What is “Kalafati”? (Ezekiel 27:9)

Question: Who are the people called those who apply “Kalafati”?

Answer:
The term “Kalafati” appears only twice in Scripture—in Ezekiel 27:9 and Ezekiel 27:27. It refers to a “thin cotton rope” used by ancient shipbuilders to seal or caulk the seams between wooden planks, preventing water from leaking into the ship.

In other words, “Kalafati” describes skilled workers who made ships watertight by applying caulking material.

Ezekiel 27:9 —
“The elders of Gebal and their skilled workers were within you, applying Kalafati; all the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to trade for your merchandise.”

What does this mean in context?

If you read Ezekiel chapter 27, you find a prophecy against the city and king of Tyre. Tyre was a wealthy, powerful trading city famous for its sea commerce. The “Kalafati” here symbolize the skilled workers who maintained the ships, vital for Tyre’s trading power.

This passage illustrates human pride and reliance on worldly riches and power, especially in commerce and political strength, which is ultimately fragile and temporary.

God’s judgment comes on the proud king of Tyre because of his arrogance and sinful ways (see Ezekiel 28 for a direct address to the king). His ships, crewed by sailors, captains, and “caulkers”, will sink — representing the total collapse of his power.

Ezekiel 27:27—
“Your wealth, merchandise, sailors, captains, caulkers, merchants, and all your fighting men on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck.”

This shipwreck is symbolic of God’s judgment on human pride and false security apart from Him.

The Broader Picture: Fall of the World System

This prophecy also points forward to the final judgment of worldly powers and false religions in the end times, as described in the book of Revelation.

The fall of Babylon the Great in Revelation symbolizes the ultimate destruction of corrupt worldly systems opposed to God.

Revelation 18:2-3 —
“Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling for demons… For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”

Revelation 18:9-10 —
“When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn… ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’”

The lesson here is clear: any human power or wealth built on pride, sin, and rebellion against God will ultimately perish.

Salvation in Christ Alone

The Bible warns that all worldly glory and riches are temporary. The only true security is found in Jesus Christ, who saves us from judgment and gives eternal life.