King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 25:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 25:15 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; for the: or, with perpetual hatred”

Ezekiel 25:15 · KJV

Context

13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword. they: or, they shall fall by the sword unto Dedan

14

And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

15

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; for the: or, with perpetual hatred

16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. sea coast: or, haven of the sea

17

And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. great vengeance: Heb. great vengeances

Read Ezekiel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Philistia's sin involved 'vengeance with a despiteful heart' to 'destroy for the old hatred.' Their malice wasn't circumstantial but rooted in ancient, persistent hostility. The phrase 'old hatred' reveals that unresolved bitterness compounds over generations. Their 'despite' (contempt) showed soul-deep malice, bringing proportionate judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philistine-Israelite conflict began with the conquest period (Judges-Samuel) and continued through the monarchy. Though subdued by David and Solomon, they repeatedly rebelled and allied with Israel's enemies. Their coastal cities (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath) constantly threatened Judah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'old hatreds' or persistent bitterness might you be harboring that needs to be addressed through forgiveness?
  2. How does unresolved conflict compound over time when not dealt with biblically?

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

“GOD”

H3069

god

יַ֛עַן5 of 15
H3282

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

עֲשׂ֥וֹת6 of 15

“have dealt”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים7 of 15

“Because the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בִּנְקָמָ֑ה8 of 15

“by revenge”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

וַיִּנָּקְמ֤וּ9 of 15

“and have taken”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

נָקָם֙10 of 15

“vengeance”

H5359

revenge

בִּשְׁאָ֣ט11 of 15

“with a despiteful”

H7589

contempt

בְּנֶ֔פֶשׁ12 of 15

“heart”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לְמַשְׁחִ֖ית13 of 15

“to destroy”

H4889

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

אֵיבַ֥ת14 of 15

“hatred”

H342

hostility

עוֹלָֽם׃15 of 15

“it for the old”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 25:15 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 25:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 25:6Isaiah 14:29-31Ezekiel 25:12Zechariah 9:5-82 Chronicles 28:18Jeremiah 25:20

Places in This Verse

PhilistiaRegion · Modern: Tel Ashkelon · 31.66°N, 34.55°E22 verses across 14 books
View all places in Ezekiel 25 →

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