Ezekiel 26:17

Verse

Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples!

American Standard Version (1901)

And they shall take up a lamentation over thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited by seafaring men, the renowned city, that was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, that caused their terror to be on all that dwelt there!

Bible in Basic English

And they will send up a song of grief for you, and say to you, What destruction has come on you, how are you cut off from the sea, the noted town, which was strong in the sea, she and her people, causing the fear of them to come on all the dry land!

Douay-Rheims 1899

And taking up a lamentation over thee, they shall sag to thee: How art thou fallen, that dwellest in the sea, renowned city that wast strong in the sea, with thy inhabitants whom all did dread?

Free Bible Version

Then they will sing a funeral song for you, saying, ‘You've been destroyed so completely, famous city! You once ruled the sea—you and your people terrified everyone else!

King James (Authorized) Version

And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!

Translation for Translators

Then they will sing a sad song about the city, and they will sing this: “The famous city [APO], in which many menwho sailed on the seas lived, is now destroyed! The people of that city had great power because they had many ships that sailed on the seas; they caused all the people who lived near them to be terrified.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They will lift up a lament for you and say to you, How you, who were inhabited by sailors, have been destroyed. The famous city that was so strong—it is now gone from the sea. The ones living in her once spread a terror about themselves upon everyone who lived near them.

Noah Webster Bible

And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited by sea-faring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!

World English Bible

They will take up a lamentation over you, and tell you, “How you are destroyed, who were inhabited by seafaring men, the renowned city, who was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who caused their terror to be on all who lived there!”

Young's Literal Translation

And have lifted up for thee a lamentation, And said to thee: How hast thou perished, That art inhabited from the seas, The praised city, that was strong in the sea, She and her inhabitants, Who put their terror on all her inhabitants!

Context

A Prophecy against Tyre

¹⁶All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. ¹⁷Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! ¹⁸Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’

Summary

This verse describes the reaction of neighboring kingdoms and peoples to the destruction of Tyre, a powerful city known for its wealth and influence. The imagery of dust on their heads and mourning garments signifies deep sorrow and mourning over the fall of Tyre. The downfall of Tyre serves as a warning of the consequences of pride, arrogance, and reliance on material wealth, highlighting the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the importance of humility before God. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all nations and the accountability of individuals and societies for their actions.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Wast strong in the sea - The strength of Tyre was so great, that Alexander despaired of being able to reduce it unless he could fill up that arm of the sea that ran between it and the main land. And this work cost his army seven months of labor.