King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 25:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 25:17 in the King James Version says “And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 25:17 · KJV

Context

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
God's 'great vengeance' and 'furious rebukes' express divine jealousy for His people and holiness. The covenant formula 'they shall know that I am the LORD' concludes this section, emphasizing that all judgments serve to reveal God's character. Even pagan nations that reject Him will ultimately acknowledge His sovereignty through fulfilled prophecy and executed judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These four nations (Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia) all disappeared from history as distinct peoples, while Israel survived exile and returned. This stark contrast validates God's covenant faithfulness and demonstrates that election by grace results in preservation despite judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of His people through history despite persistent opposition strengthen your faith?
  2. What does it mean that all creation will ultimately acknowledge Christ's lordship (Philippians 2:9-11)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְעָשִׂ֤יתִי1 of 14

“And I will execute”

H6213

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

בָם֙2 of 14
H0
נִקְמָתִ֖י3 of 14

“my vengeance”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

גְּדֹל֔וֹת4 of 14

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

בְּתוֹכְח֖וֹת5 of 14

“rebukes”

H8433

chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)

חֵמָ֑ה6 of 14

“upon them with furious”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

וְיָֽדְעוּ֙7 of 14

“and they shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י9 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 14

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּתִתִּ֥י11 of 14

“when I shall lay”

H5414

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

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

נִקְמָתִ֖י13 of 14

“my vengeance”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

בָּֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 25:17 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 25:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 25:11Ezekiel 25:14Ezekiel 5:15Psalms 9:16Ezekiel 25:5Ezekiel 6:7

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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