Old Testament
Ezekiel 27:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But now the seas have smashed you in the deep waters. Your merchandise and your entire crew have gone down with you.
Compare translations
In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall.
What Ezekiel 27:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a powerful image of destruction. The seas, representing chaos and turmoil, have overwhelmed a once-thriving entity. This entity, likely a metaphor for a prosperous city or nation, has lost everything—its goods and its people. The deep waters symbolize a complete and utter downfall. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and despair, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change. It serves as a reminder that no matter how strong or successful we may feel, external forces can bring us down. The verse encourages reflection on the fragility of success and the importance of humility. Ultimately, it illustrates the consequences of pride and reliance on material wealth, urging us to consider what truly matters in life beyond possessions and status. This message resonates with anyone who has faced unexpected challenges or losses, reminding us to stay grounded and connected to what is truly valuable in our lives, such as relationships and integrity. The vivid imagery leaves a lasting impression, making us ponder the deeper meanings of success and failure.
How to apply Ezekiel 27:34 to your life
Consider what truly matters in your life beyond material possessions. Reflect on your values and relationships, ensuring they are prioritized over fleeting success. When faced with challenges, remember that resilience and humility can guide you through tough times. Stay connected to what is meaningful to you, and be prepared for life's uncertainties. Embrace the lessons learned from setbacks to grow stronger and wiser in the future.
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 Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. 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.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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 27:34
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 27:34
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 27:34 mean?
Ezekiel 27:34 describes the destruction of a prosperous entity, likely a city or nation, overwhelmed by the seas, symbolizing chaos. It highlights the loss of both goods and people, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change and the importance of humility.
What is the significance of the seas in Ezekiel 27:34?
In Ezekiel 27:34, the seas represent chaos and turmoil that lead to the downfall of a once-thriving entity. This imagery emphasizes the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of success.
What does the phrase 'deep waters' mean in Ezekiel 27:34?
The phrase 'deep waters' in Ezekiel 27:34 symbolizes a complete and utter downfall, indicating that the entity has been overwhelmed and lost everything. It serves as a metaphor for the depths of despair and destruction.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 27:34?
Ezekiel 27:34 presents themes of destruction, loss, humility, and the fragility of success. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of valuing relationships over material wealth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.