King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:13 in the King James Version says “And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the m...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: taken an: Heb. brought him to an oath”

Ezekiel 17:13 · KJV

Context

11

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: taken an: Heb. brought him to an oath

14

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand. but: Heb. to keep his covenant, to stand to it

15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Read Ezekiel 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar 'took of the king's seed' (Zedekiah), 'made a covenant' (vassal treaty), and 'hath taken an oath.' The Hebrew berith ('covenant') indicates formal, binding agreement. Ancient treaties were sworn before deities, making later rebellion oath-breaking before God. Deporting leaders decapitated Judah's rebellion capacity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vassal treaties followed standard formats: historical prologue, stipulations, divine witnesses, curses. The Babylonian-Zedekiah treaty invoked both Babylonian deities and Yahweh. Archaeological discoveries show typical clauses forbidding third-party alliances—exactly what Zedekiah violated by seeking Egyptian help.

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do we take oaths and commitments made before God?
  2. What does Zedekiah's oath-breaking teach about word-keeping and spiritual integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָקָֽח׃1 of 13

“And hath taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִזֶּ֣רַע2 of 13

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה3 of 13

“of the king's”

H4410

something ruled, i.e., a realm

וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת4 of 13

“and made”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אִתּ֖וֹ5 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּרִ֑ית6 of 13

“a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וַיָּבֵ֤א7 of 13

“with him and hath taken”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֹתוֹ֙8 of 13
H853

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

בְּאָלָ֔ה9 of 13

“an oath”

H423

an imprecation

וְאֶת10 of 13
H853

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

אֵילֵ֥י11 of 13

“the mighty”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

הָאָ֖רֶץ12 of 13

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לָקָֽח׃13 of 13

“And hath taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:132 Kings 24:15-17Ezekiel 17:5Jeremiah 5:2Jeremiah 37:1Jeremiah 29:2

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