King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:28 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:28 in the King James Version says “And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites , and concerning their reproach... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Ezekiel 21:28 · KJV


Context

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.

30

Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity. Shall: or, Cause it to return


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished—This oracle shifts from Babylon (21:1-27) to Ammon, who gloated over Judah's fall. The Hebrew חֶרֶב (ḥerev, 'sword') is repeated for emphasis, with מְרֻטָּה (mĕruṭṭāh, 'drawn/unsheathed') and מְרוּטָה (mĕrûṭāh, 'polished/furbished') showing the weapon's readiness.

Concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach (חֶרְפָּתָם, ḥerpātām)—Ammon mocked Jerusalem's destruction (25:3, 6), but God's sword would not return to its sheath until Ammon too was judged. The 'glittering' (בָּרָק, bārāq, 'lightning/flash') describes the polished blade's terrifying appearance. Five years after Jerusalem fell (587 BC), Nebuchadnezzar conquered Ammon (582 BC), fulfilling this prophecy exactly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Ammonites (descendants of Lot through incest, Genesis 19:38) occupied territory east of the Jordan River. They perpetually opposed Israel and rejoiced at Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC. Ezekiel prophesied their destruction circa 587 BC, shortly after his visions of Jerusalem's judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does rejoicing over others' judgment invite judgment upon ourselves?
  2. What does God's extended 'sword' metaphor teach about His impartial justice?
  3. How should believers respond when witnessing divine judgment on the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּנֵ֥י2 of 23

And thou son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם3 of 23

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הִנָּבֵ֤א4 of 23

prophesy

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

וְאָמַרְתָּ֗5 of 23

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֤ה6 of 23
H3541

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

וְאָמַרְתָּ֗7 of 23

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י8 of 23

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִֹ֔ה9 of 23

GOD

H3069

god

אֶל10 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 23

And thou son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֖וֹן12 of 23
H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

וְאֶל13 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֶרְפָּתָ֑ם14 of 23

and concerning their reproach

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

וְאָמַרְתָּ֗15 of 23

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֶ֤רֶב16 of 23

the sword

H2719

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

חֶ֤רֶב17 of 23

the sword

H2719

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

פְּתוּחָה֙18 of 23

is drawn

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לְטֶ֣בַח19 of 23

for the slaughter

H2874

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

מְרוּטָ֔ה20 of 23

it is furbished

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

לְהָכִ֖יל21 of 23

to consume

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לְמַ֥עַן22 of 23
H4616

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

בָּרָֽק׃23 of 23

because of the glittering

H1300

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


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 21:28 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 21:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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