King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:24 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 21:24 · KJV

Context

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,

26

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.

Read Ezekiel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered (יַעַן הַזְכַּרְכֶם עֲוֹנְכֶם, ya'an hazkarkhem avonkhem)—the verb זָכַר (zakar, to remember) appears three times in verses 23-24, creating emphasis. Israel's sins became so public and flagrant that they forced God's hand. Your transgressions are discovered (בְּהִגָּלוֹת פִּשְׁעֵיכֶם, b'higalot pish'eikhem)—the root גָּלָה (galah) means to uncover, reveal, go into exile—a prophetic wordplay on coming deportation.

In all your doings your sins do appear (בְּכֹל עֲלִילֽוֹתֵיכֶם חַטֹּאותֵיכֶם נִרְאוֹת, b'khol aliloteikhem khato'teikhem nir'ot)—total corruption visible in every action. Ye shall be taken with the hand uses imagery of capture and imprisonment. When sin becomes systemic and shameless, judgment becomes inevitable and public. This principle operates both nationally and individually (Numbers 32:23).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By 586 BC, Judah's rebellion against Babylon was complete. The broken treaty, Egyptian alliance, temple idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of prophets had accumulated into corporate guilt demanding public judgment. The 'remembering' of iniquity meant God would no longer forbear.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean when our sin becomes so public that it 'forces' God to act in judgment?
  2. How can believers guard against the gradual accumulation of tolerated sin that eventually demands divine discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮3 of 18

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 18

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִה֒5 of 18

“GOD”

H3069

god

יַ֗עַן6 of 18
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

הִזָּ֣כֶרְכֶ֔ם7 of 18

“because I say that ye are come to remembrance”

H2142

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

עֲוֹ֣נְכֶ֔ם8 of 18

“Because ye have made your iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

בְּהִגָּל֣וֹת9 of 18

“are discovered”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

פִּשְׁעֵיכֶ֗ם10 of 18

“in that your transgressions”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

לְהֵֽרָאוֹת֙11 of 18

“do appear”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חַטֹּ֣אותֵיכֶ֔ם12 of 18

“your sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

בְּכֹ֖ל13 of 18
H3605

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

עֲלִילֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם14 of 18

“so that in all your doings”

H5949

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

יַ֚עַן15 of 18
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

הִזָּ֣כֶרְכֶ֔ם16 of 18

“because I say that ye are come to remembrance”

H2142

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

בַּכַּ֖ף17 of 18

“with the hand”

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-

תִּתָּפֵֽשׂוּ׃18 of 18

“ye shall 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 21:24 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 21:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 4:2Jeremiah 6:15Jeremiah 15:2Jeremiah 8:12Amos 9:1-3Jeremiah 5:27-28

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Ezekiel 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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