King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 28:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 28:24 in the King James Version says “And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 28:24 · KJV


Context

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.

24

And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

25

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

26

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God. safely: or, with confidence despise: or, spoil


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered—The restoration promise: בְּקַבְּצִי אֶת־בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל (bĕqabbĕṣî ʾet-bêt yiśrāʾēl, 'when I gather the house of Israel') מִן־הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר נָפֹצוּ בָם (min-hāʿammîm ăsher nāphōṣû bām, 'from the peoples among whom they were scattered').

And shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen—וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בָם לְעֵינֵי הַגּוֹיִם (wĕniqdashtî bām lĕʿênê haggôyim, 'and I will show myself holy in them before the eyes of the nations'). God's holiness is vindicated not only through judging sin but through restoring His people. Then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob—The Abrahamic covenant land promise (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21) remains in force. Israel's exile was discipline, not divorce; restoration was always planned (Leviticus 26:44-45).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy had partial fulfillment in 538 BC when Cyrus permitted Jewish return, and the temple was rebuilt by 516 BC. However, complete gathering 'from all nations' awaits eschatological fulfillment. Even today, Jewish return to Israel continues, with believers seeing prophetic significance in modern Israel's existence since 1948.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's covenant faithfulness to Israel demonstrate His character?
  2. What does restoration 'in the sight of the nations' teach about God's global purposes?
  3. How should Christians understand ongoing prophecies about Israel's land and restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֨ה2 of 18
H1961

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

ע֜וֹד3 of 18
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

לְבֵ֣ית4 of 18

unto the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל5 of 18

of Israel

H3478

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

סִלּ֤וֹן6 of 18

brier

H5544

a prickle (as if pendulous)

מַמְאִיר֙7 of 18

And there shall be no more a pricking

H3992

to be bitter or (causatively) to embitter, i.e., be painful

וְק֣וֹץ8 of 18

thorn

H6975

a thorn

מַכְאִ֔ב9 of 18

nor any grieving

H3510

properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil

מִכֹּל֙10 of 18
H3605

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

סְבִ֣יבֹתָ֔ם11 of 18

of all that are round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

הַשָּׁאטִ֖ים12 of 18

them that despised

H7590

one contemning

אוֹתָ֑ם13 of 18
H853

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

וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ14 of 18

them 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

כִּ֥י15 of 18
H3588

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

אֲנִ֖י16 of 18
H589

i

אֲדֹנָ֥י17 of 18

that I am the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃18 of 18

GOD

H3069

god


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 28:24 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 28:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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