Learn more about Tyre

Introduction to Tyre

Tyre, also known as Tyrus in some translations, is one of the most significant and frequently mentioned cities in the Bible, particularly in relation to its wealth, maritime trade, and prophetic importance. Located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now southern Lebanon, Tyre was a powerful Phoenician city-state. It played a vital role in the ancient Near Eastern economy and had a complicated relationship with Israel and Judah throughout biblical history.

Tyre Pronunciation

“Tyre” is pronounced as tire, rhyming with “fire.” The name in Hebrew is “צֹר” (Tzor), which means “rock,” an apt description of the original island city.

Tyre in the Bible

Tyre appears throughout the Old and New Testaments, and its significance is tied to its prosperity, pride, and eventual judgment by God. Key biblical mentions include:

• Tyre as a Trading Power: Tyre was known for its maritime expertise and trade networks (Ezekiel 27). It was a hub for goods from many nations and had an economy rich in luxury and opulence.
• Alliance with Israel: Hiram, king of Tyre, formed a strong alliance with King David and Solomon. Hiram provided materials and craftsmen for the building of Solomon’s Temple (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1-12).
• Prophetic Oracles Against Tyre: Several prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, pronounce judgments against Tyre for its pride, idolatry, and rejoicing over Jerusalem’s fall. Notably, Ezekiel 26-28 provides a detailed lamentation and prophecy about Tyre’s downfall.
• Jesus and Tyre: In the New Testament, Jesus visits the region of Tyre and Sidon (Mark 7:24; Matthew 15:21), and people from Tyre are among those who come to hear Him preach (Luke 6:17).
• Paul and Tyre: The Apostle Paul visits Tyre during his missionary journeys and stays with disciples there (Acts 21:3-7), indicating the presence of early Christian communities.

Tyre in Biblical History and Context

Historically, Tyre consisted of two parts: the mainland city and an island city about a half-mile offshore. It withstood many sieges due to its formidable island fortifications, most notably surviving the Babylonian siege under Nebuchadnezzar for 13 years (Ezekiel 29:17-18), though at great cost. Eventually, it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, who built a causeway to reach the island.

The city’s wealth and influence are depicted as both a marvel and a warning. Its king, often understood as a symbol of Satan in Christian theology (Ezekiel 28:11-19), is described as having once been in Eden and cast down due to pride—an image blending history with spiritual metaphor.

Related Themes and Meanings to Tyre

• Pride and Judgment: Tyre symbolizes the dangers of wealth, arrogance, and self-sufficiency, and stands as a cautionary tale in prophetic literature.
• Commerce and Idolatry: The city's prosperity was tied to paganism and exploitation, making it a target for divine rebuke.
• Gentile Inclusion: Despite its negative portrayal, Tyre is also a place where Gentiles show faith in Jesus (e.g., the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30), highlighting the New Testament theme of salvation beyond Israel.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Tyre

• Tyre's dye industry, especially the famous Tyrian purple extracted from murex snails, made it one of the wealthiest cities of antiquity.
• The siege of Tyre by Alexander the Great is one of the most famous military feats in ancient history, involving the construction of a causeway that still exists today as a land bridge to the former island.
• Tyre is one of the few cities mentioned in both prophetic lament (Old Testament) and New Testament healing narratives, showing its enduring significance.
• The “Prince of Tyre” in Ezekiel 28 is sometimes interpreted by theologians as a symbolic description of Lucifer, drawing parallels between his prideful fall and that of Tyre’s rulers.

Conclusion

Tyre’s story is a rich tapestry of cooperation and conflict with God’s people, prophetic warnings, and historical drama. Its prominence in both trade and biblical prophecy makes it one of the most important non-Israelite cities in the Bible, representing the heights of human achievement and the depths of spiritual downfall.