King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:26 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:26 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, a...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 21:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. I will overturn: Heb. Perverted, perverted, perverted, will I make it

28

And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites , and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

Read Ezekiel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." God commands removing royal insignia—"diadem" (mitznefet, מִצְנֶפֶת) and "crown" (atarah, עֲטָרָה)—symbolizing monarchy's end. "This shall not be the same" indicates fundamental change. "Exalt him that is low, abase him that is high" describes reversal—the mighty fall, the humble rise. This pattern appears throughout Scripture (1 Samuel 2:7-8; Luke 1:52) and anticipates Christ's teaching about first being last (Matthew 20:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zedekiah's capture and blinding represented the crown's removal. The Davidic throne sat empty for centuries. Yet the reversal promise had multiple fulfillments: lowly exiles eventually returned; Gentiles (considered low) were raised to covenant membership; ultimately, the lowly carpenter from Nazareth was exalted above every name (Philippians 2:6-11). God's reversals demonstrate that human hierarchies don't determine divine choices—He elevates whom He wills.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does removing the crown illustrate God's sovereignty over human authority structures?
  2. What does divine reversal (exalting low, abasing high) teach about kingdom values?
  3. In what ways does Jesus embody the ultimate reversal of human expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 15
H3541

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

אָמַר֙2 of 15

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 15

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה4 of 15
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הָסִיר֙5 of 15

“Remove”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּצְנֶ֔פֶת6 of 15

“the diadem”

H4701

a tiara, i.e., official turban (of a king or high priest)

וְהָרִ֖ים7 of 15

“and take off”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

הָֽעֲטָרָ֑ה8 of 15

“the crown”

H5850

a crown

זֹ֔את9 of 15

“this shall not be the same”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹא10 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זֹ֔את11 of 15

“this shall not be the same”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַשָּׁפָ֣לָה12 of 15

“him that is low”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

הַגְבֵּ֔הַּ13 of 15

“exalt”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

וְהַגָּבֹ֖הַ14 of 15

“and abase”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

הַשְׁפִּֽיל׃15 of 15

“him that is high”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

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 21:26 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 21:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 17:24Psalms 75:7Jeremiah 52:31-34Jeremiah 13:18Jeremiah 52:9-11Ezekiel 16:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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