King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 21:31 Mean?

Ezekiel 21:31 in the King James Version says “And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy. brutish: or, burning”

Ezekiel 21:31 · KJV

Context

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

31

And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy. brutish: or, burning

32

Thou shalt be for fuel to the fire; thy blood shall be in the midst of the land; thou shalt be no more remembered: for I the LORD have spoken it.

Read Ezekiel 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will pour out mine indignation upon thee—The Hebrew זַעְמִי (zaʿmî, 'indignation/wrath') describes God's burning anger at persistent covenant violation. The 'pouring out' (שָׁפַךְ, shāphak) metaphor suggests overwhelming, inescapable judgment like a flood.

I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath—God Himself becomes the bellows (פּוּחַ, pûaḥ, 'to blow/breathe'), intensifying judgment like a blacksmith fans flames. And deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy—The Babylonians are described as בֹּעֲרִים (bōʿărîm, 'brutish/burning'), and חָרָשֵׁי מַשְׁחִית (ḥārāshê mashḥît, 'artisans of destruction'). This chilling phrase depicts professional destroyers—soldiers whose craft was devastation. God uses ungodly nations as instruments of His righteous judgment (Isaiah 10:5-6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army was infamous for systematic, professional destruction. Archaeological excavations show Babylonian siege techniques were brutally efficient, including starvation tactics, systematic burning, and complete demolition of city walls and gates.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can God righteously use 'brutish men' as instruments of His judgment?
  2. What does God's 'blowing on' judgment fires teach about His active involvement?
  3. When have you seen God use difficult circumstances as refining fire in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְשָׁפַכְתִּ֤י1 of 13

“And I will pour out”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

עָלַ֙יִךְ֙2 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זַעְמִ֔י3 of 13

“mine indignation”

H2195

strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)

בְּאֵ֥שׁ4 of 13

“against thee in the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

עֶבְרָתִ֖י5 of 13

“of my wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

אָפִ֣יחַ6 of 13

“upon thee I will blow”

H6315

to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff

עָלָ֑יִךְ7 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּנְתַתִּ֗יךְ8 of 13

“and deliver”

H5414

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

בְּיַד֙9 of 13

“thee into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲנָשִׁ֣ים10 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בֹּֽעֲרִ֔ים11 of 13

“of brutish”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

חָרָשֵׁ֖י12 of 13

“and skilful”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

מַשְׁחִֽית׃13 of 13

“to destroy”

H4889

destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)

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 21:31 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 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:22-23Jeremiah 4:7Ezekiel 14:19Psalms 18:15Nahum 1:6Haggai 1:9

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