“For thus says the Lord GOD: When I make you a city laid waste, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you, and the great waters cover you,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy emphasizes the completeness of Tyre's destruction, not just by making it uninhabited but by picturing the literal sea washing over its ruins. This imagery highlights how the city's very geographical advantage—its island location—will become the instrument of its obliteration, swallowed by the "deep" and "great waters" that represent both literal flooding and overwhelming divine judgment.
“For thus says the Lord GOD: When I make you a city laid waste, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you, and the great waters cover you,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has just proclaimed the destruction of the proud city of Tyre, emphasizing its downfall and the fear it will inspire. This verse vividly describes that future devastation, portraying Tyre as a ruin, completely overwhelmed by water as if swallowed by the sea. The prophecy contrasts Tyre's utter obliteration with the eventual restoration and glory of Zion.
Imagine a bustling metropolis reduced to dust, its streets empty, its buildings crumbling. Ezekiel uses this stark imagery to describe Tyre's fate. What does this 'uninhabited' state truly signify?
God declares that Tyre will become 'like the cities that are not inhabited.' This isn't just about emptiness; it's about utter destruction and loss of identity.
Beyond Physical Ruin
The prophecy speaks of 'the deep' and 'great waters' covering Tyre. Is this literal flooding, a metaphor for armies, or both?
The imagery of the deep and great waters is powerful and multifaceted, speaking to the overwhelming nature of God's judgment.
Layers of Meaning
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Understand the original words
Adonai Yahweh · Hebrew Noun/Proper Name
A title for God in the Old Testament, combining the personal name of God (Yahweh) with the title 'Lord' (Adonai), emphasizing His sovereign authority and covenant relationship with His people.
chorebah · Hebrew Noun
A place of destruction, desolation, or ruin, often referring to a state of being completely abandoned and uninhabitable due to divine judgment.
tehom · Hebrew Noun
In biblical cosmology, the 'deep' represents the chaotic, primordial, or oceanic waters, often serving as a symbol of divine judgment or the uncontrollable power of God over creation.
Ezekiel's prophecy uses vivid imagery of the sea overwhelming Tyre, which found a dramatic, albeit partial, fulfillment during Alexander the Great's siege. The ultimate fulfillment, however, lies in Tyre's complete and permanent destruction and abandonment, a fate it experienced centuries later.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II, marking a devastating blow to the Kingdom of Judah. The Temple is destroyed, and many are exiled. This event is a backdrop for many prophetic judgments.
586 BC - 573 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Siege of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar II lays siege to the island city of Tyre for 13 years. While he eventually conquered the mainland portion, the island city proved too formidable to take fully.
c. 585 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Tyre
Ezekiel delivers this prophecy, foretelling the utter destruction of Tyre. The prophecy vividly describes the city being overwhelmed by the sea, a powerful image for its complete devastation.
332 BC
Alexander the Great Conquers Tyre
Alexander the Great, after a seven-month siege, conquers the island city of Tyre. He builds a causeway to reach the island, partially fulfilling the prophecy of the city being covered by the sea and then becoming a place for spreading nets.
c. 1st Century AD
Tyre Becomes a Roman City
Tyre, though diminished from its former glory, is a significant Roman port city. Its continuous habitation contrasts with the total desolation prophesied by Ezekiel.
AD 1291
Mamluk Conquest of Tyre
The Mamluks conquer Tyre, leading to its final decline and depopulation. The city essentially ceases to exist as a major center, aligning with the prophecy of it never being found again as a great city.
This passage describes the immense power of the 'deep' and 'great waters' unleashed during the global flood, echoing Ezekiel's imagery of overwhelming destruction.
Jeremiah 51:25The prophet Jeremiah also uses similar language of destruction, calling Babylon a 'destroying mountain' that God will roll down, mirroring the catastrophic downfall described for Tyre.
Isaiah 47:1-3This passage vividly depicts Babylon's pride leading to her utter humiliation and exposure, much like Tyre's fate as a 'desolate city' that will be found no more.
Luke 10:15Jesus uses similar imagery when lamenting Capernaum's judgment, stating 'you will be thrust down to Hades,' which parallels the idea of a city being completely submerged in ruin and oblivion.
bensonEzekiel 26:19: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;"
Ezekiel 26:19-21 . Thus saith the Lord, When I shall make thee a desolate city — When I shall fulfil these predictions, and make thee what I now threaten to make thee; like the cities that are not inhabited — Whose walls are broken down, and whose streets are all solitary. When I shall bring up…
pulpitEzekiel 26:19: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep upon thee, and great waters shall cover thee;"
Verse 19. - When I shall bring up the sea. The picture of desolation is completed. The sea washes over the bare rock that was once covered with the palaces of the merchant-princes.
The prophecy emphasizes the completeness of Tyre's destruction, not just by making it uninhabited but by picturing the literal sea washing over its ruins. This imagery highlights how the city's very geographical advantage—its island location—will become the instrument of its obliteration, swallowed by the "deep" and "great waters" that represent both literal flooding and overwhelming divine judgment.
Ezekiel has just proclaimed the destruction of the proud city of Tyre, emphasizing its downfall and the fear it will inspire. This verse vividly describes that future devastation, portraying Tyre as a ruin, completely overwhelmed by water as if swallowed by the sea. The prophecy contrasts Tyre's utter obliteration with the eventual restoration and glory of Zion.
Ezekiel has just proclaimed the destruction of the proud city of Tyre, emphasizing its downfall and the fear it will inspire. This verse vividly describes that future devastation, portraying Tyre as a ruin, completely overwhelmed by water as if swallowed by the sea. The prophecy contrasts Tyre's utter obliteration with the eventual restoration and glory of Zion.
"“For thus says the Lord GOD: When I make you a city laid waste, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you, and the great waters cover you," — The prophecy emphasizes the completeness of Tyre's destruction, not just by making it uninhabited but by picturing the literal sea washing over its ruins. This imagery highlights how the city's very…
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Last reviewed October 2026