Ezekiel 28:5

KJV

By thy great wisdom [and] by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:

KJV (with Strong's)

By thy great {H7230} wisdom {H2451} and by thy traffick {H7404} hast thou increased {H7235} thy riches {H2428}, and thine heart {H3824} is lifted up {H1361} because of thy riches {H2428}:

Complete Jewish Bible

By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and it is because of your wealth that you have become so proud.

Berean Standard Bible

By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it.

American Standard Version

by thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thy heart is lifted up because of thy riches;—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:5 encapsulates the core indictment against the King of Tyre: his immense material prosperity, amassed through shrewd worldly wisdom and extensive commercial ventures, directly fueled an overwhelming sense of self-exaltation and pride. This verse reveals the dangerous spiritual consequence of attributing success solely to human effort and skill, leading to a heart lifted up in arrogance rather than humility before God. It serves as a profound warning against the idolatry of wealth and the hubris it can engender.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28 is a pivotal chapter within the broader prophetic oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), specifically targeting Tyre. Following a general lament over Tyre's destruction (Ezekiel 26-27), this chapter shifts focus to a highly personalized oracle against the "King of Tyre" (Ezekiel 28:1-19). This shift intensifies the critique, moving from the city's commercial downfall to the spiritual pride of its ruler. Verses 1-4 establish the king's audacious claim to divine status, believing himself to be a god due to his extraordinary wisdom and wealth. Verse 5 then directly explains *how* this wealth was acquired and *why* it led to his spiritual downfall, setting the stage for the prophetic judgment that follows, which culminates in his violent demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a preeminent Phoenician city-state, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast and later on an island, making it a formidable maritime power. It was renowned throughout the ancient world for its unparalleled commercial enterprise, its vast network of trade routes, and the immense wealth it accumulated through importing and exporting goods across diverse cultures. This economic prowess fostered a deep sense of self-sufficiency, security, and superiority among its inhabitants and, crucially, its ruler. The "wisdom" mentioned in the verse refers to this commercial acumen, political shrewdness, and strategic foresight—the very qualities that enabled Tyre's prosperity. The cultural milieu was one where material success could easily lead to an inflated ego and a disregard for divine authority, as seen in other wealthy ancient empires.
* **Key Themes:** The passage explores several key themes, notably **The Peril of Prosperity**, illustrating how material success, when detached from divine acknowledgment and humility, can become a spiritual snare. The King of Tyre's "riches" (H2428, _chayil_), far from being a blessing, became the very instrument of his pride and ultimate destruction, warning against the idolatry of wealth and the deceptive security it offers. Another prominent theme is **Pride and Self-Exaltation**, highlighted by the statement "thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches," which reveals a universal human tendency to attribute success solely to personal effort rather than divine providence. This dangerous arrogance, where self-worth intertwines with possessions, is a recurring biblical warning, standing in stark contrast to the humility God desires, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the text contrasts **Worldly Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom**. The "great wisdom" (H2451, _chokmâh_) attributed to the King of Tyre refers to shrewd human intelligence and commercial cunning, which, while effective in accumulating wealth, ultimately led to spiritual blindness and rebellion. This contrasts sharply with divine truth, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom"), questioning the efficacy of worldly wisdom in knowing God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** (H2451) While this Hebrew word can denote true spiritual wisdom (as in the wisdom of Solomon or the wisdom personified in Proverbs), in the context of the King of Tyre, it primarily refers to his extraordinary practical skill, cunning, and shrewdness in business and statecraft. It is the worldly acumen that enabled his commercial success, strategic planning, and the accumulation of vast resources. This "wisdom" is self-derived and self-serving, leading to self-exaltation rather than reverence for God.
* **Traffick (Hebrew, _rᵉkullâh'_):** (H7404) This term specifically means "trade," "commerce," or "merchandise." It emphasizes the active, extensive, and highly successful mercantile activities that were the lifeblood of Tyre's economy and the direct source of its immense riches. The word highlights the king's active engagement in and mastery of the commercial world, which brought him unprecedented material gain.
* **Lifted up (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** (H1361) A primitive root meaning "to soar" or "be lofty," figuratively, "to be haughty." This is a common biblical idiom expressing arrogance, haughtiness, or pride. When applied to the "heart" (H3824, _lêbâb_), it signifies a swelling of self-importance, an inflated sense of one's own power and significance, and a disregard for God or others. It denotes a state of spiritual rebellion where one elevates oneself to a position that rightfully belongs only to the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches,"**: This initial clause identifies the perceived engines of the King of Tyre's prosperity. His "great wisdom" (H7230, _rôb_ and H2451, _chokmâh_) is not divine wisdom but human sagacity, commercial cunning, and strategic acumen that allowed him to navigate the complex world of ancient trade. Coupled with his extensive "traffick" (H7404, _rᵉkullâh_), denoting his vast and successful mercantile operations, these human endeavors are presented as the direct means by which he "increased" (H7235, _râbâh_) his "riches" (H2428, _chayil_). This highlights a worldview that attributes success solely to human ingenuity and effort, laying the groundwork for his subsequent spiritual downfall.
* **"and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:"**: This second clause reveals the devastating spiritual consequence of the King of Tyre's material prosperity. The phrase "thine heart is lifted up" (H3824, _lêbâb_ and H1361, _gâbahh_) is a powerful idiom for arrogance, haughtiness, and pride. It signifies a swelling of self-importance, a belief in one's own invincibility, and a disregard for any higher authority, including God. The crucial causal link, "because of thy riches," underscores that the very wealth he accumulated became the catalyst for his spiritual corruption, fostering a dangerous hubris that led him to self-deification.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of warning. The verse employs clear **Causality**, explicitly linking the king's "great wisdom" and "traffick" to his "increased riches," and then directly connecting these riches to his "heart is lifted up." This logical progression underscores the dangerous chain reaction from material gain to spiritual pride. The phrase "thine heart is lifted up" is a vivid example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human emotional state (pride, arrogance) to the king's inner being, making his spiritual condition palpable. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present: the very qualities (wisdom, commercial success) that the king believed made him great and god-like are precisely what led to his spiritual ruin and eventual judgment. What he perceived as his greatest strengths became the source of his profound weakness. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the word "riches" (H2428, _chayil_) at the beginning and end of the verse emphasizes its central and pivotal role—first as the object of his relentless pursuit, and then as the direct cause of his spiritual corruption and ultimate downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the deceptive nature of wealth and the pervasive sin of pride. It illustrates how material prosperity, when not held in proper perspective and humility before God, can become an idol that elevates the self and obscures the true source of all blessings. The King of Tyre's heart, swollen with riches, represents the universal human tendency to find security, identity, and ultimate value in possessions rather than in the Creator. This passage warns against the spiritual dangers of self-sufficiency and the illusion of control that wealth can foster, reminding us that true wisdom and lasting security come from acknowledging God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:5 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to our own hearts and societies. In a world that often measures success by material accumulation and personal achievement, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual peril inherent in such pursuits when they become ends in themselves. It compels us to examine the true source of our security, identity, and self-worth. Are we, like the King of Tyre, prone to attributing our successes solely to our own "wisdom" and "traffick," allowing our hearts to be "lifted up" by our accomplishments or possessions? Or do we recognize that all blessings flow from God's gracious hand, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude? This passage calls us to guard against the subtle idolatry of materialism, to cultivate a posture of dependence on God, and to remember that true riches are found not in what we possess, but in our relationship with the One who gives all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "wisdom" or "traffick" (talents, efforts, resources) be leading to an inflated sense of self-importance?**
* **How do I define "riches," and how might my pursuit or possession of them be subtly lifting up my heart in pride?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, rather than relying on my own abilities or possessions?**

### FAQ
**Is all wealth inherently evil according to this verse?**

Answer: No, the verse does not state that wealth itself is evil. Rather, it highlights the *danger* of wealth when it leads to pride and self-exaltation. The problem for the King of Tyre was not merely his riches, but that "thine heart is lifted up *because of* thy riches." Wealth becomes problematic when it fosters an illusion of self-sufficiency, causes one to forget God, or leads to arrogance. The Bible contains examples of wealthy, righteous individuals (e.g., Abraham, Job), but consistently warns against the love of money and the pride it can engender, as seen in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - Love of Money").

**What kind of "wisdom" is being discussed in Ezekiel 28:5?**

Answer: The "great wisdom" (H2451, _chokmâh_) referred to here is not spiritual or divine wisdom, but rather worldly acumen, shrewdness, and commercial intelligence. It's the practical skill and cunning that enabled the King of Tyre to build his vast trading empire and accumulate immense wealth. This contrasts sharply with the "wisdom from above" described in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above"), which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. The King of Tyre's wisdom was self-serving and ultimately led to his spiritual downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:5, with its depiction of a king whose heart is lifted up by his riches and worldly wisdom, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, it stands in stark contrast to the humility of Christ. While the King of Tyre sought to exalt himself to divine status through his earthly gains, Jesus, though truly God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). His "riches" were not earthly wealth but divine glory, which he willingly laid aside for humanity's salvation, becoming poor that we might become rich in Him ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice")). Secondly, the passage foreshadows Jesus' teachings on the dangers of wealth and the true nature of wisdom. Jesus consistently warned against the deceitfulness of riches and the impossibility of serving both God and money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")). He taught that true wealth lies in heavenly treasures, not earthly ones ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). The King of Tyre's "wisdom" was worldly and led to destruction; in contrast, Christ embodies divine wisdom, which leads to life and salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Finally, many scholars interpret the King of Tyre oracle as having an allegorical dimension, pointing beyond the earthly ruler to Satan himself, whose pride and desire for self-exaltation led to his fall from heavenly glory ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - Fall of Lucifer"); [Luke 10:18](/luke/10-18 "Luke 10:18 - Satan's Fall")). In this light, Ezekiel 28:5 ultimately points to Christ as the victor over pride and the one who perfectly demonstrated humility, offering a path to true life that stands in radical opposition to the self-exalting spirit of the world and its prince.

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

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Ezekiel 28:2

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:

Hosea 13:6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

James 4:13

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Hosea 12:7

¶ [He is] a merchant, the balances of deceit [are] in his hand: he loveth to oppress.