Old Testament

Ezekiel 26:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

His horses' hooves will trample all your streets. He will kill your people with the sword, and your strong garrisons will be brought down to the ground.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.

What Ezekiel 26:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the imagery of horses trampling the streets conveys a sense of overwhelming destruction. The mention of killing people with the sword highlights the brutality of conflict and the loss of life that accompanies war. Strong garrisons, which symbolize security and strength, will be brought down, indicating that no fortress can withstand the might of an invading force. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of conflict and the fragility of human power. It paints a vivid picture of a city under siege, where hope is replaced by fear and despair. The message is clear: when faced with overwhelming odds, even the strongest defenses can crumble. This verse invites us to reflect on the importance of peace and the devastating effects of violence on communities and individuals alike. It challenges us to consider how we can contribute to a more peaceful world, rather than one filled with strife and destruction. Ultimately, it serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from what truly matters.

How to apply Ezekiel 26:11 to your life

This verse encourages us to seek peace in our lives and communities. It reminds us that violence leads to suffering and destruction. We can choose to promote understanding and compassion instead of conflict. By doing so, we contribute to a more harmonious world for everyone. Let’s be peacemakers in our daily interactions and decisions. “Peace is strength.” “Violence is weakness.” “Choose wisely.” “Be a peacemaker.” “Be a light.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 26:11

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 26:11

At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel

Author
Ezekiel the prophet
Written
Around 590 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 26:11 mean?

Ezekiel 26:11 describes the destruction that will come upon a city through the invasion of an enemy. It uses vivid imagery of horses trampling the streets and people being killed, emphasizing the brutality of war and the collapse of strong defenses.

What is the significance of horses in Ezekiel 26:11?

In Ezekiel 26:11, horses symbolize the power and speed of an invading army. Their hooves trampling the streets represent overwhelming force and destruction, illustrating the chaos and devastation that accompanies conflict.

What does the phrase 'strong garrisons' mean in Ezekiel 26:11?

The term 'strong garrisons' refers to fortified military positions that are meant to provide security. In this verse, it indicates that even the most secure defenses will fall to the might of the enemy, highlighting the fragility of human power in times of war.

How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 26:11 today?

The message of Ezekiel 26:11 encourages us to seek peace and avoid conflict in our lives. It reminds us that violence leads to suffering, urging us to promote understanding and compassion in our communities.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.