King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:40 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:40 in the King James Version says “They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.”

Ezekiel 16:40 · KJV

Context

38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. as: Heb. with judgments of

39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare. thy fair: Heb. instruments of thine ornament

40

They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

41

And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

42

So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords. The "company" (qahal, קָהָל) refers to a gathered assembly or army—the Babylonian coalition. "Stone thee with stones" invokes Levitical punishment for adultery (Deuteronomy 22:23-24) and idolatry (Leviticus 20:2-5)—Jerusalem would experience covenant curses she despised. Stoning was communal execution, requiring witness participation, symbolizing corporate rejection of covenant-breakers.

"Thrust thee through with their swords" (batheq bechereb, בִּתְּקוּ בְחַרְבוֹתָם) describes violent military conquest. The dual imagery—judicial stoning and military slaughter—combines legal execution with historical warfare. God's judgments employ both juridical and historical means: He is both Judge pronouncing sentence and Lord of history executing it through geopolitical events.

This verse demonstrates that international warfare is not random but operates under divine providence. Habakkuk struggled with God using wicked Babylon to judge Judah (Habakkuk 1:12-17), yet God affirmed His sovereignty over nations as instruments of discipline (Isaiah 10:5-19, Jeremiah 25:8-14, 27:5-8). The NT extends this principle: governing authorities are God's servants bearing the sword for executing wrath (Romans 13:1-4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC) fulfilled this prophecy precisely. Nebuchadnezzar's army constructed siege works, battered walls with rams, and eventually breached the city (2 Kings 25:1-4). Jeremiah witnessed the assault, describing famine, fire, and sword (Jeremiah 14:12, 21:7). Lamentations depicts stones of the sanctuary scattered in streets (Lamentations 4:1).

Archaeological excavations at Jerusalem reveal arrowheads, ash layers, and destroyed structures dating to 586 BC, confirming violent conquest. The Lachish Letters (contemporary Hebrew ostraca) document military communications during Babylon's Judean campaign. Excavations at Lachish show massive destruction by fire and siege. The historical record validates prophetic prediction—divine word and historical event converged in judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's sovereignty over international conflicts affect your response to geopolitical upheaval?
  2. In what ways might God use difficult circumstances or opposition as discipline to purge idolatry from your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהֶעֱל֤וּ1 of 8

“They shall also bring up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 8
H5921

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

קָהָ֔ל3 of 8

“a company”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

וְרָגְמ֥וּ4 of 8

“against thee and they shall stone”

H7275

to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate

אוֹתָ֖ךְ5 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּאָ֑בֶן6 of 8

“thee with stones”

H68

a stone

וּבִתְּק֖וּךְ7 of 8

“and thrust thee through”

H1333

to cut in pieces

בְּחַרְבוֹתָֽם׃8 of 8

“with their swords”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 16:40 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 Ezekiel 16:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:47Habakkuk 1:6-10John 8:5-7Ezekiel 24:21Ezekiel 23:10Jeremiah 25:9

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 16 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes