Old Testament
Ezekiel 26:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Lord GOD says to Tyre: 'Won't the isles tremble at the sound of your collapse — at the groans of the wounded, at the slaughter raging inside your walls?'
Compare translations
Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?
What Ezekiel 26:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks directly to Tyre, a powerful city known for its wealth and trade. He warns that when Tyre falls, the surrounding islands will feel the shockwaves of its destruction. The cries of the wounded and the chaos within the city will resonate far and wide. This imagery highlights the severity of Tyre's impending doom and the impact it will have on others. The sound of collapse signifies not just physical destruction but also the end of an era of prosperity. Tyre's downfall serves as a reminder that no matter how strong or influential a place may seem, it can be brought low. The emotional weight of the groans and slaughter emphasizes the human cost of such events, making it personal and relatable. This message is a call to recognize the fragility of power and the consequences of pride and arrogance in the face of divine judgment. It invites reflection on our own lives and the structures we build, urging us to consider their stability and our reliance on them.
How to apply Ezekiel 26:15 to your life
Reflect on the things in your life that you may take for granted, like relationships or achievements. Consider how quickly circumstances can change. Use this awareness to cultivate humility and gratitude, ensuring you appreciate what you have while being mindful of the impact of your actions on others. Embrace resilience in the face of change and uncertainty, knowing that everything is temporary.
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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 26:15
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 26:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 26:15 mean?
Ezekiel 26:15 conveys God's warning to Tyre about its impending destruction. The verse emphasizes that the surrounding islands will react to Tyre's fall, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of its collapse.
What is the significance of the isles trembling in Ezekiel 26:15?
The trembling of the isles signifies the widespread impact of Tyre's destruction. It illustrates that the fall of a powerful city can affect not just its inhabitants but also neighboring regions, reflecting the interconnectedness of communities.
What does the phrase 'the groans of the wounded' signify in Ezekiel 26:15?
The phrase 'the groans of the wounded' signifies the human suffering and chaos that accompany Tyre's downfall. It emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of war and destruction on individuals.
How does Ezekiel 26:15 relate to themes of pride and consequences?
Ezekiel 26:15 illustrates the consequences of pride by showing that even powerful cities like Tyre can fall. The verse serves as a reminder that arrogance can lead to downfall, affecting not just the proud but also those around them.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.