Ezekiel 26:5 Meaning and Explanation
“It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Tyre's ruins will become a place where fishermen dry their nets, and the city will be plundered.
The Context of Ezekiel 26:5
The aftermath: Tyre reduced to a barren site for fishermen; total plundering.
What Does Ezekiel 26:5 Mean?
From a thriving merchant metropolis, Tyre will be reduced to a bare rock useful only to fishermen. Nets would be spread upon that barren surface to dry in the sun, a humble purpose for what had been one of the ancient world's most prestigious cities. This reversal emphasizes the totality of God's judgment—not merely political defeat but complete loss of status and purpose.
The phrase 'spoil to the nations' clarifies that multiple invading armies will plunder Tyre's wealth systematically. Everything of value—gold, silver, merchandise, ships, trade goods—will be stripped away. The declaration 'I have spoken it' emphasizes that this judgment is not speculation or threat but God's word already determined and soon to be executed.
Ezekiel 26:5 in the Original Language
spoil (שָׁלָל, shalal) — plunder taken in war, here referring to the complete removal of Tyre's wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 26:5
What does Ezekiel 26:5 mean?
Tyre's ruins will become a place where fishermen dry their nets, and the city will be plundered.
What is the context of Ezekiel 26:5?
The aftermath: Tyre reduced to a barren site for fishermen; total plundering.