King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:23 in the King James Version says “And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remem...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken. to them: or, for the oaths made unto them”

Ezekiel 21:23 · KJV

Context

21

For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver. parting of: Heb. mother of arrows: or, knives images: Heb. teraphim

22

At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build a fort. captains: or, battering rams: Heb. rams

23

And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken. to them: or, for the oaths made unto them

24

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand.

25

And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It shall be unto them as a false divination (וְהָיָה לָהֶם כְּקֶסֶם־שָׁוְא, v'hayah lahem k'qesem-shav)—Jerusalem's inhabitants will dismiss the oracle as שָׁוְא (shav, false, empty, worthless). They had sworn oaths of loyalty to Babylon (2 Kings 24:17), then broke them by allying with Egypt, trusting in false security.

To them that have sworn oaths (לִשְׁבֻעֵי שְׁבֻעוֹת לָהֶם, lishvu'ei shevu'ot lahem)—Zedekiah's treaty-breaking (Ezekiel 17:13-19). But he will call to remembrance the iniquity (וְהוּא מַזְכִּיר עָוֹן, v'hu mazkir avon)—God causes Nebuchadnezzar to 'remember' Judah's rebellion, providing justification for the siege. The word עָוֹן (avon, iniquity) indicates twisted, crooked guilt. Self-deception blinds those under judgment—they cannot believe God's clear warnings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah, Judah's last king, rebelled against Babylon around 589 BC despite Jeremiah's warnings (Jeremiah 27-28). False prophets assured him of deliverance. The 'sworn oaths' refer to vassal treaties sealed before gods—breaking them invited divine vengeance according to ancient Near Eastern treaty curses.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does self-deception prevent people from recognizing true prophetic warnings versus false prophecies?
  2. In what ways do we dismiss God's clear word because it conflicts with our plans or alliances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 12
H1961

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

לָהֶ֤ם2 of 12
H0
כִּקְסָום3 of 12

“divination”

H7080

properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine

שָׁוְא֙4 of 12

“And it shall be unto them as a false”

H7723

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

בְּעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 12

“in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

שְׁבֻעֵ֥י6 of 12

“to them that have sworn”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

שְׁבֻע֖וֹת7 of 12

“oaths”

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

לָהֶ֑ם8 of 12
H0
וְהֽוּא9 of 12
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

מַזְכִּ֥יר10 of 12

“but he will call to remembrance”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

עָוֹ֖ן11 of 12

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

לְהִתָּפֵֽשׂ׃12 of 12

“that they may be taken”

H8610

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

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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 5:15Ezekiel 29:16Ezekiel 21:24Jeremiah 52:3-11Revelation 16:192 Kings 24:20-25:7

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezekiel 21 →

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