Ezekiel 28:9
Ezekiel 28:9 in Multiple Translations
Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who slay you? You will be only a man, not a god, in the hands of those who wound you.
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou art man, and not God, in the hand of him that woundeth thee.
Will you say, in the face of those who are taking your life, I am God? but you are man and not God in the hands of those who are wounding you.
Are you still going to claim, ‘I'm a god,’ to those who are killing you? You'll just be another human victim, not a god, in the eyes of your attackers.
Wilt thou say then before him, that slayeth thee, I am a god? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hands of him that slayeth thee.
Dost thou really say, 'I [am] God,' Before him who is slaying thee? And thou [art] man, and not God, In the hand of him who is piercing thee.
Will you yet say before him who kills you, ‘I am God’? But you are man, and not God, in the hand of him who wounds you.
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no god, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.
Wilt thou yet say before them that slay thee: I am God; whereas thou art a man, and not God, in the hand of them that slay thee?
Then you will certainly not [RHQ] say to those who are killing you, 'I am a god!' because they will know that you are not a god; you are only a man.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 28:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 28:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֶ/אָמֹ֤ר
תֹּאמַר֙
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
אָ֔נִי
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
הֹֽרְגֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
אָדָ֛ם
וְ/לֹא
אֵ֖ל
בְּ/יַ֥ד
מְחַלְלֶֽי/ךָ
הֶ/אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
תֹּאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָ֔נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הֹֽרְגֶ֑/ךָ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
מְחַלְלֶֽי/ךָ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Piel | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 28:9
הֶ/אָמֹ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תֹּאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָ֔נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הֹֽרְגֶ֑/ךָ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אָדָ֛ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
בְּ/יַ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
מְחַלְלֶֽי/ךָ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Piel | Suff
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 28:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 28:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 28:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 28:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 28:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
- Sermons on Ezekiel 28:9
Context — A Prophecy against the Ruler of Tyre
7behold, I will bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations. They will draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom and will defile your splendor.
8They will bring you down to the Pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas.
9Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who slay you? You will be only a man, not a god, in the hands of those who wound you.
10You will die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners. For I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD.” 11Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 28:2 | “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. |
| 2 | Isaiah 31:3 | But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together. |
| 3 | Psalms 82:7 | But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” |
| 4 | Acts 12:22–23 | And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
| 5 | Daniel 5:23–30 | Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, |
| 6 | Daniel 4:31–32 | While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
Ezekiel 28:9 Summary
[This verse is a reminder that no matter how powerful or important we may think we are, we are all still human and subject to the limitations and vulnerabilities of humanity, as seen in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:28-37. When we are faced with difficult circumstances, we must humble ourselves and recognize our dependence on God, as taught in 2 Chronicles 7:14. The king of Tyre thought he was a god, but he was still a man who could be wounded and killed, as stated in Ezekiel 28:9. This verse encourages us to stay humble and recognize our place before God, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Ezekiel 28:9?
Ezekiel 28:9 is part of a prophecy against the king of Tyre, where God is warning him of his impending downfall and death at the hands of foreigners, as stated in Ezekiel 28:7-10, and this serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and arrogance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18.
Why does God tell the king he will be 'only a man, not a god'?
God is emphasizing that despite the king's claims of divinity, he is still human and subject to the limitations and vulnerabilities of humanity, as seen in Psalm 82:7, where it is written that those who claim to be gods will die like men.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6, where we are called to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, and in Proverbs 29:23, where it is written that a man's pride will bring him low.
What is the significance of the phrase 'in the presence of those who slay you'?
This phrase highlights the reality of the king's situation, where he will be faced with his own mortality and the power of those who oppose him, much like the situation described in Isaiah 2:12, where the Lord will bring down the proud and exalt the humble.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the lesson of humility from this verse to my own life, recognizing that true strength comes from God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10?
- What are some ways that I can guard against pride and arrogance in my own heart, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 10:12?
- How does the truth of this verse intersect with the gospel message, where Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man, died on the cross for our sins, as described in Philippians 2:5-8?
- In what ways can I use this verse to minister to others who may be struggling with pride or a false sense of self-importance, as encouraged in Galatians 6:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 28:9
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God?.... When thou art in the enemies' hands, and just going to be put to death, wilt thou then confidently assert thy deity, and to his face tell him that thou art God?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 28:9
Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
A cutting taunt, or sarcasm: What will become of thy godship then? Wilt thou then dream of immortality and almighty power, when thine enemy is cutting thy throat? Thou shalt be a man; appear thou to thyself and others to be a mortal, weak, conquered man, who dieth a sacrifice to the conqueror’ s pride and cruelty.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
Ezekiel 28:9 Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I [am] God? but thou [shalt be] a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.Ver. 9. Wilt thou say before him that slayeth thee, I am God?] That will prove a poor plea, and thou wilt soon be confuted, as afterwards great Alexander confuted his flatterers, when, being wounded in fight, he showed them his blood.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
(9) Thou shalt be a man.—The future, added to the text by the words in italics, should be omitted. The original form is exactly the same as in Ezekiel 28:2, and should be so translated. In both cases the article is better omitted. The contrast between the weakness of man and the power of God is strongly brought out: “yet thou art man, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
Verse 9. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee] Wilt thou continue thy pride and arrogance when the sword is sheathed in thee, and still imagine that thou art self-sufficient and independent?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 28:9
9. but thou shalt be] Rather: whilst thou art man, and not God. The last clause “in the hand,” &c. is wanting in LXX.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 28:9
9, 10. Thou shalt be a man — Literally, thou art man (as Ezekiel 28:2). The deaths of the uncircumcised — Here, as Dr. Plumptre says, we reach the climax of Hebrew scorn.
Sermons on Ezekiel 28:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l |
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
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Real Wisdom by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches on the contrast between the wisdom of the prince of Tyrus, who exalted himself to be equal with God through his riches, and the humility of Jesus, who willin |
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Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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Not by Might by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that many Christians rely on human efforts and self-help methods to achieve victory over sin, similar to Israel's reliance on their own strength. He warn |
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Weighed and Found Wanting by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Daniel preaches to Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, about the consequences of pride and disobedience to God. He reminds Belshazzar of how Nebuchadnezzar |
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(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |