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New Living Translation

Ezekiel 28:12

"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.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Lamentations;   Tyre;   Scofield Reference Index - Satan;   The Topic Concordance - Pride/arrogance;   Sin;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Tyre;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Perfect, Perfection;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Repentance;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Lamentation;   Tyre;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Poetry;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Wisdom;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Ezekiel, Book of;   Satan ;   Tyre, Tyrus;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Tyre;   Smith Bible Dictionary - Ty'rus;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Isaiah;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ezekiel;   Seal;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Bedersi, Abraham ben Isaac;   Dictionaries, Hebrew;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
“Son of man, lament for the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord God says:
Hebrew Names Version
Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tzor, and tell him, Thus says the Lord GOD: You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
King James Version
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.
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.
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.
New Century Version
"Human, sing a funeral song for the king of Tyre. Say to him: ‘This is what the Lord God says: You were an example of what was perfect, 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.
World English Bible
Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and tell him, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Sonne of man, take vp a lamentation vpon the King of Tyrus, and say vnto him, Thus sayeth the Lorde God, Thou sealest vp the summe, and art full of wisedome and perfite in beautie.
New American Standard Bible (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.
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.
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.
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
"Human being, raise a lament for the king of Tzor, and tell him that Adonai Elohim says: ‘You put the seal on perfection; you were full of wisdom and perfect in beauty;
Darby Translation
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou, who sealest up the measure of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty,
Easy-to-Read Version
"Son of man, sing this sad song about the king of Tyre. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord God says: "‘You were the perfect man— so full of wisdom and perfectly handsome.
George Lamsa Translation
Son 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.
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!
Lexham English Bible
"Son of man, raise a lament over the king of Tyre, and you must say to him, ‘thus says the Lord Yahweh: "You were a perfect model of an example, full of wisdom and perfect of beauty.
Literal Translation
Son of man, lift up a lament over the king of Tyre, and say to him, So says the Lord Jehovah: You seal the measure, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Thou sonne off man, make a lamentable complaynte ouer the kynge of Tyre, & tell him: Thus saieth the LORDE God: Thou art a seale of a licknesse, full off wy?dome & excellent beuty.
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.
Bible in Basic English
Son of man, make a song of grief for the king of Tyre, and say to him, This is what the Lord has said: You are all-wise and completely beautiful;
JPS Old Testament (1917)
'Son 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,
King James Version (1611)
Sonne of man, take vp a lamentation vpon the king of Tyrus, and say vnto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest vp the summe, full of wisedome and perfect in beautie.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Thou sonne of man, take vp a lamentation vpon the king of Tyre, & tel him, thus sayth the Lord God: Thou sealest vp the summe, full of wysdome, & perfite beautie.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
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.
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.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
and thou schalt seie to hym, The Lord God seith these thingis, Thou a preente of licnesse, ful of wisdom, perfit in fairnesse,
Update Bible Version
Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: 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.
New English Translation
"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 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 Life Bible
"Son of man, sing a song of sorrow for the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘The Lord God says, "You were once the mark of what is perfect, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
New Revised Standard
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.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Son of man Take thou up a dirge over the king of Tyre, - And thou shalt say to him Thus saith My Lord. Yahweh, Thou wast of finished proportions, Full of wisdom and Perfect in beauty:
Douay-Rheims Bible
And say to him: Thus saith the Lord God: Thou wast the seal of resemblance, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Revised 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.
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.
THE MESSAGE
The Money Has Gone to Your Head God's Message came to me, "Son of man, tell the prince of Tyre, ‘This is what God , the Master, says: "‘Your heart is proud, going around saying, "I'm a god. I sit on God's divine throne, ruling the sea"— You, a mere mortal, not even close to being a god, A mere mortal trying to be a god. Look, you think you're smarter than Daniel. No enigmas can stump you. Your sharp intelligence made you world-wealthy. You piled up gold and silver in your banks. You used your head well, worked good deals, made a lot of money. But the money has gone to your head, swelled your head—what a big head! "‘Therefore, God , the Master, says: "‘Because you're acting like a god, pretending to be a god, I'm giving fair warning: I'm bringing strangers down on you, the most vicious of all nations. They'll pull their swords and make hash of your reputation for knowing it all. They'll puncture the balloon of your god-pretensions. They'll bring you down from your self-made pedestal and bury you in the deep blue sea. Will you protest to your assassins, "You can't do that! I'm a god"? To them you're a mere mortal. They're killing a man, not a god. You'll die like a stray dog, killed by strangers— Because I said so. Decree of God , the Master.'" God 's Message came to me: "Son of man, raise a funeral song over the king of Tyre. Tell him, A Message from God , the Master: "You had everything going for you. You were in Eden, God's garden. You were dressed in splendor, your robe studded with jewels: Carnelian, peridot, and moonstone, beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald, all in settings of engraved gold. A robe was prepared for you the same day you were created. You were the anointed cherub. I placed you on the mountain of God. You strolled in magnificence among the stones of fire. From the day of your creation you were sheer perfection... and then imperfection—evil!—was detected in you. In much buying and selling you turned violent, you sinned! I threw you, disgraced, off the mountain of God. I threw you out—you, the anointed angel-cherub. No more strolling among the gems of fire for you! Your beauty went to your head. You corrupted wisdom by using it to get worldly fame. I threw you to the ground, sent you sprawling before an audience of kings and let them gloat over your demise. By sin after sin after sin, by your corrupt ways of doing business, you defiled your holy places of worship. So I set a fire around and within you. It burned you up. I reduced you to ashes. All anyone sees now when they look for you is ashes, a pitiful mound of ashes. All who once knew you now throw up their hands: ‘This can't have happened! This has happened!'" God 's Message came to me: "Son of man, confront Sidon. Preach against it. Say, ‘Message from God , the Master: "‘Look! I'm against you, Sidon. I intend to be known for who I truly am among you.' They'll know that I am God when I set things right and reveal my holy presence. I'll order an epidemic of disease there, along with murder and mayhem in the streets. People will drop dead right and left, as war presses in from every side. Then they'll realize that I mean business, that I am God . "No longer will Israel have to put up with their thistle-and-thorn neighbors Who have treated them so contemptuously. And they also will realize that I am God ." God , the Master, says, "When I gather Israel from the peoples among whom they've been scattered and put my holiness on display among them with all the nations looking on, then they'll live in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. They'll live there in safety. They'll build houses. They'll plant vineyards, living in safety. Meanwhile, I'll bring judgment on all the neighbors who have treated them with such contempt. And they'll realize that I am God ."

Contextual Overview

11 Then this further message came to me from the Lord : 12 "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. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone— red carnelian, pale-green peridot, white moonstone, blue-green beryl, onyx, green jasper, blue lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emerald— all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. 14 I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. 15 "You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. 16 Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. 17 Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. 18 You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19 All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more."

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

take up: Ezekiel 28:2, Ezekiel 19:1, Ezekiel 19:14, Ezekiel 26:17, Ezekiel 27:2, Ezekiel 27:32, Ezekiel 32:2, Ezekiel 32:16, 2 Chronicles 35:25, Isaiah 14:4, Jeremiah 9:17-20

Thou sealest: Ezekiel 28:2-5, Ezekiel 27:3, Ezekiel 27:4, Romans 15:28, 2 Corinthians 1:22

full: Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 10:13, Jeremiah 9:23, Luke 2:40, Acts 6:3, 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 3:19, Colossians 1:9, Colossians 2:3, James 3:13-18

Reciprocal: Psalms 139:8 - I ascend Isaiah 14:13 - I will ascend Isaiah 23:8 - the crowning Isaiah 47:7 - thou saidst Jeremiah 7:29 - and take Ezekiel 28:15 - perfect Ezekiel 32:19 - dost Daniel 9:24 - make an end of Amos 5:1 - I take Zechariah 9:2 - it be Matthew 11:23 - which art Luke 10:15 - which

Cross-References

Genesis 15:1
Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great."
Genesis 15:12
As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness came down over him.
Genesis 20:3
But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!"
Genesis 28:1
So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him, and said, "You must not marry any of these Canaanite women.
Genesis 28:2
Instead, go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of your uncle Laban's daughters.
Genesis 28:5
So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to stay with his uncle Laban, his mother's brother, the son of Bethuel the Aramean.
Genesis 28:6
Esau knew that his father, Isaac, had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to find a wife, and that he had warned Jacob, "You must not marry a Canaanite woman."
Genesis 28:7
He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his parents and gone to Paddan-aram.
Genesis 28:11
At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep.
Genesis 28:12
As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus,.... Who is before called the prince of Tyre; and who he was :-, the bishop of Rome was first only a "nagid", a prince, ruler, governor, and leader in the church; afterwards he became a king, a head, even over other kings, princes, and states; perhaps this may also point to his twofold power, secular and ecclesiastical, and so he is represented by two beasts, Revelation 13:1, here a lamentation or funeral ditty is ordered to be taken up and said for him, to denote his certain destruction and ruin; though some have thought the fall of the angels, and others the fall of Adam, is referred to; several passages are interpreted of Adam in the Talmud l:

and say unto him, thus saith the Lord God, thou sealest up the sum; or "pattern" m; of everything that is excellent; thou art in all things, consummately so, as that nothing could be added; that is, in his own esteem and account. Junius thinks it refers to the sealing of goods exported, for which a duty was to be paid, without doing which merchandise was not allowed. Antichrist would not suffer any to buy or sell but such as receive his mark or seal on their right hand, or in their forehead, Revelation 13:16. Cocceius renders it, "the sealer of the measure" n; and takes it to be an allusion to the custom of sealing measures, used in buying and selling; and that it respects the man of sin, who takes upon him the power of making rules and canons for faith and practice:

full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty; a most accomplished man for parts and person in his own conceit: antichrist assumes to himself a perfect knowledge of the Scriptures, and sets up himself as an infallible judge of controversies; and glories in the splendour and order of his church, and the government of it.

l T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 75. 1. m תבנית "exemplar, [sive] specimen", Tigurine version: Castalio. n "Signator mensurae", Cocceius, Starckius.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The dirge of the prince of Tyre, answering to the dirge of the state. The passage is ironical; its main purpose is to depict all the glory, real or assumed, of “the prince of Tyrus,” in order to show how deplorable should be his ruin.

Ezekiel 28:12

To “seal the sum” is to make up the whole measure of perfection. Compare the Septuagint

Ezekiel 28:13

Thou hast been in Eden - “Thou” wast etc. The prince of Tyrus is ironically described as the first of creation; but at the same time the parallel is to be maintained in his fall from glory. Like Adam in the enjoyment of paradise, he shall be like Adam in his fall.

Every precious stone - All the stones here named are found in the High priest’s breastplate Exodus 28:17-20, but their order is different, and three stones named in Exodus (the third row) are wanting. The prophet may purposely have varied the description because the number twelve (that of the tribes of Israel) had nothing to do with the prince of Tyrus, and he wished to portray, not a high priest, but a king, having in view a figure which was to a Jew, especially to a priest, the very type of magnificence.

Tabrets - (or, drums) and “pipes” were a common expression for festivity and triumph.

Ezekiel 28:14

Thou art - Better,” Thou” wert. “the anointed cherub that covereth” In the temple the cherubim and all holy things were consecrated and anointed with oil (Exodus 30:26 ff). The prince of Tyre was also anointed as a sovereign priest - covering or protecting the minor states, like the cherubim with outstretched wings covering the mercy-Seat.

Thou wast upon the holy mountain - As the cherub was in the temple on the holy mountain, so the prince of Tyre was presiding over the island-city, rising like a mountain from the deep.

Stones of fire - i. e., bright and shining. Decked with bright jewels, the prince walked among jewels in gorgeous splendor.

Ezekiel 28:15

The “perfection” was false, unsuspected until the “iniquity” which lay beneath was found out.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Ezekiel 28:12. Thou sealest up — This has been translated, "Thou drawest thy own likeness." "Thou formest a portrait of thyself; and hast represented thyself the perfection of wisdom and beauty." I believe this to be the meaning of the place.


 
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