Ezekiel 28:6

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Because thou hast set {H5414} thine heart {H3820} as the heart {H3824} of God {H430};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Because you think that you think like God,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you regard your heart as the heart of a god,

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thou hast set thy heart as the heart of God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:6 delivers a profound divine judgment against the King of Tyre, articulating the Lord GOD's direct response to the king's egregious arrogance. The verse pinpoints the ultimate expression of his hubris: his audacious self-exaltation to a divine status, believing his wisdom, power, and essence to be on par with God's. This blasphemous claim of self-deification directly challenges God's unique and absolute sovereignty, prompting a stern declaration of impending divine action and humiliation for the proud ruler.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 28:6 is strategically positioned within a series of oracles against foreign nations, with a particular focus on Tyre in chapters 26-28. Following a detailed prophecy of Tyre's physical destruction (Ezekiel 26) and a lament over its commercial downfall (Ezekiel 27), chapter 28 shifts its intense focus to the King of Tyre himself. This specific verse initiates the second oracle within chapter 28 (verses 1-10), which directly addresses the king's personal pride and self-exaltation. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 28:1-5) meticulously establish the king's boastful claim of being a god, sitting in the seat of God, attributing his immense wealth and perceived wisdom to his own divine nature. Verse 6 serves as God's direct, indignant, and authoritative reply, setting the stage for the pronouncement of judgment that follows in verses 7-10, where God promises to bring foreign invaders to humble the king and expose his undeniable mortality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre, a formidable Phoenician city-state, was globally renowned for its unparalleled maritime trade, vast accumulation of wealth, and seemingly impregnable island fortifications. Situated strategically on the Mediterranean coast, its extensive trade networks brought it immense prosperity and a profound sense of invincibility and self-sufficiency among its rulers and inhabitants. The King of Tyre, often understood as a representative figure embodying the city's collective spirit and ambition, had become swollen with pride, attributing his extraordinary success and wisdom to his own inherent divine qualities rather than to any divine favor or providential hand. This cultural backdrop of material prosperity fostering spiritual arrogance is a recurring and critical theme in prophetic literature, where nations that forget God in their abundance inevitably face divine reckoning. The concept of a human ruler claiming divine status, while extreme from a monotheistic perspective, was not entirely alien in the ancient Near East, where some kings were deified or claimed divine lineage, making the King of Tyre's boast particularly blasphemous and offensive in a monotheistic Israelite context.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride**. The King of Tyre's self-exaltation directly challenges God's unique sovereignty, and this verse unequivocally declares God's unwavering opposition to such human arrogance. This judgment is a consistent motif throughout scripture, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") and [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud"). Secondly, it highlights the profound spiritual danger of **Self-Deification**, a grave error where humanity attempts to usurp God's unique and rightful position. This echoes the original temptation in [Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - The Serpent's Temptation to Be Like God") to "be as gods" and Lucifer's ambitious declaration in [Isaiah 14:14](/isaiah/14-14 "Isaiah 14:14 - Lucifer's Ambition to Be Like the Most High"). Finally, the potent phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" firmly reasserts **God's Unchallenged Sovereignty and Authority**, emphasizing that despite human attempts to elevate themselves, God alone is supreme and will not share His glory. This is a foundational truth woven throughout the entire book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Call of Ezekiel and God's Glory") and indeed, the entire biblical narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) means "to say" and is used with great latitude, encompassing declaring, commanding, affirming, or thinking. In this context, "thus saith the Lord GOD" introduces a formal, authoritative divine pronouncement. It signifies that the following words are not human conjecture or opinion but a direct, undeniable declaration from the supreme authority, carrying the full weight of divine decree and guaranteeing its certain fulfillment.
* **set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This versatile primitive root (H5414) means "to give," but also "to put," "to place," or "to appoint." Here, "thou hast set thine heart" implies a deliberate, intentional act of the will. It's not a fleeting thought or an accidental posture, but a fixed, determined decision by the King of Tyre to elevate his inner being, his core identity, to a divine level. This verb highlights the active, conscious, and willful nature of his profound pride and blasphemous ambition.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ [H3820] / _lêbâb'_ [H3824]):** Both H3820 (`lêb`) and H3824 (`lêbâb`) are used in this verse, both referring to the "heart." In Hebrew thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the profound center of one's entire being – encompassing intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. The use of `lêb` for "thine heart" and `lêbâb` for "heart of God" emphasizes the deep internal conviction and the very core of the king's identity being aligned with, or aspiring to be, the divine essence. It points to a deep-seated spiritual condition, where the king's innermost self has absorbed and reflected the very nature of what he perceives to be divine, manifesting as an ultimate, internal self-deification.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form of `ʼĕlôah` (H430) is used here specifically of the supreme God, often with the article to denote the one true God. By setting his heart "as the heart of God (`ʼĕlôhîym`)," the King of Tyre is not merely claiming to be a powerful ruler or a god among many, but is presuming to possess the attributes, wisdom, and authority of the ultimate, sovereign Deity, YHWH. This is the gravest form of blasphemy, directly challenging the uniqueness and absolute supremacy of the one true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause serves as a solemn and authoritative divine declaration. The initial "Therefore" indicates that what follows is a direct and inevitable consequence of the King of Tyre's preceding actions and arrogant claims (as detailed in Ezekiel 28:1-5). The formulaic "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic prophetic declaration, emphasizing that these are not merely Ezekiel's words but the infallible pronouncements of Yahweh (`YHWH`), the sovereign covenant-keeping God who is also the absolute Master (`ʼĂdônây`). This immediately establishes the divine perspective, the certainty of the ensuing judgment, and the unchallengeable authority behind the message.
* **"Because thou hast set thine heart":** This phrase precisely identifies the root cause of God's impending judgment: the King of Tyre's internal disposition and deliberate, conscious choice. "Thou hast set" (from `nâthan`) implies a conscious, determined act of the will, a fixed intention, rather than a fleeting impulse. "Thine heart" (from `lêb`) refers to the very core of his being—his intellect, his will, his innermost character, and his moral center. It signifies that his profound pride was not superficial but deeply ingrained, a fundamental and defining orientation of his inner self.
* **"as the heart of God;":** This climactic phrase reveals the precise and blasphemous nature of the king's sin: his audacious claim to divine status. He has presumptuously elevated his own wisdom, power, and essential being to be on par with, or even to usurp, the very nature of God (`ʼĕlôhîym`). This is the ultimate hubris, a profound act of self-deification that denies God's unique sovereignty and absolute supremacy. It represents an internal posture of equality with the Creator, which in the biblical worldview is an unforgivable affront and the essence of rebellion against the divine order.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment against profound pride. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly to the King of Tyre ("thou hast set thine heart"), making the condemnation intensely personal and inescapable. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a classic prophetic **Formulaic Opening**, lending immense authority, gravitas, and certainty to the pronouncement, emphasizing that this is an unalterable divine decree. The central comparison, "as the heart of God," is a profound **Simile**, highlighting the king's audacious aspiration to divine equality. This simile is also a powerful instance of **Irony**, as the king's attempt to elevate himself to divine status ultimately leads to his utter humiliation and downfall, demonstrating the futility and self-destructive nature of human pride when set against divine power. Furthermore, the entire oracle against Tyre, including this verse, functions as a **Parable** or **Allegory** of the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and spiritual arrogance, serving as a timeless warning not just for the historical King of Tyre but for any individual or nation that forgets their creaturely limitations and dares to challenge God's absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:6 stands as a stark theological declaration against the sin of pride, particularly the egregious hubris of self-deification. It underscores the absolute uniqueness and unchallenged sovereignty of God, asserting unequivocally that any attempt by humanity to usurp His divine prerogatives or claim His glory will invariably invite severe and certain judgment. The King of Tyre's fatal flaw—his belief in his own self-sufficiency, inherent divine wisdom, and invincibility—is a timeless warning against the seductive and destructive power of arrogance, especially when fueled by immense material prosperity, intellectual superiority, or perceived power. This verse profoundly affirms that true wisdom, lasting strength, and genuine security lie not in self-exaltation but in humble acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and absolute dependence upon Him. God will not tolerate the sharing of His glory with another, and He actively opposes the proud, while graciously extending favor and grace to the humble.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:6 serves as a powerful and convicting mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly consider where we might subtly or overtly set our own "heart as the heart of God." While few would literally claim divinity, the temptation to rely solely on our own intellect, resources, achievements, or perceived moral superiority, believing ourselves to be the ultimate arbiters of truth, success, and even morality, is a pervasive and dangerous form of modern hubris. This verse calls us to profound humility, reminding us that all genuine wisdom, strength, prosperity, and even breath are ultimately unmerited gifts from God. When we attribute our successes solely to ourselves, or believe our plans and understanding are inherently superior to divine guidance, we risk falling into the same spiritual trap as the King of Tyre. True spiritual health and flourishing begin with acknowledging our creaturely status, recognizing God's absolute and benevolent sovereignty, and submitting our will, understanding, and entire being to His divine wisdom. It prompts us to ask: In what areas of my life am I trusting in my own "heart" and its perceived capabilities, rather than humbly seeking and submitting to the heart of God?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, rely on my own wisdom and strength as if it were divine, rather than depending wholeheartedly on God?**
* **How does my response to personal success, material prosperity, or intellectual achievement reflect either genuine humility or insidious pride?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively cultivate a heart of profound humility and deeper, more consistent reliance on God's sovereignty in my daily life and decision-making?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "set thine heart as the heart of God"?**

Answer: To "set thine heart as the heart of God" signifies an extreme and blasphemous form of pride and self-exaltation, where a human being presumes to possess divine attributes, wisdom, or authority. In the context of Ezekiel 28:6, the King of Tyre, due to his immense wealth, perceived intelligence, and strategic prowess (as detailed in [Ezekiel 28:4-5](/ezekiel/28-4-5 "Ezekiel 28:4-5 - The King of Tyre's Boast")), believed himself to be self-sufficient, all-knowing, and beyond human limitations, effectively placing himself on par with the Almighty Creator. It's a claim to divine prerogative and essence, a profound spiritual arrogance that denies the fundamental Creator-creature distinction. This is often seen as the very essence of sin: the desire to be independent of God and to be one's own god, echoing the original temptation in [Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - The Temptation to Be Like God") to "be like God."

**Why is this specific sin so severely condemned by God?**

Answer: This sin is so severely condemned because it directly assaults God's unique, absolute, and non-transferable sovereignty. God alone is God, and He declares that He will not share His glory with another ([Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory")). When a creature attempts to usurp the Creator's rightful place, it is an act of profound rebellion that undermines the very foundation of reality, the divine order, and the nature of worship. It is a fundamental rejection of dependence on God and an embrace of self-worship, which is the ultimate form of idolatry. God's swift and severe response in Ezekiel 28:6 and the subsequent verses demonstrates His unwavering commitment to upholding His own holiness, supremacy, and unique identity, ensuring that all creation recognizes Him as the one true Lord. This principle is foundational throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the very first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:6, with its condemnation of the King of Tyre's self-deification and grasping for divine status, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and profound contrast between human pride and divine humility, perfectly embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the King of Tyre sought to grasp equality with God through arrogant self-exaltation and a blasphemous claim to divine essence, Christ, the eternal Son of God, "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, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). The King of Tyre's defining sin was to elevate himself; Christ's divine and redemptive act was to humble Himself, becoming obedient even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). This profound, self-sacrificial humility of Christ, the true Son of God, stands in stark and glorious opposition to the King of Tyre's blasphemous pride. The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 28:6 against the proud human ruler finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the cross, where the pride of humanity is decisively judged, and God's perfect righteousness and grace are supremely revealed. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, humanity is offered a path to true and lasting exaltation, not through self-assertion, but through humble submission and faith in the one who truly is God, yet became man to save us from our sins ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), a stark contrast to the king who sought to take God's place.

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 28:2

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:

Exodus 9:17

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?