King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 19:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 19:7 in the King James Version says “And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring. their desolate: or, their widows the fulness: or, all it containeth”

Ezekiel 19:7 · KJV

Context

5

Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.

6

And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.

7

And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring. their desolate: or, their widows the fulness: or, all it containeth

8

Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.

9

And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel. in chains: or, in hooks

Read Ezekiel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.' The young lion's predation causes comprehensive destruction—palaces, cities, land itself desolate. 'The noise of his roaring' suggests both terrifying power and empty boasting. The result: complete devastation. Oppressive leadership destroys the nation it should protect.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoiachin's brief reign saw continued rebellion against Babylon, contributing to the catastrophic siege. Though he personally didn't reign long enough for extensive destruction, his family's policies (particularly his father Jehoiakim's rebellion) led to Jerusalem's devastation. The imagery captures cumulative royal failure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do leaders' choices affect entire populations beyond themselves?
  2. What responsibility do we bear for consequences our actions have on others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֵּ֙דַע֙1 of 9

“And he knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אַלְמְנוֹתָ֔יו2 of 9

“their desolate palaces”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

וְעָרֵיהֶ֖ם3 of 9

“their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הֶחֱרִ֑יב4 of 9

“and he laid waste”

H2717

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

וַתֵּ֤שַׁם5 of 9

“was desolate”

H3456

to lie waste

אֶ֙רֶץ֙6 of 9

“and the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ7 of 9

“and the fulness”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

מִקּ֖וֹל8 of 9

“thereof by the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

שַׁאֲגָתֽוֹ׃9 of 9

“of his roaring”

H7581

a rumbling or moan

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 19:7 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 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 30:12Micah 1:2Amos 6:8Proverbs 28:15-16Proverbs 19:12Ezekiel 22:25

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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