King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:19 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:19 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broke... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

Ezekiel 17:19 · KJV


Context

17

Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

18

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.

19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

20

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He hath despised mine oath, and hath broken my covenant.' What appeared merely political was actually oath to God. When Zedekiah swore before Yahweh as witness, he bound himself to God, not just Nebuchadnezzar. 'I will even bring it upon his head'—covenant curse language. God takes personal responsibility: 'I will...' His reputation is at stake.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient treaties invoked deities as witnesses and enforcers. The Babylon-Judah treaty explicitly named Yahweh. Breaking this oath defied God Himself. This explains judgment's intensity—not merely political but covenant curses. Deuteronomic covenant (Deuteronomy 28-30) specified curses for disobedience: conquest, exile, royal humiliation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that commitments before others are ultimately to God change our view?
  2. What areas have we compartmentalized as 'secular' when God views them as sacred?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לָכֵ֞ן1 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּה2 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֨ר3 of 17

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 17

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֮5 of 17

GOD

H3069

god

חַי6 of 17

As I live

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אָנִי֒7 of 17
H589

i

אִם8 of 17
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֗א9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָֽלָתִי֙10 of 17

surely mine oath

H423

an imprecation

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּזָ֔ה12 of 17

that he hath despised

H959

to disesteem

וּבְרִיתִ֖י13 of 17

and my covenant

H1285

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵפִ֑יר15 of 17

that he hath broken

H6331

to crush

וּנְתַתִּ֖יו16 of 17

even it will I recompense

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ׃17 of 17

upon his own head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)


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 17:19 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 17:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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