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Tyre

Locations
Modern Location Tyre, Lebanon
Coordinates 33.2704, 35.2039

Geographical Setting

Tyre was an ancient Phoenician metropolis located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, comprising both a mainland settlement and a fortified island citadel.

What is the meaning of Tyre in the Bible?

Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Levantine coast, characterized by a dual structure of a mainland district and a heavily fortified island harbor. It was renowned for its strategic defensive position, extensive maritime trade networks, and the production of high-value goods such as purple dye and cedar timber.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Tyre's geopolitical power and wealth provides essential context for biblical narratives involving King Hiram's alliance with Solomon for the construction of the Temple, as well as the prophetic judgments against the city for its pride and exploitation of other nations.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Tyre (located near modern Tyre, Lebanon) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Tyre in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Tyre clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Tyre." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tyre/
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