Ezekiel 28:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Ezekiel to deliver a lament praising the king's perfection in wisdom and beauty.
The Context of Ezekiel 28:12
Ezekiel commanded to compose and recite a dirge for the Tyrian king.
What Does Ezekiel 28:12 Mean?
A lamentation (qinah in Hebrew) is a formal funeral dirge. Ezekiel is instructed to sing this over the king of Tyrus, treating his coming downfall with the gravity of death and loss. The initial praise—'full of wisdom, perfect in beauty'—mirrors the eulogy phase of such laments.
The phrase 'thou sealest up the sum' suggests completion or the pinnacle: the king represents the full measure of excellence, the perfection of human achievement. Yet this very perfection is the setting for a tragic fall.
Ezekiel 28:12 in the Original Language
qinah (קִינָה), 'lamentation' or 'dirge' — a formal funeral poem expressing grief and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 28:12
What does Ezekiel 28:12 mean?
God commands Ezekiel to deliver a lament praising the king's perfection in wisdom and beauty.
What is the context of Ezekiel 28:12?
Ezekiel commanded to compose and recite a dirge for the Tyrian king.