Ezekiel 27:20 — Word Study
WLCדְּדָן֙ רֹֽכַלְתֵּ֔ךְ בְבִגְדֵי־ חֹ֖פֶשׁ לְרִכְבָּֽה׃
BSADedanDᵉdân [a region in southern Edom] was your merchantrâkal [trader, trafficker] in saddleclothsbeged [precious clothes, riding blankets] for ridingrikbâh△ [on chariots, horseback]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| דְּדָן֙ | Dedan | Noun proper |
| רֹֽכַלְתֵּ֔ךְ | [was] trader your | Verb qal participle (active) feminine singular common, suffix |
| בְבִגְדֵי־ | for clothes of | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| חֹ֖פֶשׁ | material | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לְרִכְבָּֽה׃ | for riding | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding. |
| KJV | Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots. |
| ASV | Dedan was thy trafficker in precious cloths for riding. |
| YLT | Dedan [is] thy merchant, For clothes of freedom for riding. |
| WEB | “‘“Dedan was your merchant in precious saddle blankets for riding. |
| BBE | Dedan did trade with you in cloths for the backs of horses. |
All translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse.
The sentence is straightforward, with a main clause followed by two prepositional phrases that provide additional details.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectדְּדָן
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
2 of 5 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ezekiel 27:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Trade of Tyregenerated
Ezekiel 27:20 describes the trade activities of Tyre, a prosperous city known for its commerce. In this context, Dedan is mentioned as a significant merchant, providing saddlecloths, which were essential for riding. This verse illustrates the interconnectedness of trade in the ancient world, where regions like Dedan contributed to the wealth of Tyre.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 27:15 | The men of Dedan were your clients; many coastlands were your market; they paid you with ivory tusks and ebony. |
| 2 | Genesis 25:3 | Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — דְּדָן, de.Dangenerated
The name דְּדָן (Dedan) refers to a location and a people, specifically a low country in southern Arabia. The parsing as a proper noun indicates it is a name rather than a common term. Dedan is associated with both a son of Jokshan and a geographical region, emphasizing its dual significance in biblical texts.
In this verse, Dedan's role as a merchant highlights the trading relationships of the time, particularly in luxury goods like saddlecloths. The mention of Dedan underscores the importance of regional trade networks in the ancient Near East.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree that Dedan is identified as a merchant in saddlecloths for riding, maintaining the core meaning of the verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb is implied in the phrase, with the subject דְּדָן (Dedan) positioned at the beginning, indicating its importance. The structure follows a noun phrase followed by prepositional phrases that elaborate on the type of goods traded.
The sentence is structured to emphasize Dedan's identity as a merchant, with the details of the trade hanging off the main subject, showcasing the economic activities of the region.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, דְּדָן is rendered as δαιδαν, which carries a similar meaning but may reflect a different nuance in the context of trade. This choice indicates a consistent recognition of Dedan's role in commerce, though the Greek wording may suggest a broader interpretation of the goods involved.
The Greek term used for saddlecloths in the Septuagint adds a layer of meaning, possibly indicating the quality and significance of the goods traded.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ezekiel 27:20 tells us that Dedan was a merchant who traded in saddlecloths for riding. This highlights the importance of trade in the ancient world, particularly for luxury items needed for transportation.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Saddlecloths are blankets or coverings used on horses or chariots, indicating a level of luxury and care in riding.
Dedan's mention as a merchant illustrates the trade networks and economic relationships that existed in ancient times.
Saddlecloths represent not only practical items for riding but also luxury goods that reflect the wealth and status of those who used them.
This verse is part of a larger passage that details the various trade relationships of Tyre, showcasing the interconnectedness of different regions through commerce.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn about the importance of trade in ancient societies from this verse?
- How does the role of Dedan as a merchant reflect on the economic conditions of the time?
- In what ways do luxury items like saddlecloths indicate social status in ancient cultures?
- How can understanding the trade relationships mentioned in Ezekiel inform our view of historical interactions between regions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Jerome comments on this verse, noting the merchants of Dedan and their significance in trade.
The merchants of Dedan, dedicated to sitting on carpets. LXX: The merchants of Dadan, with chosen animals for chariots. The Hebrew and the Septuagint differ greatly in this place,Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 27 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 27:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDedan was thy merchant in precious cloths for chariots. Or, "cloths of freedom" (u); such as freemen and even nobles wore; and yet so extravagant were the Tyrians, that they bought these to line or
Read John Gill on Ezekiel 27 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots. Dedan - in Arabia; distinct from the Dedan in Ezekiel 27:15 (see note). Descended from Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:3).
Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 27 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleDedan, the posterity of Abraham by Keturah, who dwelt in Arabia, and were sheep-masters, and no doubt knew how to snake fine clothes of their wool. Precious clothes, with which they lined their chariots, and covered them; also they used them for saddle-cloths, &c.
Read Matthew Poole on Ezekiel 27 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEzekiel 27:20 Dedan [was] thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.Ver. 20. in precious clothes.] Heb., Clothes of freedom, such as are worn by gallants and magnificos. For chariots.] Or, Saddles or trappings, ad vehiculum for carriages.
Read John Trapp on Ezekiel 27 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) Dedan.—See note on Ezekiel 27:15. “Precious clothes,” literally, clothes of spreading, by which saddlecloths are probably meant.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezekiel 27 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 20. Dedan] Possibly the descendants of Dedan, son of Raamah, see Genesis 10:7. In precious clothes for chariots.] Either fine carpets, or rich housings for horses, camels, &c., used for riding.
Read AdamClarke on Ezekiel 27 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. On Dedan cf. Ezekiel 27:15; Genesis 25:3; Ezekiel 25:13. precious clothes for chariots] Or, saddle cloths for riding.
Read Cambridge on Ezekiel 27 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible20. Dedan — See Ezekiel 27:15 and Ezekiel 25:13. Precious cloths for chariots — R.V., “for riding;” saddlecloths. (See R.V., Judges 5:10.)
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 27 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding.
“‘“Dedan was your merchant in precious saddle blankets for riding.
Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding.
Dedan was your client in saddlecloths for riding.
Tyndale line
Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
Dedan was thy trafficker in precious cloths for riding.
Dedan was thy trafficker in precious cloths for riding.
Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.
They of Dedan were thy marchants in precious clothes for the charets.
Strictly literal
Dedan was thy trafficker in precious riding-cloths.
Dedan [is] thy merchant, For clothes of freedom for riding.
Dedan [is] your merchant, || For clothes of freedom for riding.
Dedan was thy merchant in precious clothes for riding on.
Dedan was your dealer in fine saddle blankets.
From the Latin
The men of Dedan were thy merchants in tapestry for seats.
Simplified
Dedan traded with you, providing riding blankets.
Dedan did trade with you in cloths for the backs of horses.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the essential elements of the verse, with both confirming Dedan's role as a merchant. The Septuagint's wording aligns closely with the Hebrew, indicating a shared understanding of Dedan's significance in trade.
דְּדָן֙ רֹֽכַלְתֵּ֔ךְ בְבִגְדֵי־ חֹ֖פֶשׁ לְרִכְבָּֽה׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ezekiel 27:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
דְּדָן (Dedan) refers to a location and a people, specifically a low country in southern Arabia. It is associated with two figures from the Bible: one is a son of Raamah and the other a son of Jokshan, both mentioned in genealogies. The name is also linked to the Rhodians, as indicated in some entries.
דְּדָן n.pr.loc. & gent.
under fig. of son of רַעֲמָה and grandson of כּוּשׁ
as son of יָקְשָׁן, father of אַשּׁוּרִם etc.
H1719a דְּדָן n. pr. loc. & gent. H1719b רֹדָן n. pr. loc. vel gent. Rhodes, Rhodians
1719 Ddan ded-awn'
or (prolonged) Ddaneh (Ezek. 25:13) {deh-daw'- neh}; of
uncertain derivation; Dedan, the name of two Cushites and of
their territory:--Dedan.
דְּדָן (de.dan) — Dedan.
Dedan = "low country"
a place in south Arabia
Also named: de.da.nim (דְּדָנִי "Dedanite" H1720)
רֹדָן (ro.dan) — Dedan.
A man of the Cushites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.7;
son of: Raamah (H7484);
brother of: Sheba (H7614)
§ Dedan = "low country"
Rhodes (or Rhodians)
רֹדָן (ro.dan) — Dedan.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.3;
son of: Jokshan (H3370);
brother of: Sheba (H7614I);
father of: Asshurim (H0805A), Letushim (H3912) and Leummim (H3817)
§ Dedan = "low country"
Male living at the time of the first Patriarchs (Gen.25.3a; Gen.25.3b; 1Ch.1.32)
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
Dedan
Low ground. (1.) A son of Raamah (Gen. 10:7). His descendants are mentioned in Isa. 21:13, and Ezek. 27:15. They probably settled among the sons of Cush, on the north-west coast of the Persian Gulf.
(2.) A son of Jokshan, Abraham’s son by Keturah (1 Chr. 1:32). His descendants settled on the Syrian borders about the territory of Edom. They probably led a pastoral life.
(low country). The name of a son of Raamah, son of Cush. (Genesis 10:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9) A son of Jokshan, son of Keturah. (Genesis 25:3; 1 Chronicles 1:32) (B.C. after 1988.)
1. The grandson of Cush, Ge 10:7; and
2. The son of Jokshan, Abraham’s son by Keturah, Ge 25:3. Both were founders of tribes frequently named in Scripture. The descendants of the Cushite Dedan are supposed to have settled in southern Arabia, near the Persian gulf, in which there is an island called by the Arabs Dedan lived in the neighborhood of Idumaea, Jer 49:8. It is not clear, in all cases where the name occurs, which of the tribes is intended. It was probably the Cushite tribe, which was employed in trade. The "travelling companies" of Dedan are mentioned by Isa 21:13. They are also named with the merchants of Tarshish by
their breasts; friendship; a judge
רָכַל (rakal) is a primitive root meaning to travel for trading. It primarily refers to a trafficker or trader, indicating movement from one place to another for the purpose of commerce. The exact nuances of the term are uncertain, but it is consistently linked to the concept of trading.
[רָכַל] vb. prob. go about, from one to another
base
H7402 רָכַל
7402 rakal raw-kal'
a primitive root; to travel for trading:--(spice) merchant.
רָכַל (ra.khal) — to trade.
1) to go about (meaning uncertain)
1a) (Qal) trafficker, trader (participle) (subst)
V-Qal | Suff — Verb qal participle (active) feminine singular common · suffixHVqrfsc/Sp2fs
בֶּ֫גֶד (beged) has meanings related to both clothing and treachery. It can refer to a garment or covering, as well as deceit or betrayal. The word is built from a root that suggests a duality in its usage, appearing in contexts that range from apparel to treacherous actions, notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1.
H899a בֶּ֫גֶד treachery H899b בֶּ֫גֶד garment, covering
899 beged behg'-ed
from 898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or
pillage:--apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag,
raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.
see HEBREW for 0898
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — treachery.
treachery, deceit
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — garment.
(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
חֹ֫פֶשׁ n.[m.] very dub.; only Ez 27:20 wide-spread (?) garments for riding, i.e. saddle-cloths
ref
H2667 חֹ֫פֶשׁ
2667 Chophesh kho'-fesh
from 2666; something spread loosely, i.e. a
carpet:--precious.
see HEBREW for 02666
חֹ֫פֶשׁ (cho.phesh) — spread.
widespread, fabric for horseback riding, saddle-blanket, saddle-cloths; meaning uncertain
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
רִכְבָּה (rikbah) is a feminine noun meaning 'chariot' or 'the act of riding.' It is derived from the root word for 'to ride' and is used collectively to refer to chariots. The only specific verse reference provided is Ezekiel 27:20.
רִכְבָּה n.f. act of riding;—Ez 27:20.
ref
H7396 רִכְבָּה
7396 rikbah rik-baw'
feminine of 7393; a chariot (collectively):--chariots.
see HEBREW for 07393
רִכְבָּה (rikh.bah) — riding.
riding, (act of) riding
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa