King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:20 in the King James Version says “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 wi... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 17:20 · KJV


Context

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.

22

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare.' God as divine hunter, actively pursuing Zedekiah. 'Net' and 'snare' metaphors describe inescapable judgment (Ezekiel 12:13). No human strategy evades God's purposes. 'I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there'—both physical deportation and divine confrontation. 'Plead' (Hebrew shaphat): 'to judge'—prosecute, present evidence, pronounce sentence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled in 2 Kings 25:5-7, Jeremiah 52:8-11. Zedekiah captured in Jericho plains attempting to flee. Brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah (Syria), where his sons were executed before him, then blinded and taken to Babylon in chains. The Riblah confrontation fulfilled God's promise to 'plead with him' through Babylon's king.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that sins are ultimately 'against God' (Psalm 51:4) change repentance?
  2. What does God's active pursuit teach about both His justice and determination?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּפָרַשְׂתִּ֤י1 of 14

And I will spread

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

עָלָיו֙2 of 14
H5921

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

רִשְׁתִּ֔י3 of 14

my net

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

וְנִתְפַּ֖שׂ4 of 14

upon him and he shall be taken

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

בִּמְצֽוּדָתִ֑י5 of 14

in my snare

H4686

a fastness

וַהֲבִיאוֹתִ֣יהוּ6 of 14

and I will bring

H935

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

בָבֶ֗לָה7 of 14

him to Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

וְנִשְׁפַּטְתִּ֤י8 of 14

and will plead

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אִתּוֹ֙9 of 14
H854

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

שָׁ֔ם10 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מַעֲל֖וֹ11 of 14

with him there for his trespass

H4603

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 14
H834

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

מָֽעַל13 of 14

that he hath trespassed

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

בִּֽי׃14 of 14
H0

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 17:20 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 17:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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