King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:27 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:27 in the King James Version says “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it hi...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 21:27 · KJV

Context

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:

29

Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of them that are slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity shall have an end.

Read Ezekiel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." The triple "overturn" (avvah avvah avvah, עַוָּה עַוָּה עַוָּה) emphasizes complete upheaval. The throne will remain overturned "until he come whose right it is" (ad-bo asher-lo ha-mishpat, עַד־בֹּא אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ הַמִּשְׁפָּט)—clearly messianic, echoing Genesis 49:10 ("until Shiloh come"). This promises restoration through rightful heir—Jesus Christ, to whom God gives eternal throne (Luke 1:32-33).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Davidic throne was overturned through Babylonian exile (586 BC), Persian rule, Greek domination, and Roman occupation—centuries of foreign control. Yet God promised restoration through legitimate heir. Jesus' birth into David's line (Matthew 1:1; Luke 2:4) and resurrection to eternal throne fulfilled this prophecy. The 'threefold overturn' representing complete reversal finds resolution in Christ's kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the triple overturn emphasize the completeness of judgment?
  2. What does 'until he come whose right it is' teach about messianic fulfillment?
  3. In what ways does Christ's eternal throne surpass the temporal Davidic monarchy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
עַוָּ֣ה1 of 14

“I will overturn”

H5754

overthrow

עַוָּ֣ה2 of 14

“I will overturn”

H5754

overthrow

עַוָּ֣ה3 of 14

“I will overturn”

H5754

overthrow

אֲשִׂימֶ֑נָּה4 of 14

“it and it shall be”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

גַּם5 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֹאת֙6 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לֹ֣א7 of 14
H3808

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

הָיָ֔ה8 of 14
H1961

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

עַד9 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּ֛א10 of 14

“no more until he come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲשֶׁר11 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֥וֹ12 of 14
H0
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט13 of 14

“whose right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּנְתַתִּֽיו׃14 of 14

“it is and I will give”

H5414

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

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 21:27 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 21:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 5:2Jeremiah 23:5-6Zechariah 9:9Luke 1:32Psalms 2:6Matthew 28:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 21 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes