King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 25:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 25:6 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart wit... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; hands: Heb. hand feet: Heb. foot heart: Heb. soul

Ezekiel 25:6 · KJV


Context

4

Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk. men: Heb. children

5

And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

6

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; hands: Heb. hand feet: Heb. foot heart: Heb. soul

7

Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. a spoil: or, meat

8

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Clapping hands and stamping feet express malicious joy and contempt (Lamentations 2:15). Ammon's 'despite' (contempt) showed 'soul-deep' hatred toward Israel. The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul) indicates their whole being rejoiced in Israel's calamity. Such comprehensive hostility toward God's people brings comprehensive judgment, revealing God's protective jealousy for His own.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ammon's historical enmity included hiring Balaam to curse Israel (Deuteronomy 23:4), denying Israel passage during the Exodus period, and allying with enemies throughout the judges and monarchy periods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should you respond when you perceive hostility toward God's people or the church?
  2. What does God's jealousy for His people teach about His commitment to those He loves?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

כֹ֤ה2 of 17
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 17

For thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 17

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה5 of 17

GOD

H3069

god

יַ֚עַן6 of 17
H3282

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

מַחְאֲךָ֣7 of 17

Because thou hast clapped

H4222

to rub or strike the hands together (in exultation)

יָ֔ד8 of 17

thine hands

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

וְרַקְעֲךָ֖9 of 17

and stamped

H7554

to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)

בְּרָ֑גֶל10 of 17

with the feet

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וַתִּשְׂמַ֤ח11 of 17

and rejoiced

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּכָל12 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שָֽׁאטְךָ֙13 of 17

with all thy despite

H7589

contempt

בְּנֶ֔פֶשׁ14 of 17

in 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

אֶל15 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַדְמַ֖ת16 of 17

against the land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 25:6 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 25:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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