Ezekiel 27:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Tyre's sails combined Egyptian linen with rare colored fabrics, displaying its wealth and craftmanship.
The Context of Ezekiel 27:7
Tyre's sails displayed luxury fabrics in expensive colors.
What Does Ezekiel 27:7 Mean?
Fine linen from Egypt, embroidered with decorative patterns, served as sails—a visible mark of Tyre's prosperity since such materials were expensive and reserved for important vessels. The use of embroidered fabric for sails (functional items that could be plain) reflected Tyre's confidence in its splendor.
Blue and purple fabrics, dyes among the most expensive substances in the ancient world, covered Tyre's vessels. These colors symbolized royalty and divine favor, presenting an image of magnificence to all who saw these ships in harbor or at sea.
Ezekiel 27:7 in the Original Language
argaman (אַרְגָּמָן), 'purple' — a royal dye from murex shells, extremely costly and prestigious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 27:7
What does Ezekiel 27:7 mean?
Tyre's sails combined Egyptian linen with rare colored fabrics, displaying its wealth and craftmanship.
What is the context of Ezekiel 27:7?
Tyre's sails displayed luxury fabrics in expensive colors.