King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 28:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 28:20 in the King James Version says “Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,”

Ezekiel 28:20 · KJV

Context

18

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

19

All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more . a terror: Heb. terrors

20

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

21

Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,

22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Read Ezekiel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it—After Tyre (chapters 26-28:19), God turns to צִידוֹן (Ṣîdôn, 'Sidon'), Tyre's sister city 25 miles north. Both were principal Phoenician cities; judgment on one extends to the other.

The command שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ (śîm pānekhā, 'set your face') signals hostile prophetic attention (6:2, 13:17, 21:2). Sidon shared Tyre's maritime commerce, idolatry (Baal/Astarte worship, 1 Kings 11:5, 33), and pride. While the oracle against Sidon is briefer than Tyre's (only vv. 20-23), the principle remains: God judges all who exalt themselves, oppress His people, and corrupt worship through commercial religion. Sidon's idolatry particularly infected Israel—Jezebel was a Sidonian princess (1 Kings 16:31)—making judgment appropriate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sidon (modern Saida, Lebanon) was one of Phoenicia's oldest cities, mentioned in Genesis 10:19. It rivaled Tyre commercially and religiously. Like Tyre, Sidon was besieged by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, then destroyed by Persia (345 BC when 40,000 citizens died), and later conquered by Alexander (333 BC). Unlike Tyre, Sidon survived in diminished form.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does judgment on Sidon demonstrate that no partner in sin escapes accountability?
  2. What spiritual dangers does Sidon's influence on Israel (through Jezebel) illustrate?
  3. How should believers respond to cultural influences that corrupt worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 5

“Again the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 5

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֥י4 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“came unto me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 28:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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