Old Testament
Ezekiel 26:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
It will be a place for spreading nets in the middle of the sea, for I have spoken, says the Lord GOD, and it will become a spoil to the nations.
Compare translations
It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.
What Ezekiel 26:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares that a certain place will become a fishing ground in the sea. This location, once significant, will be reduced to a spot where fishermen spread their nets. The Lord emphasizes that this will happen because He has decreed it. The transformation signifies a loss of power and prestige for the nations involved. The imagery of nets suggests that what was once a thriving city will now serve a different purpose, one of simplicity and survival. This change reflects God's authority over nations and their fates. The prophecy serves as a reminder that no matter how strong a city or nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's will. The message is clear: God has the final say in the affairs of humanity, and His plans will unfold as He intends, regardless of human expectations or ambitions. This verse invites us to reflect on the transient nature of power and the sovereignty of God in our lives and the world around us. It encourages us to trust in His plans.
How to apply Ezekiel 26:5 to your life
This verse reminds us that our lives can change unexpectedly, just as nations can rise and fall. Trusting in God's plan helps us navigate uncertainties. We should remain humble, recognizing that our circumstances are ultimately in His hands. Embrace change as part of His greater purpose for you and your community. Stay open to new opportunities that arise from unexpected shifts in life’s journey.
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 26:5
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 26:5
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 26:5 mean?
Ezekiel 26:5 means that a once-important location will become a fishing ground in the sea, symbolizing a loss of power and significance for the nations involved. God declares this transformation as part of His divine plan.
What is the significance of nets in Ezekiel 26:5?
The nets in Ezekiel 26:5 symbolize a shift from a thriving city to a place of simplicity and survival, indicating that what was once powerful will now serve a basic purpose. This imagery highlights the transient nature of human power.
How does Ezekiel 26:5 reflect God's authority?
Ezekiel 26:5 reflects God's authority by showing that He has the final say in the fate of nations, demonstrating that no matter how strong they may seem, they are ultimately subject to His will.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 26:5?
Themes in Ezekiel 26:5 include God's sovereignty, the transformation of power dynamics, the fate of nations, and the significance of divine decrees in shaping history.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.