Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “’You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. New Living Translation “Son of man, sing this funeral song for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty. English Standard Version “Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Berean Standard Bible “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty! King James Bible 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. New King James Version “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. New American Standard Bible “Son of man, take up a song of mourning over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. NASB 1995 “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. NASB 1977 “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Legacy Standard Bible “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Amplified Bible “Son of man, take up a dirge (funeral poem to be sung) for the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “You had the full measure of perfection and the finishing touch [of completeness], Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Berean Annotated Bible “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre (a rock) and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Christian Standard Bible “Son of man, lament for the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Holman Christian Standard Bible Son of man, lament for the king of Tyre and say to him: This is what the Lord GOD says: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. American Standard Version Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Contemporary English Version Ezekiel, son of man, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre and tell him I am saying: At one time, you were perfect, intelligent, and good-looking. English Revised Version Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Son of man, sing a funeral song for the ruler of Tyre. Tell him, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: You were the perfect example, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Good News Translation "Mortal man," he said, "grieve for the fate that is waiting for the king of Tyre. Tell him what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying: You were once an example of perfection. How wise and handsome you were! International Standard Version "Son of Man, start singing this lamentation for the king of Tyre. Tell him, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: "You served as my model, my example of complete wisdom and perfect beauty. NET Bible "Son of man, sing a lament for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'This is what the sovereign LORD says: "'You were the sealer of perfection, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. New Heart English Bible "Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Webster's Bible Translation Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. World English Bible “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “You were the seal of full measure, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Son of man, lift up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, "" And you have said to him, Thus said Lord YHWH: You are sealing up a measurement, "" Full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty! Young's Literal Translation 'Son of man, lift up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, And thou hast said to him: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Thou art sealing up a measurement, Full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Smith's Literal Translation Son of man, lift up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Thou didst seal up the measure full of wisdom and complete of beauty. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd say to him: Thus saith the Lord God: Thou wast the seal of resemblance, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Catholic Public Domain Version and you shall say to him: Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of similitudes, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. New American Bible Son of man, raise a lament over the king of Tyre, and say to him: Thus says the Lord GOD: You were a seal of perfection, full of wisdom, perfect in beauty. New Revised Standard Version Mortal, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSon of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the LORD God: You were the seal of wisdom and the crown of beauty. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Son of man, lament a lamentation for the King of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: “You are the seal of the likeness of the word of wisdom, and a crown of glory OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say unto him: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Thou seal most accurate, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty, Brenton Septuagint Translation Son of man, take up a lamentation for the prince of Tyre, and say to him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou art a seal of resemblance, and crown of beauty. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Lament over the King of Tyre11Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12“Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.… Cross References “Son of man, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. Daniel 8:17 As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” take up a lament for the king of Tyre Ezekiel 27:2 “Now you, son of man, take up a lament for Tyre. Ezekiel 27:32 As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea? Isaiah 23:1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Ezekiel 2:4 They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Amos 1:3 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. ‘You were the seal of perfection, Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He. Genesis 1:31 And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. full of wisdom 1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Daniel 2:21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. and perfect in beauty. Ezekiel 16:14 Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. Treasury of Scripture Son of man, take up a lamentation on the king of Tyrus, and say to him, Thus said the Lord GOD; You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. take up Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Ezekiel 19:1,14 Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel, … Ezekiel 26:17 And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it! Thou sealest Ezekiel 28:2-5 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: … Ezekiel 27:3,4 And say unto Tyrus, O thou that art situate at the entry of the sea, which art a merchant of the people for many isles, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O Tyrus, thou hast said, I am of perfect beauty… Romans 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. full Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. Isaiah 10:13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: Jeremiah 9:22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them. Jump to Previous Accurate Beauty Completely Full Lamentation Perfect Perfection Raise Seal Song Sovereign Sum Tyre Tyrus WisdomJump to Next Accurate Beauty Completely Full Lamentation Perfect Perfection Raise Seal Song Sovereign Sum Tyre Tyrus WisdomEzekiel 28 1. God's judgment upon the prince of Tyrus for his sacrilegious pride11. A lamentation of his great glory corrupted by Sidon 20. The judgment of Zion 24. The restoration of Israel Son of man This phrase is a common designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It underscores the contrast between the divine message he delivers and his human nature. The term is used extensively in the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's role as a representative of humanity before God. take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says You were the seal of perfection full of wisdom and perfect in beauty Connections to other scripture Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He is the one delivering God's message in this passage. 2. King of Tyre The earthly ruler of the city of Tyre, a wealthy and influential city-state known for its commerce and trade. The king is the subject of God's lament through Ezekiel. 3. Tyre An ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth, trade, and strategic location. It was a powerful maritime city during Ezekiel's time. 4. God (Yahweh) The sovereign Lord who speaks through Ezekiel, delivering a message of judgment and lamentation. 5. Lament A form of poetic expression of mourning or sorrow, often used in the Bible to convey God's judgment or the consequences of sin. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideThe king of Tyre's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-exaltation. Believers are called to humility, recognizing that all wisdom and beauty come from God. The Illusion of Perfection Earthly perfection and wisdom are fleeting and can lead to a false sense of security. True perfection is found only in Christ. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The lament demonstrates God's control over nations and leaders. No power is beyond His reach, and He will hold all accountable. The Role of Lament in Scripture Lament is a powerful tool for expressing sorrow and repentance. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for God's mercy. Wisdom and Beauty as Gifts Wisdom and beauty are gifts from God meant to glorify Him, not ourselves. We should use these gifts to serve others and advance God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 28:12?2. How does Ezekiel 28:12 describe the king of Tyre's original perfection? 3. What lessons can we learn from the king of Tyre's fall from grace? 4. How does Ezekiel 28:12 connect with the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14? 5. In what ways can pride lead to downfall, as seen in Ezekiel 28:12? 6. How can we guard against the pride described in Ezekiel 28:12? 7. Is Ezekiel 28:12 referring to the King of Tyre or Satan? 8. How does Ezekiel 28:12 challenge our understanding of pride and downfall? 9. What historical evidence supports the existence of the King of Tyre mentioned in Ezekiel 28:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 28? 11. Can God forgive Satan? 12. Is Satan present everywhere at all times? 13. Was Satan originally an angel? 14. Why did God create Satan knowing he would cause evil? What Does Ezekiel 28:12 Mean Son of man– Ezekiel, repeatedly addressed this way (Ezekiel 2:1; 3:17), is reminded of his human frailty even while speaking God’s infallible word. – The title keeps the spotlight on the Lord’s authority, not the prophet’s skill (compare Daniel 8:17). – It signals that what follows is historical fact, not allegory; God truly spoke these words through a real man. Take up a lament – A “lament” is a funeral song (Ezekiel 19:1; 27:2), underscoring that judgment on prideful Tyre is certain. – God’s people are invited to grieve over sin’s consequences rather than gloat (Proverbs 24:17; Luke 19:41). – Even severe prophecy is tempered by sorrow, revealing the Lord’s heart that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). For the king of Tyre – Historically, this points to Ethbaal III, the ruling monarch when Tyre dominated Mediterranean trade (Isaiah 23:1–8). – Spiritually, his arrogance mirrors the ultimate rebel behind worldly pride (cf. 1 John 5:19; Ezekiel 28:13–17), reminding us that earthly powers often serve unseen evil (Ephesians 6:12). – The king stands as a warning to every leader tempted to deify personal success (Acts 12:21–23). This is what the Lord GOD says – The phrase appears over 60 times in Ezekiel (e.g., 6:3; 34:11), stressing divine authorship. – Because God is “the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth” (Isaiah 42:5), His verdict is non-negotiable. – Scripture’s literal reliability flows from the character of its Author; what God states, He accomplishes (Numbers 23:19). You were the seal of perfection – “Seal” pictures an official stamp certifying authenticity (Esther 3:12). Tyre’s king epitomized the pinnacle of human accomplishment. – Like the “very good” creation declaration (Genesis 1:31), the phrase affirms that excellence itself is God-given. – Yet unredeemed perfection breeds self-idolatry; whatever is not surrendered to God becomes corrupted (Genesis 11:4). Full of wisdom – Tyre’s commercial genius echoed Solomon’s God-bestowed insight (1 Kings 4:29–34), but without Solomon’s early humility (1 Kings 3:7–9). – Wisdom divorced from reverence for the LORD is counterfeit (Proverbs 1:7; James 3:15). – Modern success stories risk the same trap when intellect outruns obedience. Perfect in beauty – Earlier God called Tyre “perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 27:3); the city’s architecture and fleets dazzled the ancient world. – Beauty, intended to reflect God’s own splendor (Psalm 50:2), becomes vanity when self-exalting (Isaiah 3:16–24). – The king’s external magnificence could not mask internal decay (Matthew 23:27). summary Ezekiel 28:12 records the Lord’s mournful dirge over Tyre’s king, who embodied unparalleled skill, wisdom, and beauty yet refused to honor the Giver. The verse warns that any greatness detached from submission to God inevitably invites judgment. Earthly glory is fleeting; only humble obedience preserves true excellence before the Lord. (12) Thou sealest up the sum.--Thou markest it as complete or perfect. (Comp. Daniel 9:24; Job 9:7.) The word for sum occurs only here and in Ezekiel 43:10, where it refers to the well measured and arranged building of the Temple.Verse 12. - Thou sealest up the sum, etc. The noun is found only there and in Ezekiel 43:10, where it is translated "pattern," but is cognate with the word rendered" tale" (equivalent to "measure") of Exodus 5:13, and "measure" in Ezekiel 45:11. The probable meaning is, Thou settest the seal to thy completeness (perfection). Thou deemest that thou hast attained the consummation of all beauty and wisdom. The LXX. and the Vulgate give, "Thou art a seal;" and this suggests a parallelism with Jeremiah's works to Coniah (Jeremiah 22:24). The words were, of course, written with a keen irony. This was what the King of Tyro thought of himself.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Sonבֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֕ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being take up שָׂ֥א (śā) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take a lament קִינָ֖ה (qî·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7015: An elegy, dirge for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Tyre צ֑וֹר (ṣō·wr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6865: Tyre -- a Phoenician city and tell וְאָמַ֣רְתָּ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say him לּ֗וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew that this is what כֹּ֤ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘You אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you were the seal חוֹתֵ֣ם (ḥō·w·ṯêm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 2856: To seal, affix a seal, seal up of perfection, תָּכְנִ֔ית (tā·ḵə·nîṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8508: Admeasurement, consummation full of מָלֵ֥א (mā·lê) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 4392: Full, filling, fulness, fully wisdom חָכְמָ֖ה (ḥāḵ·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom and perfect וּכְלִ֥יל (ū·ḵə·lîl) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 3632: Complete, the whole, as, fully in beauty. יֹֽפִי׃ (yō·p̄î) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3308: Beauty Links Ezekiel 28:12 NIVEzekiel 28:12 NLT Ezekiel 28:12 ESV Ezekiel 28:12 NASB Ezekiel 28:12 KJV Ezekiel 28:12 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 28:12 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 28:12 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 28:12 French Bible Ezekiel 28:12 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man take up a lamentation (Ezek. 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