Ezekiel 28:12
Ezekiel 28:12 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Son of man, make a song of grief for the king of Tyre, and say to him, This is what the Lord has said: You are all-wise and completely beautiful;
“Son of man, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre and tell him this is what the Lord God says: Once you were complete and perfect, full of wisdom and flawless in beauty.
Sonne of man, take vp a lamentation vpon the King of Tyrus, and say vnto him, Thus sayeth the Lord God, Thou sealest vp the summe, and art full of wisedome and perfite in beautie.
'Son of man, lift up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, And thou hast said to him: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Thou art sealing up a measurement, Full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
“Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘The Lord GOD says: “You were the seal of full measure, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
And say to him: Thus saith the Lord God: Thou wast the seal of resemblance, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
“You human, sing a sad/funeral song about the king of Tyre. Say to him, ‘This is what Yahweh the Lord says: “You thought that [IRO] you were completely perfect, extremely wise and handsome.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 28:12
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 28:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֕ם
שָׂ֥א
קִינָ֖ה
עַל
מֶ֣לֶךְ
צ֑וֹר
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתָּ
לּ֗/וֹ
כֹּ֤ה
אָמַר֙
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֔ה
אַתָּה֙
חוֹתֵ֣ם
תָּכְנִ֔ית
מָלֵ֥א
חָכְמָ֖ה
וּ/כְלִ֥יל
יֹֽפִי
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
שָׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
קִינָ֖ה
qîynâh
H7015
dirge
N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
צ֑וֹר
Tsôr
H6865
Tyre
N-proper
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתָּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לּ֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
חוֹתֵ֣ם
châtham
H2856
to seal
V-Qal
תָּכְנִ֔ית
toknîyth
H8508
proportion
N-fs
מָלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Adj
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וּ/כְלִ֥יל
kâlîyl
H3632
entire
Conj | Adj
יֹֽפִי
yŏphîy
H3308
beauty
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 28:12
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שָׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
קִינָ֖ה
qîynâh
H7015
"dirge"
N-fs
This word is a dirge, a song or lament expressing sorrow, often with music or beating of the breasts. It is used to mourn or express grief. The word is about sadness.
Definition: lamentation, dirge, elegy
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: lamentation. See also: 2 Samuel 1:17; Ezekiel 26:17; Jeremiah 7:29.
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.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
צ֑וֹר
Tsôr
H6865
"Tyre"
N-proper
Tyre refers to a city on the Mediterranean coast, mentioned in the Bible as a major Phoenician city, translated as Tyre or Tyrus, meaning a rock. It appears in books like Matthew and Acts. The city was an important trade center.
Definition: § Tyre or Tyrus = "a rock" the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Tyre, Tyrus. See also: Joshua 19:29; Jeremiah 27:3; Psalms 45:13.
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתָּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לּ֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
חוֹתֵ֣ם
châtham
H2856
"to seal"
V-Qal
To seal means to close or lock something, like a document or container. This word is used in the Bible to describe marking or sealing something, often with a signet ring.
Definition: 1) to seal, seal up, affix a seal 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seal, affix one's seal 1a2) to seal up, fasten up by sealing 1b) (Niphal) to seal 1c) (Piel) to lock up 1d) (Hiphil) to be stopped Aramaic equivalent: cha.tam (חֲתַם "to seal" H2857)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: make an end, mark, seal (up), stop. See also: Leviticus 15:3; Job 37:7; Isaiah 8:16.
תָּכְנִ֔ית
toknîyth
H8508
"proportion"
N-fs
This word means proportion or pattern, referring to a measurement or plan. It is used to describe a completed or finished work, like a building or design.
Definition: measurement, pattern, proportion
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pattern, sum. See also: Ezekiel 28:12; Ezekiel 43:10.
מָלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וּ/כְלִ֥יל
kâlîyl
H3632
"entire"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this word means something that is complete or entire, like a whole burnt offering to God. It is used in passages like Leviticus 6:23 and 22:17, and symbolizes perfection or entirety, often in the context of sacrifices and worship.
Definition: adj 1) entire, all, perfect adv 2) entirety subst 3) whole, whole burnt offering, holocaust, entirety
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: all, every whit, flame, perfect(-ion), utterly, whole burnt offering (sacrifice), wholly. See also: Exodus 28:31; Judges 20:40; Psalms 51:21.
יֹֽפִי
yŏphîy
H3308
"beauty"
N-ms
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 28:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 28:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 28:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 28:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 28:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 28:12
Context — A Lament for the King of Tyre
10You will die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners. For I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.”
11Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
12“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. 14You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 19:1 | “As for you, take up a lament for the princes of Israel |
| 2 | Ezekiel 26:17 | 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! |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 1:22 | placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. |
| 4 | Colossians 1:9 | For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, |
| 5 | James 3:13–18 | Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 6 | Colossians 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. |
| 7 | Luke 2:40 | And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 3:19 | For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 10 | Romans 15:28 | So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you. |
Ezekiel 28:12 Summary
This verse is telling us that the king of Tyre was once a perfect example of wisdom and beauty, but that he has fallen due to his own pride and arrogance. It's a reminder that true beauty and wisdom come from a right relationship with God, and that we must humble ourselves before Him (Psalm 96:9, Proverbs 9:10). We can learn from the king of Tyre's mistakes by seeking God's wisdom and guidance in our own lives, and by recognizing the dangers of pride and arrogance. By doing so, we can reflect the wisdom and beauty of God to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be the 'seal of perfection'?
To be the 'seal of perfection' means to be a perfect example or model of something, much like Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a righteous life (Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15). In this context, the king of Tyre is being told that he was once a perfect example of wisdom and beauty.
How can someone be 'full of wisdom and perfect in beauty' and yet still face judgment?
Having wisdom and beauty does not necessarily mean that someone is righteous or humble, as we see in the case of the king of Tyre (Proverbs 16:18, 1 Peter 5:5). True wisdom and beauty come from a humble heart and a right relationship with God (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 96:9).
Is this verse talking about a literal king of Tyre or a spiritual being?
While the verse is addressed to the king of Tyre, the language used suggests that it may also be referring to a spiritual being, such as Satan, who was once perfect and beautiful but fell due to pride (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-14).
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that true beauty and wisdom come from a right relationship with God, and that pride and arrogance can lead to a fall (1 Corinthians 10:12, Proverbs 16:18). We must humble ourselves before God and seek His wisdom and beauty in our lives (James 4:10, Psalm 90:12).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have sought to find wisdom and beauty in my own life, and how have those pursuits aligned with God's desires for me?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and recognize the dangers of pride and arrogance in my own life?
- In what ways can I reflect the wisdom and beauty of God in my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance, and how can I prioritize His will above my own desires?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 28:12
Take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus,.... Who is before called the prince of Tyre; and who he was [See comments on Ezekiel 28:2], the bishop of Rome was first only a "nagid", a prince, ruler,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 28:12
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
A lamentation: see . The king; called prince, . Thou sealest up the sum; in the search into the frame of thy government, the management of it, the prosperity thereof, and its glory, power, riches, and confederacies, thou dost think thyself but just to thy kingdom to account it the perfect idea of a good government, that in the Tyrian state nothing is wanting that might be required in a good government, in the best government, and so sealest to the premises; thus vainly puffed up, thou wilt have it that fulness of wisdom and perfection of beauty are in thee, but neither thy wisdom shall prevent or defeat the attempts of thine enemies, nor thy beauty charm their rage; thou shalt fall by them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.Ver. 12. Take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre.] Who shall have little leisure to lament for himself, his destruction shall be so sudden. See on Ezekiel 27:2. Thou sealest up the sum,] i.e., Thou art a pattern of perfection, in thine own conceit at least; for a seal hath in it the perfect form of him that is thereby represented, and then is a letter perfected when the last act of setting to a seal is done to it. Tu es omnibus numeris absolutum exemplar; so Vatablus and the Tigurines. Literae consignatae et clausae et absolutae sunt. - Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
(12) Thou sealest up the sum.—Thou markest it as complete or perfect. (Comp. Daniel 9:24; Job 9:7.) The word for sum occurs only here and in Ezekiel 43:10, where it refers to the well measured and arranged building of the Temple.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
Verse 12. Thou sealest up] This has been translated, "Thou drawest thy own likeness." "Thou formest a portrait of thyself; and hast represented thyself the perfection of wisdom and beauty." I believe this to be the meaning of the place.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 28:12
12–19. Lament over the fall of the prince of Tyre The passage is of extreme difficulty partly from the obscurity of several expressions in it, which do not occur again, and partly from allusions not now intelligible. The general drift of the passage is plain. (1) Ezekiel 28:12-15. The prince of Tyre is represented as a glorious being placed in Eden the garden of God. He was the perfection of beauty, was set on the mountain of God, and was perfect in his ways from the day he was created till iniquity was found in him. (2) Ezekiel 28:16-19. He fell from his high place through pride because of the multitude of his riches, and was therefore expelled from the garden of God.—Towards the end of the passage the allegory of a being in paradise is departed from and the actual circumstances of the prince and his city are more literally referred to. The text of LXX. diverges in important particulars from the Heb. Particular difficulties, however, are numerous. 1.
The expression “sealest up the sum,” Ezekiel 28:12 is very obscure. For the participle “sealest” the ancient versions read signet or ring. That there is reference to a ring seems plain from Ezekiel 28:13. 2. Again the cherub is referred to. There can be no doubt that the prophet has in his mind the story of Paradise (Genesis 2, 3). The cherub naturally belongs to the Paradise of God. In the Heb. text, as at present pointed (though the pointing is very anomalous) the prince is compared to the cherub, or said to be or have been the cherub. The text, however, permits the reading with or beside the cherub (v, 14, so LXX.). The prince sinned and was expelled from the garden of God where he was placed. The idea of the prophet is that pride and self-deification was the sin of the prince and caused his expulsion.
This, however, in Ezek. is the sin of all the foreign princes or nations, Egypt no less than Tyre, and cannot be held part of a tradition of the Fall, or of paradise. That the prophet does refer to a fall and expulsion from paradise or destruction of the transgressor seems plain (Ezekiel 28:16-17). But any fall of the cherub is not hinted at anywhere in the Old Test.; on the contrary the cherubs are represented as watchers and protectors of the garden of God against men (Genesis 3:24). There are references in the Old Test. to the sin of higher beings (e.g. Genesis 6:1; Isaiah 24:21), but the prophet’s allusions to the cherubs in other places make it very improbable that he should think of them as sinning. 3. It is probable, therefore, that it is the history of the first man that floats before his mind. The term “created” applied to the prince would hardly be used of the cherub. It is not unlikely, however, that Ezek. is in possession of traditions regarding Paradise more ample than those in Gen. or different from them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:12
12. Thou sealest up the sum — This is a very difficult phrase.
Sermons on Ezekiel 28:12
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(Demonology) Lucifer the Leader by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of angels and their rebellion against God. He mentions that some angels were cast down to hell and reserved for judgment because |
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Pride Is a Family Characteristic by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt |
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Perfect in Beauty by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the story of Job, highlighting how Satan seeks to strip away God's blessings and bring pain and suffering. It emphasizes the contrast between the fallen ang |
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Knowing Satan's Schemes by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the tactics of Satan, focusing on how he deceives through pride, rebellion, accusation, and drawing people to himself. It emphasizes the importance of being |
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(The Real Truth) 1. the Real Truth About Evil by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the profound mystery of evil in a world created by a good and wise God, exploring its origins in the heart of Lucifer, who fell from grace due to pride and reb |
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The Career of Satan by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the past, present, and future of Satan, starting from his creation and perfect state to his rebellion and ultimate defeat. The Scriptures reveal Sat |
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Witness of the Spirit - Part 2 by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes the necessity of genuine fellowship with God, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern evangelism. He challenges listeners to reflect on their per |