King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:11 in the King James Version says “And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled : this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled : this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.

Ezekiel 21:11 · KJV


Context

9

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

10

It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree. it contemneth: or, it is the rod of my son, it despiseth every tree

11

And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled : this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.

12

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh. terrors: or, they are thrust down to the sword with my people

13

Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD. Because: or, When the trial hath been, what then? shall they not also belong to the despising rod?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished.' The sword represents Babylon's military power executing God's judgment. 'Sharpened' (chad) and 'furbished' (marat—polished, brightened) indicate preparation for battle. The repetition ('a sword, a sword') creates urgency and inevitability. God's judgment sword is ready, honed, prepared for slaughter. The imagery is violent and unsettling—appropriate for the violence of war and divine judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian swords and weapons were technologically advanced for their time. The image of a sharpened, polished sword ready for battle would evoke fear in ancient hearers who understood warfare's brutal reality. Nebuchadnezzar's armies were indeed a fearsome, well-prepared military machine.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should violent biblical imagery of judgment shape our view of sin's seriousness?
  2. What does God's preparation of judgment teach about His sovereignty and justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לָתֵ֥ת1 of 14

And he hath given

H5414

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

אֹתָ֛הּ2 of 14
H853

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

מֹרָ֔טָּה3 of 14

it to be furbished

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

לִתְפֹּ֣שׂ4 of 14
H8610

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

בַּכָּ֑ף5 of 14

that it may be handled

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

הִֽיא6 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הוּחַ֤דָּה7 of 14

is sharpened

H2300

to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe

חֶ֙רֶב֙8 of 14

this sword

H2719

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

וְהִ֣יא9 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֹרָ֔טָּה10 of 14

it to be furbished

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

לָתֵ֥ת11 of 14

And he hath given

H5414

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

אוֹתָ֖הּ12 of 14
H853

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

בְּיַד13 of 14

it into the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הוֹרֵֽג׃14 of 14

of the slayer

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 21:11 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 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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