Ezekiel 28:8

KJV

They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of [them that are] slain in the midst of the seas.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall bring thee down {H3381} to the pit {H7845}, and thou shalt die {H4191} the deaths {H4463} of them that are slain {H2491} in the midst {H3820} of the seas {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will lower you into the pit to die a violent death surrounded by the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

They will bring you down to the Pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.

American Standard Version

They shall bring thee down to the pit; and thou shalt die the death of them that are slain, in the heart of the seas.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 28:8 delivers a powerful and chilling prophecy of divine judgment against the proud ruler of Tyre, foretelling his ignominious downfall and violent end. This verse vividly contrasts the king's self-proclaimed divinity and immense earthly power with his ultimate vulnerability and mortality, declaring that he will be brought low to the grave and suffer a humiliating death akin to those slain in naval combat, a profound irony for a maritime empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle against Tyre, specifically targeting its king, found in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Sidon"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 28:1-5](/ezekiel/28-1 "Ezekiel 28:1-5 - The Prince of Tyre's Pride")) detail the king's inflated self-perception, claiming to be a god seated in the "seat of God" due to his wisdom and wealth. This hubris sets the stage for the severe judgment pronounced in [Ezekiel 28:6-10](/ezekiel/28-6 "Ezekiel 28:6-10 - God's Judgment on the Prince of Tyre"), of which verse 8 is a crucial part. The oracle then shifts to a lament over the "King of Tyre" ([Ezekiel 28:11-19](/ezekiel/28-11 "Ezekiel 28:11-19 - Lament Over the King of Tyre")), which many scholars interpret as a veiled reference to Satan, the spiritual power behind the earthly ruler's pride, further emphasizing the cosmic dimensions of this judgment. The immediate literary flow moves from the king's pride to God's decisive, humiliating response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a preeminent Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, vast wealth, and formidable naval power. Situated on an island, it was considered impregnable, fostering an extreme sense of security and arrogance among its inhabitants and rulers. Its extensive trade networks made it a hub of international commerce, bringing immense riches and cultural influence. This prosperity, however, led to a profound spiritual pride, where the human king of Tyre began to believe his wisdom and wealth made him divine, transcending human limitations. The "seas" were not just a geographical feature but the very source of Tyre's identity, power, and economic might. Therefore, a death "in the midst of the seas" would be the ultimate irony and humiliation for a ruler whose kingdom was defined by its naval supremacy.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against Tyre and Sidon") and specifically in this verse revolve around divine **judgment** against **pride** and **self-exaltation**. The king of Tyre's claim to divinity, driven by his extraordinary wisdom and wealth ([Ezekiel 28:4-5](/ezekiel/28-4 "Ezekiel 28:4-5 - Tyre's Wealth and Wisdom")), directly provokes God's righteous wrath. This highlights the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")). The verse also underscores the **mortality** and **vulnerability** of even the most powerful human rulers in the face of divine sovereignty. It serves as a stark reminder that all earthly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to God's ultimate authority, contrasting human claims of divinity with the reality of their creaturely limitations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring thee down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** H3381. This primitive root signifies a descent, literally "to go downwards" or "to fall." Causatively, it means "to bring down." In this context, it powerfully conveys the forceful, irreversible action of God's agents (the "they" of the verse, likely referring to the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, as God's instrument of judgment) in humbling the proud king. It emphasizes a dramatic fall from a position of exalted power and self-proclaimed divinity to utter degradation and the grave.
* **pit (Hebrew, _shachath'_):** H7845. Derived from a root meaning "to sink," this noun refers to a pit, often a trap, a ditch, or a grave. Figuratively, it denotes destruction or corruption. Here, "the pit" is a potent symbol of the grave, a place of no return, signifying the end of life and power, and the ultimate humiliation of one who considered himself immortal. It contrasts sharply with the king's self-proclaimed "seat of God" ([Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince's Claim to Divinity")).
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** H2491. This word describes someone "pierced" or "wounded," especially to death, often in battle. It implies a violent, ignoble, and untimely end. The use of this term emphasizes that the king's death will not be peaceful or honorable, but rather a brutal demise, stripping him of any dignity he might have expected, further highlighting the severity of God's judgment against his hubris.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall bring thee down to the pit,"**: This clause declares the inevitable and forceful descent of the king of Tyre from his lofty position. The "they" refers to the instruments of God's judgment, likely the invading armies (historically, the Babylonians), who will conquer Tyre and its ruler. "The pit" symbolizes the grave, representing not just physical death but also the complete destruction and obliteration of his power, prestige, and self-exalted status. It signifies a reversal of fortunes from the pinnacle of human achievement to the depths of oblivion.
* **"and thou shalt die the deaths of [them that are] slain"**: This phrase emphasizes the nature of the king's demise. The plural "deaths" (Hebrew: *mâmôwth*) can imply a particularly severe or ignominious death, or perhaps the multiple ways one can die a violent death. To "die the deaths of them that are slain" means to suffer a violent, dishonorable, and perhaps public death, akin to those who fall in battle or are executed. This directly contradicts the king's belief in his own invulnerability and divine status, asserting his mortal vulnerability and the brutal reality of his end.
* **"in the midst of the seas."**: This final phrase adds a profound layer of irony and specific humiliation. For a king whose power, wealth, and identity were inextricably linked to Tyre's maritime dominance, to die "in the midst of the seas" (literally, "in the heart of the seas") signifies a death in the very element that symbolized his greatness. It suggests a demise far from the security of his island fortress, perhaps through shipwreck, naval battle, or even being cast into the sea. It transforms the source of his pride into the context of his ultimate downfall, underscoring the completeness of God's judgment and the poetic justice enacted upon his arrogance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 28:8 is rich in **Irony**, which is the most prominent literary device. The king of Tyre, who boasts of being a god and sitting "in the seat of God" ([Ezekiel 28:2](/ezekiel/28-2 "Ezekiel 28:2 - The Prince's Claim to Divinity")), is promised a humiliating, mortal death. The specific detail of dying "in the midst of the seas" is deeply ironic, as the sea was the very foundation of Tyre's wealth, power, and identity. This turns the source of their pride into the scene of their downfall. **Symbolism** is also heavily employed, with "the pit" symbolizing the grave, destruction, and utter humiliation, a stark contrast to the king's self-exalted throne. The phrase "deaths of them that are slain" uses **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to emphasize the severity and ignominy of his end, suggesting a particularly brutal and dishonorable demise. Finally, the entire pronouncement serves as an example of **Poetic Justice**, where the punishment perfectly fits the crime: the king's boundless pride is met with a correspondingly humiliating and mortal end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 28:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and the consequences of human hubris. It underscores that no earthly power, wealth, or wisdom can elevate a human being to the status of God. The king of Tyre's self-deification is met with an inescapable judgment that reaffirms God's exclusive claim to divinity and ultimate authority. This passage teaches that pride is not merely a character flaw but a direct affront to God, leading inevitably to downfall. It highlights the fleeting nature of all human glory and the ultimate mortality that awaits all, regardless of their earthly achievements or self-perception. The verse thus stands as a timeless warning against idolatry of self and material possessions, directing humanity back to a humble acknowledgment of God as the sole source of true power and life.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride and Destruction")
* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "The Fall of Lucifer")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 28:8 offers a stark and timeless warning relevant to every generation. In a world that often celebrates self-made success and encourages self-exaltation, this verse reminds us of the inherent dangers of pride and the transient nature of all earthly achievements. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we, like the king of Tyre, derive our identity, security, or sense of worth from our accomplishments, possessions, or perceived wisdom? Do we subtly or overtly elevate ourselves above others, or even above God? The "pit" and the "deaths of the slain" serve as sobering reminders that all human glory is temporary, and ultimately, we are all mortal and accountable to a higher power. True wisdom and lasting security are found not in self-sufficiency or material accumulation, but in a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and our complete dependence on Him. This passage encourages us to cultivate humility, recognizing that God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")). It calls us to live lives that honor God, not ourselves, understanding that genuine exaltation comes only from Him and in His timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-exaltation, similar to the king of Tyre?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly power and wealth, as depicted in this verse, challenge my priorities and pursuits?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they" who shall bring the king down to the pit?**

Answer: The "they" in this verse refers to the instruments of God's judgment. Historically, this prophecy was largely fulfilled by the Babylonian armies under King Nebuchadnezzar, who laid siege to Tyre for thirteen years (c. 586-573 BC). While Tyre was not completely destroyed at that time, its mainland portion was conquered, and its king was taken captive, significantly diminishing its power and pride. The "they" thus represents the divinely appointed agents who execute God's righteous judgment against those who defy Him, demonstrating that even the most formidable human powers are ultimately subject to His sovereign will.

**What is the significance of the king dying "the deaths of them that are slain"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a particularly violent, ignoble, and dishonorable end. To die "the deaths of them that are slain" means to suffer a brutal demise, like those killed in battle, pierced by weapons, or executed. For a king who saw himself as divine and invulnerable, this prophesied death is the ultimate humiliation. It contrasts sharply with a peaceful or honorable death, emphasizing that his end will be marked by violence and a complete loss of dignity, a direct consequence of his hubris and self-exaltation. It serves as a powerful testament to the severity of God's judgment against pride.

**Why is it significant that the king dies "in the midst of the seas"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the midst of the seas" (literally, "in the heart of the seas") carries profound symbolic and ironic weight for the king of Tyre. Tyre was a renowned maritime power, its wealth, influence, and perceived invincibility stemming directly from its control of the seas and its island fortress. For its king to die in the very element that symbolized his kingdom's strength and his own pride is the ultimate poetic justice. It suggests a death that could involve shipwreck, naval defeat, or being cast into the sea, turning the source of his glory into the scene of his demise. This imagery powerfully underscores the complete reversal of his fortunes and the utter humiliation of his downfall, demonstrating that God can turn a nation's greatest strength into the context of its judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 28:8, while a specific prophecy against the king of Tyre, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative of God's judgment against pride and the triumph of humility through Jesus Christ. The king of Tyre's self-exaltation, mirroring the fall of Satan ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")), stands in stark contrast to the humility of Christ. While the king of Tyre sought to ascend to divinity and avoid the "pit" of mortality, Jesus, though "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")). He willingly descended into the "pit" of death, not as a consequence of His own sin or pride, but to bear the "deaths of the slain" on behalf of humanity, conquering sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross. His resurrection from the grave, the ultimate victory over the "pit," ensures that those who humble themselves and believe in Him will not face the eternal "pit" of judgment but will be exalted with Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the judgment on Tyre's king foreshadows the final defeat of all pride and evil through Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), offering hope and eternal life to those who embrace His humble path.

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 27:34

In the time [when] thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.

Ezekiel 27:26

¶ Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters: the east wind hath broken thee in the midst of the seas.

Ezekiel 27:27

Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that [are] in thee, and in all thy company which [is] in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

Job 17:16

They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when [our] rest together [is] in the dust.

Isaiah 38:17

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

Psalms 88:4

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man [that hath] no strength: