King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:13 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Ezekiel 21:13 · King James Version

Context

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?

14

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers. hands: Heb. hand to hand

15

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter. point: or, glittering, or, fear wrapped up: or, sharpened

Read Ezekiel 21 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
"Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD." Judgment serves as divine trial or testing (bochan, בֹּחַן). The rhetorical question asks what happens when the sword (Babylon) despises the rod (Judah's scepter)—answer: the scepter ends ("it shall be no more"). This predicts Davidic monarchy's cessation through Babylonian conquest, fulfilled when Zedekiah's sons were executed and he was exiled (2 Kings 25:7). Yet God promised David's line would endure (2 Samuel 7:16), fulfilled ultimately in Christ, the eternal King.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah was the last Davidic king in the pre-exilic period. His removal ended the monarchy for centuries. The 'scepter being no more' seemed to contradict God's promises to David, creating theological crisis resolved through messianic hope. Post-exilic Judaism developed expectation of coming Davidic king who would restore the throne. Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1; Luke 3) and messianic claims fulfilled this hope—the scepter that ended in 586 BC was restored eternally in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the rod/scepter's ending create tension with divine promises to David?
  2. What does this apparent contradiction teach about waiting for messianic fulfillment?
  3. In what ways does Christ's eternal kingship fulfill and surpass Davidic monarchy?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֣י1 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֹ֔חַן2 of 12

“Because it is a trial”

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

וּמָ֕ה3 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אִם4 of 12
H518

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

גַּם5 of 12
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שֵׁ֥בֶט6 of 12

“even the rod”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

מֹאֶ֖סֶת7 of 12

“and what if the sword contemn”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

לֹ֣א8 of 12
H3808

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

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה9 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נְאֻ֖ם10 of 12

“it shall be no more saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י11 of 12

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃12 of 12

“GOD”

H3069

god

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 21:13 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 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:25Ezekiel 21:102 Corinthians 8:2Job 9:23

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