Ezekiel 28:3

KJV

Behold, thou [art] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, thou art wiser {H2450} than Daniel {H1840}; there is no secret {H5640} that they can hide {H6004} from thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sure, you are wiser than Dani'el! No secret can be hidden from you!

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you!

American Standard Version

behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that is hidden from thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:3 delivers a profoundly ironic and scathing divine declaration against the King of Tyre. Far from being a genuine commendation, this verse functions as a sharp, satirical rebuke, highlighting the monarch's boundless arrogance and self-deception. Inflated by Tyre's immense wealth and formidable power, the king had deluded himself into believing he possessed a wisdom superior even to that divinely bestowed upon Daniel, and that no truth could remain hidden from his supposed omniscience. This biting statement powerfully sets the stage for the severe divine judgment that would inevitably follow such audacious hubris.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a powerful prophetic lamentation and oracle specifically directed at the King of Tyre, encompassing [Ezekiel 28:1-19](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre"). The immediate preceding verses establish the king's egregious self-exaltation, where he audaciously proclaims himself a god, asserting his dominion by sitting "in the seat of God" within the heart of the seas ([Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The King of Tyre's Claim to Divinity")). Following this verse, the prophecy meticulously dismantles the king's illusion of divinity and invincibility, vividly detailing his impending downfall and humiliation at the hands of foreign invaders ([Ezekiel 28:7-10](/ezekiel/28-7-10 "Ezekiel 28:7-10 - God's Judgment Against Tyre's King")). While the primary focus is undeniably on the earthly ruler, the language, particularly from [Ezekiel 28:11](/ezekiel/28-11 "Ezekiel 28:11 - Lament Over the King of Tyre's Fall") onwards, shifts to a more cosmic and symbolic description, leading many scholars to interpret it as also carrying a profound secondary, allegorical reference to the primordial fall of Satan, the ultimate embodiment of pride and rebellion against the Most High God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre stood as a preeminent Phoenician city-state, celebrated throughout the ancient world for its immense wealth, its sophisticated and expansive maritime trade network, and its seemingly impregnable fortifications, strategically located on an island off the Mediterranean coast. This bustling hub of commerce and luxury fostered an overwhelming sense of invincibility and self-sufficiency among its inhabitants, and particularly its ruler. The King of Tyre, buoyed by this unprecedented prosperity and geopolitical influence, likely perceived himself as an unparalleled strategist and an intellectual titan, capable of discerning all complex matters of statecraft, trade, and even hidden truths. This cultural milieu of material success, self-reliance, and perceived intellectual prowess significantly contributed to the king's spiritual blindness and his audacious, blasphemous claim to god-like wisdom—a tragically common pitfall for powerful rulers in the ancient Near East who frequently blurred the sacred lines between divine authority and human kingship.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **Blinding Pride**, vividly illustrating how the king's self-exaltation and perceived wisdom are, in reality, a dangerous delusion that inexorably leads to his destruction. This is starkly contrasted with the theme of **True Wisdom**, which is exemplified by Daniel, a wisdom that is divinely bestowed, accompanied by profound humility, and never by self-aggrandizement, as seen when Daniel attributes all understanding to God ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets Through Daniel")). The passage also profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** against human arrogance, unequivocally asserting God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and their fleeting, ephemeral power. The King of Tyre's false claim to omniscience represents a direct and audacious affront to God, who alone possesses perfect knowledge and reveals secrets according to His sovereign will ([Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Declares His Sovereignty and Control")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wiser (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This word (H2450), derived from the root `חָכַם`, typically denotes intelligence, skill, or practical wisdom. However, in this specific context, it is employed with profound **irony**. The King of Tyre's "wisdom" is not the genuine, divinely-given wisdom exemplified by Daniel, but rather a self-proclaimed intellectual superiority born of egregious arrogance. It highlights his cunning and artfulness in worldly affairs, which he mistakenly elevates to the level of divine insight, leading him to believe he is beyond ordinary human limitations and possessing an almost supernatural discernment.
* **Daniel (Hebrew, _Dânîyêʼl'_):** The name (H1840), originating from `דָּן` and `אֵל`, literally means "judge of God." Daniel was a revered contemporary of Ezekiel, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for his exceptional, God-given wisdom, his unparalleled ability to interpret dreams and unravel mysteries, and his unwavering faithfulness to Yahweh. By sarcastically comparing the King of Tyre to Daniel, Ezekiel underscores the king's immense pride and his audacious, yet ultimately hollow and blasphemous, claim to a wisdom that rivals, or even presumptuously surpasses, that which God Himself graciously bestowed upon Daniel. It powerfully highlights the king's profound spiritual blindness to the true, divine source of all wisdom.
* **secret (Hebrew, _çâtham'_):** This word (H5640), also appearing as `שָׂתַם`, is a primitive root meaning "to stop up," and by implication, "to keep secret" or "to hide." The king's audacious boast that "there is no secret that they can hide from thee" unveils his delusional belief in his own omniscience. He imagines himself capable of penetrating all mysteries, uncovering all hidden truths, and possessing a comprehensive understanding that leaves absolutely nothing concealed from his intellect. This presumptuous claim directly usurps an attribute belonging solely and exclusively to God, who alone knows all things, both revealed and hidden.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thou [art] wiser than Daniel;":** This opening clause is a masterstroke of **sarcasm** and biting irony. It is not a genuine compliment but a devastating condemnation. The King of Tyre, inflated by his city's immense wealth, geopolitical power, and commercial success, had developed an overweening pride that led him to believe his own intellect and discernment surpassed even that of Daniel, a figure universally celebrated for his divinely inspired wisdom and his unique ability to interpret profound mysteries. The prophet, speaking for God, uses this hyperbolic comparison to expose the king's self-deification and his profound spiritual blindness, highlighting the sheer absurdity of a mortal man claiming such intellectual and spiritual superiority over one divinely gifted.
* **"there is no secret that they can hide from thee:":** This second clause further amplifies the king's arrogant and delusional self-perception. It articulates his belief in his own omniscience, presuming that no hidden knowledge, no concealed plot, no intricate divine mystery, and no human deception could possibly escape his penetrating discernment. This audacious claim is a direct affront to God, who alone possesses perfect and exhaustive knowledge, and who reveals secrets according to His sovereign will and timing. The king's boast underscores his complete departure from humility and his audacious attempt to usurp divine attributes, thereby setting the inexorable stage for God's inevitable and righteous judgment against such unparalleled hubris.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:3 is exceptionally rich in literary devices, each meticulously employed to underscore its profound prophetic message and deliver a searing indictment. The most prominent device is **Irony**, specifically **Verbal Irony**, where the prophet, speaking on behalf of God, states the exact opposite of what is truly meant. The declaration "thou art wiser than Daniel" is not a genuine compliment but a cutting, contemptuous indictment of the king's inflated self-perception and spiritual blindness. This irony is inextricably linked with **Sarcasm**, which imbues the statement with a sharp, mocking, and contemptuous tone, effectively ridiculing the king's boundless arrogance. Furthermore, the verse employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the king's perceived wisdom to an absurd and blasphemous degree (claiming he is wiser than Daniel and capable of knowing all secrets) in order to vividly highlight the profound extent of his self-delusion and hubris. Finally, a clear and dramatic **Contrast** is established between the King of Tyre's self-proclaimed, worldly, and ultimately destructive wisdom, and the true, humble, divinely-sourced wisdom exemplified by the prophet Daniel, which leads to spiritual insight and God's favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the insidious nature of pride and the exclusive attributes of God. It unequivocally teaches that true wisdom is not self-derived, nor is it merely a product of human ingenuity, accumulated wealth, or temporal power. Rather, genuine wisdom is a gracious gift from God, invariably accompanied by profound humility and an unwavering recognition of His absolute sovereignty. The King of Tyre's arrogant and blasphemous claim to omniscience directly challenges and attempts to usurp God's unique and incommunicable attribute of knowing all things, both revealed and hidden. This verse, therefore, powerfully highlights the extreme danger of self-deification and the inevitable, severe judgment that awaits all who elevate themselves above their Creator. It serves as a timeless reminder that all human achievements, intellect, and perceived wisdom are finite, limited, and ultimately dependent upon the divine source of all true knowledge and understanding.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Daniel 2:20-22](/daniel/2-20-22 "Daniel 2:20-22 - Daniel Praises God for Wisdom and Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:3 offers a timeless and piercing warning against the insidious and destructive nature of pride, particularly when it is fueled by worldly success, abundant wealth, or perceived intellectual superiority. The tragic downfall of the King of Tyre vividly illustrates that human achievements and capabilities, when divorced from humility and a humble dependence on God, can lead to a perilous self-delusion where one begins to believe they are beyond accountability, error, or even divine judgment. For us today, this verse challenges us profoundly to examine the true sources of our confidence, our perceived wisdom, and our understanding. Do we attribute our successes, our insights, and our knowledge to our own cleverness, our hard work, or our innate abilities, or do we humbly acknowledge God as the ultimate, sovereign source of all true knowledge, profound insight, and every blessing? True wisdom, as the Scriptures consistently teach, begins with the fear of the Lord, not with self-exaltation or humanistic pride. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound humility, recognizing our inherent limitations, our finite understanding, and continually seeking God's divine guidance and revelation, rather than relying solely on our own fallible intellect or worldly acumen.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be prone to the kind of self-exalting pride exhibited by the King of Tyre?**
* **How does my personal pursuit of knowledge, success, or influence align with a humble and consistent dependence on God's wisdom?**
* **What practical and tangible steps can I take to cultivate genuine humility and consistently acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all true insight, as Daniel so faithfully did?**
* **How does the world's pervasive definition of "wisdom" fundamentally differ from God's definition, and which of these am I truly pursuing in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Was the King of Tyre literally wiser than Daniel?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. The statement "Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel" in [Ezekiel 28:3](/ezekiel/28-3 "Ezekiel 28:3 - The King of Tyre's False Wisdom") is a profound and deliberate example of **sarcasm** and **irony**. Ezekiel, speaking on behalf of God, employs this biting language to mock the King of Tyre's inflated self-perception and extreme arrogance. Daniel, a contemporary figure, was renowned throughout the ancient world for his divinely bestowed wisdom and his extraordinary ability to interpret mysteries, always attributing his supernatural insight solely to God ([Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Secrets Through Daniel")). The King of Tyre, conversely, attributed his supposed wisdom and discernment entirely to himself, believing he was omniscient and self-sufficient. The prophet's cutting words powerfully highlight the king's dangerous delusion and his audacious attempt to usurp an attribute belonging exclusively to God, thereby setting the stage for his inevitable and catastrophic downfall.

**Does this passage (Ezekiel 28:1-19) refer to Satan?**

Answer: While [Ezekiel 28:1-10](/ezekiel/28-1-10 "Ezekiel 28:1-10 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre") is unequivocally directed at the earthly King of Tyre, many theologians and biblical scholars interpret the subsequent section, particularly [Ezekiel 28:11-19](/ezekiel/28-11-19 "Ezekiel 28:11-19 - Lament Over the King of Tyre's Fall"), as having a dual fulfillment or a deeper, allegorical reference to the primeval fall of Satan. The highly symbolic and elevated language used in these verses—describing a being who was "the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty," who was "in Eden, the garden of God," and who was "the anointed cherub who covers"—transcends what could be literally applied to any human king. This rich, evocative language is widely understood to describe a primeval, angelic being who fell from a position of unparalleled glory due to profound pride and rebellion. This interpretation is often connected to other pivotal biblical passages that speak of Satan's fall, such as [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer") and [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Luke 10:18 - Jesus Sees Satan Fall"). Therefore, while the immediate historical context is the King of Tyre, the passage is widely understood to also reveal profound, timeless truths about the origin and nature of evil, personified in Satan's prideful rebellion against God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic irony so sharply wielded in Ezekiel 28:3, which exposes the King of Tyre's false, self-derived wisdom and destructive pride, finds its ultimate contrast and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the King of Tyre boasted of a self-proclaimed omniscience that inexorably led to his destruction, Christ embodies true, divine wisdom and perfect humility. He is not merely "wiser than Daniel," but is, in fact, Himself "the wisdom of God" ([1_corinthians/1-24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")) and the One "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([colossians/2-3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Wisdom is Hidden")). Unlike the King of Tyre who audaciously sought to elevate himself to godhood, Christ, being God in His very essence, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([philippians/2-6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Incarnation")). He came not to hide secrets or hoard knowledge, but to reveal the Father in His fullness ([john/1-18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Christ Reveals the Father")) and to graciously unveil the mysteries of the kingdom of God to those who would hear and believe ([mark/4-11](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - The Mysteries of the Kingdom Revealed")). The severe judgment pronounced against the King of Tyre for his audacious pride foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive triumph over all pride, rebellion, and evil, including Satan himself, who is the spiritual archetype underlying the King of Tyre's arrogant spirit. Christ's wisdom is not a worldly cunning or self-serving intellect but a humble, self-sacrificial love that leads to eternal salvation and life, offering a profound and glorious counterpoint to the destructive pride and self-deification 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

Daniel 1:20

And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.

Daniel 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Daniel 2:27

Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise [men], the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;

Daniel 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Job 15:8

Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?

Daniel 5:11

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;

Daniel 5:12

Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.