Old Testament
Ezekiel 27:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see the craftsmanship and effort that went into building a great ship.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
They crafted all your planks from cypress trees of Senir and cut cedars from Lebanon to make your masts.
They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the craftsmanship and effort that went into building a great ship. The builders used high-quality materials, specifically cypress wood from Senir and cedar from Lebanon, known for their strength and durability. This highlights the importance of using the best resources available to create something valuable. The ship represents trade and connection, showing how people come together to achieve great things. The choice of materials also reflects the beauty and skill involved in shipbuilding, emphasizing the pride in craftsmanship. This verse serves as a reminder that the foundation of any endeavor, whether personal or communal, should be built on quality and care. Just as the ship was constructed with purpose, we too should approach our goals with intention and dedication, ensuring that we invest in what truly matters. The imagery of the ship being crafted from the finest woods invites us to consider how we build our own lives and relationships, encouraging us to choose wisely in our pursuits.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 27:5 to your life
When pursuing your goals, consider the quality of the resources and relationships you invest in. Just as the ship was built with care, approach your life with intention. Focus on what truly matters and strive for excellence in your endeavors. Your efforts will lead to meaningful connections and achievements that stand the test of time.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 27:5 teach about craftsmanship?
Ezekiel 27:5 emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship by highlighting the high-quality materials used in shipbuilding. The verse illustrates how the builders selected cypress from Senir and cedar from Lebanon, known for their strength and durability, to create a valuable vessel. This serves as a reminder that dedication to quality in our own endeavors can lead to greater success and satisfaction.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 27:5 to my life?
You can apply the message of Ezekiel 27:5 by focusing on the quality of the resources and relationships you invest in. Just as the ship was built with care and intention, approach your personal and professional goals with the same dedication. Prioritize what truly matters, seek excellence in your efforts, and build meaningful connections that will support your journey.
What is the significance of using cedar and cypress in shipbuilding?
Cedar and cypress are significant in shipbuilding due to their strength, durability, and resistance to decay. In Ezekiel 27:5, the choice of these materials reflects the builders' commitment to creating a sturdy and reliable vessel. This choice symbolizes the importance of using the best resources available in any endeavor, ensuring that the foundation is strong and capable of withstanding challenges.
What does the ship symbolize in Ezekiel 27:5?
In Ezekiel 27:5, the ship symbolizes trade, connection, and the collaborative efforts of people coming together to achieve great things. The craftsmanship involved in building the ship reflects the pride and dedication of those who contributed to its creation. This imagery encourages us to consider how we build our own lives and relationships, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and quality in our pursuits.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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