King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 25:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 25:16 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Che... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 25:16 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God would 'cut off the Cherethims' (likely Cretans, possibly Philistines' origin per Amos 9:7) and 'destroy the remnant of the sea coast.' The Philistines would cease to exist as a distinct people. Their name would survive ironically—'Palestine' derives from 'Philistia'—but no ethnic Philistines remain. This demonstrates that those who persistently oppose God's purposes face oblivion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines, likely originating from the Aegean region (Crete/Cyprus), settled Palestine's coastal plain circa 1200 BC. After Babylonian conquest, they never recovered distinct identity, being absorbed by surrounding peoples under Persian and Hellenistic rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the disappearance of Israel's ancient enemies validate biblical authority?
  2. What does the survival of God's people despite persistent opposition teach about His faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֤ה2 of 18
H3541

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

אָמַר֙3 of 18

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 18

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה5 of 18

GOD

H3069

god

הִנְנִ֨י6 of 18
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

נוֹטֶ֤ה7 of 18

Behold I will stretch out

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יָדִי֙8 of 18

mine 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

עַל9 of 18
H5921

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים10 of 18

upon the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וְהִכְרַתִּ֖י11 of 18

and I will cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כְּרֵתִ֑ים13 of 18

the Cherethims

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

וְהַ֣אֲבַדְתִּ֔י14 of 18

and destroy

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֶת15 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁאֵרִ֖ית16 of 18

the remnant

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

ח֥וֹף17 of 18

coast

H2348

a cove (as a sheltered bay)

הַיָּֽם׃18 of 18

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif


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 25:16 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 25:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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