Old Testament
Ezekiel 27:9
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 skilled workers from Gebal, known for their expertise, helping to maintain the ships that were vital for trade.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
The elders and craftsmen of Gebal were on board to seal your seams. Every ship on the sea and its sailors came to you to trade their goods.
The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the skilled workers from Gebal, known for their expertise, helping to maintain the ships that were vital for trade. These craftsmen were essential in ensuring that the ships were seaworthy, sealing the seams to prevent leaks. This highlights the importance of collaboration and skilled labor in achieving success. The bustling trade depicted here shows how interconnected the world was, with sailors from various places coming together to exchange goods. It emphasizes the significance of trade in building relationships and economies. The imagery of ships and sailors evokes a sense of adventure and the pursuit of prosperity. This verse reminds us that every successful venture often relies on the contributions of many individuals working together harmoniously. It illustrates the value of teamwork and the role of expertise in achieving common goals, whether in business or personal endeavors. The thriving trade environment also reflects the vibrancy of life and the opportunities that arise when people come together to share resources and talents.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 27:9 to your life
Consider how you can collaborate with others in your work or personal life. Recognize the skills and talents of those around you and how they can contribute to your goals. Building strong relationships can lead to greater success and fulfillment in your endeavors. Embrace teamwork and share your own skills with others for mutual benefit. Together, you can achieve more than you could alone.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 27:9 mean?
Ezekiel 27:9 describes the skilled craftsmen from Gebal who helped maintain ships for trade. Their expertise was crucial for ensuring that the ships were seaworthy, highlighting the importance of collaboration and skilled labor in successful trade.
What is the significance of Gebal in Ezekiel 27:9?
Gebal is mentioned as a place known for its skilled workers, particularly those who calked ships. This emphasizes the role of specialized labor in maritime trade and the interconnectedness of different regions in economic activities.
What does 'calkers' mean in Ezekiel 27:9?
In Ezekiel 27:9, 'calkers' refers to craftsmen who seal the seams of ships to prevent leaks. Their work was essential for maintaining the integrity of vessels used in trade.
How does Ezekiel 27:9 relate to teamwork?
Ezekiel 27:9 highlights the collaboration between craftsmen and sailors, showing that successful trade relies on the contributions of many skilled individuals. This verse serves as a reminder of the value of teamwork in achieving common goals.

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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