King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:14 in the King James Version says “Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the s... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 21:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Ezekiel must clap hands while prophesying—symbolic of judgment falling. 'Let the sword be doubled the third time' suggests repeated, intensifying attacks (Nebuchadnezzar's three campaigns: 605, 597, 586 BC). 'The sword of the great men' indicates no one escapes—even leaders in 'privy chambers' (inner, supposedly safe rooms) will fall.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's three invasions of Judah progressively intensified: first taking hostages (Daniel and others, 605 BC), then the king and leadership (Jehoiachin, 597 BC), finally destroying the city completely (586 BC). Each wave grew more devastating, fulfilling the 'doubled the third time' imagery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does escalating judgment demonstrate both God's patience (giving opportunities to repent) and His justice (eventual complete judgment)?
  2. What does the inability of 'great men' to escape teach about equality before God's judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 19

Thou therefore son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֔ם3 of 19

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הִנָּבֵ֕א4 of 19

prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וְהַ֖ךְ5 of 19

and smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כָּ֑ף6 of 19

thine hands

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-

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּ֑ף8 of 19

thine hands

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-

וְתִכָּפֵ֞ל9 of 19

be doubled

H3717

to fold together; figuratively, to repeat

חֶ֚רֶב10 of 19

and let the sword

H2719

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

שְׁלִישִׁ֙תָה֙11 of 19

the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

חֶ֚רֶב12 of 19

and let the sword

H2719

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

חָלָ֣ל13 of 19

men that are slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

הִ֗יא14 of 19
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

חֶ֚רֶב15 of 19

and let the sword

H2719

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

חָלָ֣ל16 of 19

men that are slain

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

הַגָּד֔וֹל17 of 19

of the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַחֹדֶ֖רֶת18 of 19

which entereth into their privy chambers

H2314

properly, to inclose (as a room), i.e., (by analogy,) to beset (as in a siege)

לָהֶֽם׃19 of 19
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 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.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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