Ezekiel 27:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Merchants from the north and east supplied both human slaves and bronze goods to Tyre's markets.
The Context of Ezekiel 27:13
Northern merchants traded slaves and bronze goods at Tyre.
What Does Ezekiel 27:13 Mean?
Javan (Ionia/Greece), Tubal, and Meshech (regions in Anatolia and the Caucasus) engaged in trade with Tyre, exchanging brass (bronze) vessels and other goods. The mention of trading 'persons of men' references the slave trade—a dark reality of ancient commerce.
This verse reveals the moral undercurrent of Tyre's prosperity: its markets depended partly on human trafficking alongside legitimate merchandise. God's judgment against Tyre thus carries an implicit condemnation of exploitation and human degradation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 27:13
What does Ezekiel 27:13 mean?
Merchants from the north and east supplied both human slaves and bronze goods to Tyre's markets.
What is the context of Ezekiel 27:13?
Northern merchants traded slaves and bronze goods at Tyre.