word describes an inner state of arrogance and self-exaltation, a swelling of the heart with pride. It signifies an elevation of self above one's proper station, leading to a sense of superiority and defiance against God.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** From the root H410, meaning "strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity)." When the prince declares "I am a God," he is claiming divine essence, power, and authority, not merely a kingly status. This is a direct assertion of being a deity, usurping the unique attributes of the Creator.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From the root H120, meaning "ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)." This term emphasizes the prince's mortal, finite, and created nature. The stark contrast between his self-proclaimed divinity and his true identity as "man" underscores the absurdity and blasphemy of his pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening establishes the divine authority behind the message. "Son of man" is Ezekiel's consistent designation, emphasizing his human frailty as a messenger of the sovereign God. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" authenticates the prophecy as a direct word from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God (H3069, YHWH), who is also the sovereign Master (H136, Adonay).
* **"Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas;":** This clause reveals the specific nature of the prince's sin. His "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), the center of thought, will, and emotion, has become "lifted up" (H1361, _gâbahh_), full of haughty pride. This internal arrogance manifests in the audacious declaration, "I am a God" (H410, _ʼêl_), a claim to divine essence. Furthermore, he asserts his perceived divine authority by stating, "I sit in the seat (H4186, _môwshâb_, a dwelling place or throne) of God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_)," placing himself on the divine throne. The phrase "in the midst of the seas" (H3220, _yâm_) highlights Tyre's geographical and economic dominance, suggesting that its strategic and prosperous position fueled this delusion of invincibility and godhood.
* **"yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:":** This final clause delivers God's crushing rebuttal to the prince's delusion. Despite his boasts and the setting of his "heart" (H3820, _lêb_) like that of God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), the undeniable reality is proclaimed: "yet thou art a man (H120, _ʼâdâm_), and not God (H410, _ʼêl_)." This stark contrast emphasizes the infinite chasm between the Creator and the creature, exposing the prince's claim as utterly false and blasphemous. It underscores the fundamental truth that humanity, no matter how powerful or prosperous, remains distinct from and subordinate to the divine.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing the prince's self-proclaimed divinity ("I am a God") with the divine declaration of his true nature ("yet thou art a man, and not God"). This stark opposition highlights the absurdity and blasphemy of his pride. **Irony** is also present, as the prince, believing himself to be in an unassailable divine position "in the midst of the seas," is actually under the judgment of the true God who controls those very seas. The phrase "heart is lifted up" uses **Personification** to attribute human emotions and actions to the abstract concept of the heart, emphasizing the internal source of the prince's sin. Furthermore, the audacious claim to sit "in the seat of God" is a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the prince's self-importance to a blasphemous degree, underscoring the extreme nature of his pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:2 profoundly addresses the universal human temptation towards pride and self-exaltation, identifying it as the root of rebellion against God. The prince of Tyre's sin mirrors the primordial sin of humanity, a desire to be "like God" (Genesis 3:5), determining good and evil for oneself. This passage asserts God's absolute sovereignty and the inherent limitations of created beings. Any attempt to usurp God's place, whether through explicit claims of divinity or by living as if one is self-sufficient and not accountable to a higher power, is an affront to the Creator. It underscores that true wisdom and security lie not in self-aggrandizement, but in humble recognition of God's supreme authority and our dependent status as His creation.

* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer/King of Babylon")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Acts 12:21-23](/acts/12-21 "Acts 12:21-23 - Herod's Pride and Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:2 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the pervasive human tendency towards pride and self-exaltation. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and personal autonomy, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we, like the prince of Tyre, tempted to believe that our achievements, intelligence, wealth, or influence make us self-sufficient or even superior, implicitly or explicitly usurping God's rightful place in our lives? The "midst of the seas" for us might be our career, our social standing, our intellectual prowess, or our personal comforts—any domain where we feel powerful and in control. This passage calls us to a radical humility, recognizing that all we have and all we are is a gift from God. It reminds us that true security and fulfillment come not from building our own kingdoms or claiming divine prerogatives, but from acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and living in humble dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to rely on my own strength, intelligence, or resources, rather than on God?**
* **How might my "heart be lifted up" in subtle ways, leading me to act as if I am the ultimate authority in my life?**
* **What are the "seas" in my life—the areas of perceived strength or control—that might foster a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "prince of Tyrus" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "prince of Tyrus" (Hebrew: *nâgîyd*, H5057) refers to the human king or ruler of the city-state of Tyre at the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, likely Ittobaal II. While some later verses in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Oracle Against the Prince and King of Tyre") (specifically verses 11-19) are often interpreted as referring to a spiritual entity (like Satan) due to their highly symbolic language, verse 2 clearly targets a human ruler whose pride and self-deification are the direct cause of God's judgment against him and his city. The distinction between the "prince" (human ruler) and the "king" (possibly a deeper spiritual power or the king in his pre-fall glory) is a significant interpretive point in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Oracle Against the Prince and King of Tyre").

**What does it mean for the prince to "sit in the seat of God"?**

Answer: To "sit in the seat of God" (Hebrew: *môwshâb ʼĕlôhîym*, H4186 H430) means to claim a position of divine authority, sovereignty, and even worship. It implies that the prince saw himself as the ultimate lawgiver, the source of wisdom, and the one to whom ultimate allegiance was due, effectively usurping God's throne and prerogatives. This was not merely a claim to be a divinely appointed king, but a blasphemous assertion of being a deity himself, ruling from a position of unchallengeable power, much like God rules from His heavenly throne. The phrase "in the midst of the seas" (H3220, _yâm_) further emphasizes his perception of his unassailable position due to Tyre's maritime power and island fortress.

**Is this passage about Satan?**

Answer: While [Ezekiel 28:11-19](/ezekiel/28-11 "Ezekiel 28:11-19 - Lamentation Over the King of Tyre") is frequently interpreted by many theologians as a veiled reference to the fall of Satan, [Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince of Tyre's Pride") specifically addresses the "prince of Tyrus" as a human being. The verse explicitly states, "yet thou art a man, and not God." This plain language distinguishes the object of this particular prophecy from a non-human, spiritual entity. While the human king's pride may reflect a satanic influence or archetype, the direct subject of verse 2 is clearly a mortal ruler.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:2, with its stark portrayal of a human ruler’s blasphemous pride and self-exaltation, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The prince of Tyre, a mere man, sought to make himself God, sitting in a self-proclaimed divine seat. In profound antithesis, Jesus, who was truly God from eternity, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or exploited for selfish gain. Instead, as [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation") beautifully describes, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." While the prince of Tyre boasted of his power and position "in the midst of the seas," Jesus, the true [Creator and Sustainer of all things](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"), humbly entered creation as a man, yet He is the one who truly sits at the right hand of God, having been [exalted above every name](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalted Christ"). The prince's claim was a lie, but Jesus is the [Word who was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [became flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the one who truly has all authority [in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), representing the perfect humility of true deity in contrast to the destructive pride of fallen humanity.

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 28:9

Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Isaiah 14:13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:14

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Psalms 9:20

Put them in fear, O LORD: [that] the nations may know themselves [to be but] men. Selah.