King James Version

What Does Exodus 17:16 Mean?

Exodus 17:16 in the King James Version says “For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Because:...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Because: or, Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne of the LORD, therefore, etc the LORD hath: Heb. the hand upon the throne of the LORD”

Exodus 17:16 · KJV

Context

14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Jehovahnissi: that is, The LORD my banner

16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Because: or, Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne of the LORD, therefore, etc the LORD hath: Heb. the hand upon the throne of the LORD

Read Exodus 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation—The phrase 'the LORD hath sworn' (כִּי־יָד עַל־כֵּס יָהּ, literally 'for a hand upon the throne of Yah') indicates divine oath tied to God's throne. Amalek's attack on God's people constitutes attack on God's sovereignty. The declaration of perpetual war 'from generation to generation' (מִדֹּר דֹּר, midor dor) means no peace treaty with flesh is possible—believers war against sin until death. Amalek's utter destruction in Deuteronomy 25:19 and Esther's Haman (Agagite, Amalekite descendant) show this conflict's persistence. Paul echoes this: 'For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit...these are contrary the one to the other' (Gal 5:17). Victory over flesh requires Christ's finished work, not negotiated truce.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's sworn enmity against Amalek extended through Israel's history. Saul's failure to destroy them completely (1 Samuel 15) had consequences that reached to Haman's attempted genocide in Esther.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is God's war against Amalek 'from generation to generation' rather than one decisive battle?
  2. How does perpetual war against Amalek picture the believer's lifelong mortification of sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 11

“For he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּֽי2 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָד֙3 of 11

“hath sworn”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֣ס5 of 11
H3676

to swear

יָ֔הּ6 of 11

“Because the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

מִלְחָמָ֥ה7 of 11

“will have war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה8 of 11

“that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּֽעֲמָלֵ֑ק9 of 11

“with Amalek”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

דֹּֽר׃10 of 11

“from generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

דֹּֽר׃11 of 11

“from generation”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 17:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 21:8-11Isaiah 66:1Acts 7:49

Places in This Verse

AmalekRegion · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E28 verses across 8 books
View all places in Exodus 17 →

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