King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:15 in the King James Version says “I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 21:15 · KJV


Context

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

17

I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The sword threatens 'all their gates'—comprehensive siege, no escape route. The purpose: hearts fainting, ruins multiplying. 'It is made bright...wrapped up for the slaughter' repeats the sharpened, prepared imagery. The 'ah!' (Hebrew 'ach) is an exclamation of distress. The prophet grieves even while proclaiming inevitable judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's gates were defensive strongpoints. When Babylon breached them (2 Kings 25:4, Jeremiah 52:7), the city's fall was certain. The imagery of sword at every gate depicts the siege's totality. Archaeological evidence shows destruction layers at Jerusalem dating to 586 BC, confirming the ruins' multiplication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we hold together the necessity of proclaiming judgment with appropriate grief over it?
  2. What does the image of no escape route teach about the futility of resisting God's judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לְמַ֣עַן׀1 of 16
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

לָמ֣וּג2 of 16

may faint

H4127

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

לֵ֗ב3 of 16

that their heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְהַרְבֵּה֙4 of 16

be multiplied

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים5 of 16

and their ruins

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

עַ֚ל6 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל7 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם8 of 16

against all their gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

נָתַ֖תִּי9 of 16

I have set

H5414

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

אִבְחַת10 of 16

the point

H19

brandishing of a sword

חָ֑רֶב11 of 16

of the sword

H2719

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

אָ֛ח12 of 16

ah

H253

oh! (expressive of grief or surprise)

עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה13 of 16

it is made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְבָרָ֖ק14 of 16

bright

H1300

lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword

מְעֻטָּ֥ה15 of 16

it is wrapped up

H4593

thinned (as to the edge), i.e., sharp

לְטָֽבַח׃16 of 16

for the slaughter

H2874

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)


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 21:15 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 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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