Ezekiel 26:19 Meaning and Explanation
“For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will make Tyre uninhabitable, and water will flood over the ruins.
The Context of Ezekiel 26:19
Tyre transformed from inhabited city to desolate wasteland covered by water.
What Does Ezekiel 26:19 Mean?
The prophecy shifts to a future state: Tyre will become 'like the cities that are not inhabited'—completely devoid of human life and activity. Once thriving, bustling, and full of commerce, Tyre will become a ghost city, empty and silent. This parallels other ancient cities destroyed by God in judgment, emphasizing that Tyre's fate is part of a pattern of divine accountability for human sin.
The waters rising over Tyre suggest both literal inundation and symbolic judgment. The sea that once brought Tyre wealth through commerce will now become the instrument of her burial. 'Great waters' may refer to tsunami, flooding, or the rising tide covering her ruins. The image of water covering the devastated city suggests the permanence of her judgment—she will be erased even from memory and geography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 26:19
What does Ezekiel 26:19 mean?
God will make Tyre uninhabitable, and water will flood over the ruins.
What is the context of Ezekiel 26:19?
Tyre transformed from inhabited city to desolate wasteland covered by water.