King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 28:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 28:21 in the King James Version says “Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 28:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Read Ezekiel 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon—The covenant lawsuit formula: הִנְנִי עָלַיִךְ (hinnĕnî ʿālayik, 'behold, I am against you'). When God positions Himself as adversary, no defense avails.

And I will be glorified in the midst of thee—וְנִכְבַּדְתִּי בְּתוֹכֵךְ (wĕnikhbadtî bĕthôkhēkh, 'and I will be glorified in your midst'). The verb כָּבַד (kābad, 'to be heavy/weighty/glorious') shows God's glory manifested through judgment. And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her—The recognition formula coupled with וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי (wĕniqdashtî, 'and I will show myself holy'). God's holiness and glory are vindicated when He judges sin. Sidon's judgment would demonstrate to watching nations that YHWH alone is God, and that holiness demands sin's punishment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sidon's judgment came in waves: Babylonian siege (586-573 BC period), Persian destruction (345 BC), and Alexander's conquest (333 BC). Each demonstrated God's sovereignty. The Persian period was particularly devastating—when revolt failed, Sidonians burned their city and themselves rather than surrender. Approximately 40,000 died. God was indeed 'glorified in their midst' through judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is God glorified through judgment as well as mercy?
  2. What does 'I am against you' teach about the impossibility of standing before God's opposition?
  3. How do God's judgments 'sanctify' His name before watching nations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בֶּן1 of 8

“Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם2 of 8

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׂ֥ים3 of 8

“set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

פָּנֶ֖יךָ4 of 8

“thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶל5 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִיד֑וֹן6 of 8

“against Zidon”

H6721

tsidon, the name of a son of canaan, and of a place in palestine

וְהִנָּבֵ֖א7 of 8

“and prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עָלֶֽיהָ׃8 of 8
H5921

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

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 28:21 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 28:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 6:2Genesis 10:15Ezekiel 25:2Ezekiel 27:8Jeremiah 25:22Isaiah 23:12

Places in This Verse

SidonSettlement · Modern: Sandikli archaeological site in Sidon · 33.56°N, 35.37°E37 verses across 16 books
View all places in Ezekiel 28 →

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