King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:14 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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?

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

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

Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set. or on: Heb. set thyself, take the left hand

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Smite thine hands together.**—A gesture of strong emotion (see Ezekiel 21:17, Ezekiel 22:13, and comp. Note on Ezekiel 6:11; Numbers 24:10). **Let the sword be doubled the third time.**—The exact translation is here also obscure and difficult, but the meaning is plain that the activity of the sword is to be intensified to the utmost. **The sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain.**—Literally, *the sword of the overthrown *(plural), *it is the sword of the overthrown *(sing.), *of the great one. *The word translated *slain *does not necessarily mean actually killed, but is used in a moral as well as physical sense; and in Ezekiel 20:16; Ezekiel 20:21; Ezekiel 20:24, as often, the verb from which this adjective is formed is translated *polluted. *The sword is called “the sword of the overthrown” because it is the means of their overthrow, and “the sword of the great one overthrown,” with especial reference to the king. **Which entereth into their privy chambers.**—Rather, *which begirts them round about, *so that none can escape.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 21:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.