Ezekiel 27:11
Ezekiel 27:11 in Multiple Translations
Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and valorous men were in thy towers; they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have perfected thy beauty.
The men of Arvad in your army were on your walls, and were watchmen in your towers, hanging up their arms on your walls round about; they made you completely beautiful.
Men of Arvad and Helech defended all your city walls, while those from Gammad protected your towers. They hung their shields all around your walls. They made you so successful.
The men of Aruad with thine armie were vpon thy walles round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towres: they hanged their shields vpon thy walles round about: they haue made thy beautie perfite.
The sons of Arvad, and thy force, [Are] on thy walls round about, And short swordsmen in thy towers have been, Their shields they have hung up on thy walls round about, They — they have perfected thy beauty.
The men of Arvad with your army were on your walls all around, and valiant men were in your towers. They hung their shields on your walls all around. They have perfected your beauty.
The men of Arvad with thy army were upon thy walls on all sides, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hung their shields upon thy walls on every side; they have made thy beauty perfect.
The men of Arad were with thy army upon thy walls round about: the Pygmeans also that were in thy towers, hung up their quivers on thy walls round about: they perfected thy beauty.
Men from Arvad and Helech cities were watchmen on the walls of your city; men from Gammad town were in your towers. They also hung their shields on your walls; they also caused your city to be very beautiful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 27:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 27:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּנֵ֧י
אַרְוַ֣ד
וְ/חֵילֵ֗ךְ
עַל
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
סָבִ֔יב
וְ/גַ֨מָּדִ֔ים
בְּ/מִגְדְּלוֹתַ֖יִ/ךְ
הָי֑וּ
שִׁלְטֵי/הֶ֞ם
תִּלּ֤וּ
עַל
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
סָבִ֔יב
הֵ֖מָּה
כָּלְל֥וּ
יָפְיֵֽ/ךְ
בְּנֵ֧י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אַרְוַ֣ד
ʼArvad
H719
Arvad
N-proper
וְ/חֵילֵ֗ךְ
chayil
H2428
Helech
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fp | Suff
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
וְ/גַ֨מָּדִ֔ים
gammâd
H1575
Gamaddim
Conj | N-proper
בְּ/מִגְדְּלוֹתַ֖יִ/ךְ
migdâl
H4026
tower
Prep | N-cp | Suff
הָי֑וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שִׁלְטֵי/הֶ֞ם
sheleṭ
H7982
shield
N-mp | Suff
תִּלּ֤וּ
tâlâh
H8518
to hang
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fp | Suff
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
כָּלְל֥וּ
kâlal
H3634
to perfect
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יָפְיֵֽ/ךְ
yŏphîy
H3308
beauty
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 27:11
בְּנֵ֧י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַרְוַ֣ד
ʼArvad
H719
"Arvad"
N-proper
Arvad was an island city near Sidon in Palestine, mentioned in the Bible. Its name means I shall break loose. The city was an important location in ancient times.
Definition: § Arvad = "I shall break loose" a city-island near Sidon
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Arvad. See also: Ezekiel 27:8; Ezekiel 27:11.
וְ/חֵילֵ֗ךְ
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
Conj | N-proper
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
N-fp | Suff
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/גַ֨מָּדִ֔ים
gammâd
H1575
"Gamaddim"
Conj | N-proper
The Gammadim were a group of brave warriors, known for grasping their weapons. They are mentioned in the book of Ezekiel as a fierce and powerful people. The KJV translates their name as Gammadims.
Definition: Gamaddim This name means brave men, warriors
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gammadims. See also: Ezekiel 27:11.
בְּ/מִגְדְּלוֹתַ֖יִ/ךְ
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
הָי֑וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שִׁלְטֵי/הֶ֞ם
sheleṭ
H7982
"shield"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a shield, which is a protective device used to defend oneself. It's likely named for its ability to control or protect the person holding it. The KJV translates it simply as 'shield'.
Definition: shield
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: shield. See also: 2 Samuel 8:7; 2 Chronicles 23:9; Jeremiah 51:11.
תִּלּ֤וּ
tâlâh
H8518
"to hang"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To hang something or someone is what this Hebrew word means, often used to describe punishment or display. It can also mean to hang an object, like a curtain or a sign. The word is used in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to hang 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang 1a1a) to hang up (any object) 1a1b) to put to death by hanging 1b) (Niphal) to be hanged 1c) (Piel) to hang, hang up (for display)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hang (up). See also: Genesis 40:19; Esther 7:9; Psalms 137:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חוֹמוֹתַ֨יִ/ךְ֙
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
N-fp | Suff
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
סָבִ֔יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
כָּלְל֥וּ
kâlal
H3634
"to perfect"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To perfect means to complete or make something whole, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe God's work. It is about making something complete and perfect.
Definition: 1) to complete, perfect, make complete, make perfect 1a) (Qal) to perfect
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: (make) perfect. See also: Ezekiel 27:4; Ezekiel 27:11.
יָפְיֵֽ/ךְ
yŏphîy
H3308
"beauty"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means beauty, describing something pleasing and attractive. In Psalm 27:4, it describes the beauty of God's presence. The word is used to convey a sense of wonder and awe.
Definition: beauty
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beauty. See also: Esther 1:11; Ezekiel 16:15; Psalms 45:12.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 27:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 27:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 27:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 27:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 27:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
Context — A Lament for Tyre
9The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.
10Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor.
11Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.
12Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares. 13Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze utensils for your merchandise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 27:3–4 | Tell Tyre, who dwells at the gateway to the sea, merchant of the peoples on many coasts, that this is what the Lord GOD says: You have said, O Tyre, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’ Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders perfected your beauty. |
Ezekiel 27:11 Summary
Ezekiel 27:11 describes how the city of Tyre was protected by men from different nations, who manned its walls and towers, and hung their shields around the walls to make the city look beautiful. This shows how Tyre was a strong and beautiful city, with many people working together to keep it safe, much like how God desires for His people to work together in unity, as seen in Psalm 133:1. However, as seen in Ezekiel 26:1-5 and Ezekiel 28:1-19, Tyre's strength and beauty would ultimately lead to its downfall, reminding us to trust in God's protection, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, rather than relying solely on human strength and defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for men of Arvad and Helech to have manned the walls of Tyre?
This refers to the fact that these men were part of Tyre's defense system, providing military strength and protection, as seen in Ezekiel 27:11, similar to how the men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in Ezekiel 27:10.
Why are the men of Gammad mentioned as being in the towers?
The men of Gammad were likely stationed in the towers to provide an additional layer of defense and to keep watch for potential threats, highlighting the extensive security measures in place, much like the watchmen on the walls in 2 Kings 9:17-20.
What is the significance of hanging shields around the walls?
Hanging shields around the walls was a symbol of strength and beauty, as mentioned in Ezekiel 27:11, and it also served as a display of the city's military prowess, similar to the decorations on the shields in 1 Samuel 17:6-7.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel 27?
This verse is part of a larger description of Tyre's wealth and beauty, as seen in Ezekiel 27:1-25, and it highlights the city's extensive trade networks and military strength, ultimately leading to its downfall, as prophesied in Ezekiel 26:1-5 and Ezekiel 28:1-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of 'perfecting beauty' in my own life, as mentioned in Ezekiel 27:11?
- How can I balance the need for physical protection and security with the need for spiritual protection and trust in God, as seen in Psalm 91:1-16?
- What are some 'shields' that I have hung around my life to make it look more beautiful or secure, and are they truly effective, as seen in the example of the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14?
- In what ways can I, like the men of Arvad and Helech, be a source of strength and protection for those around me, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 22:37-40?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 27:11
The men of Arvad, with thine army were upon thy walls round about,.... Placed there for the defence of the city, to watch against an enemy, lest it should be surprised; here they were upon the patrol
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 27:11
The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
Arvad: see . With thine army; mixed with other hired soldiers, made up these military forces. Upon thy walls round about; kept guard upon the walls. The Gammadims; some say pigmies or dwarfs, because the Hebrew word is a cubit; but the whole story of such cubit-men is fabulous. Others think it is men bold and courageous, and the word of Syriac origin and sense, and so fitly expressing the temper of Syrian or Syrophoenician soldiers. Or else, the men who name from Gammade, a town of Phoenicia. Or possibly, such as came from Aneon, another town of Phoenice; and this town had its name from its situation on a piece of land that resembles the cubit, Greek, Agkwv, and in the Hebrew, down In thy towers; which were many, erected for strength and defence. Hanged their shields upon thy walls: by this it appears these towers were also public armories, whence they fetched arms when needful, and where they laid them up when no further use of them. Made thy beauty perfect; added much to her beauty, a well-armed state being among states as beautiful as a proper well-armed soldier among men.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
Ezekiel 27:11 The men of Arvad with thine army [were] upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.Ver. 11. And the Gammadims.] These were not pigmies, as the Vulgate rendereth it; nor Medes, as Symmachus; nor Cappadocians, as the Chaldee paraphrast; but Syrians of a city called Gamalla, whereof see Pliny. Nat. Hist., lib. ii. cap. 91.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
(11) The Gammadims were in thy towers.—No people of this name is known, and it is extremely unlikely that the responsible posts upon the watch-towers would have been entrusted to foreigners. The word occurs only here, and is probably not a proper name, but should be translated brave men.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
Verse 11. The Gammadims were in thy towers] Some think these were a people of Phoenicia; others, that tutelar images are meant; others, that the word expresses strong men, who acted as guards. The Vulgate reads Pygmaei, the pygmies, who were fabled to be a little people of a cubit in height, from גמד gomed. a cubit; and are are told that this little people were celebrated for their wars with the cranes; but nothing of this kind can enter into this description. Probably a people inhabiting the promontories of Phoenicia are here intended; and their hanging their shields upon the walls is a proof that soldiers are meant, and persons of skill and prowess too.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 27:11
11. with thine army] It is scarcely possible to render: men of Arvad, they were thine army. Some proper name seems required: the men of Arvad and of … Cornill conjectures Hethlon (Ezekiel 47:15, Ezekiel 48:1), others, Cilicia. the Gammadims] A proper name is certainly to be expected, but no place, Gammad, is known. Some have suggested “they of Gomer,” but an adj. is not formed from Gomer; Corn., Zemarites, Genesis 10:18. Others take the word as an appellative: brave warriors.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:11
11. Arvad — See Ezekiel 27:8. The Gammadim — R.V., margin, “valorous men.” No land or city of Gammad is known.