King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 29:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 29:21 in the King James Version says “In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.”

Ezekiel 29:21 · KJV

Context

19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. take her spoil: Heb. spoil her spoil, and prey her prey

20

I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD. for his: or, for his hire

21

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth—After Egypt's judgment, Israel's restoration begins. קֶרֶן (qeren, 'horn') symbolizes strength/power (Psalm 132:17, Luke 1:69). אַצְמִיחַ (ʾaṣmîaḥ, 'cause to sprout/grow') pictures renewal after cutting down.

Some interpret this as Messianic prophecy—the 'horn of David' sprouting again. Others see reference to Israel's post-exilic restoration. And I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them—Ezekiel's restricted speech (3:26-27, 24:27, 33:22) would be fully opened. פְּתִחוֹן־פֶּה (pĕtiḥôn-peh, 'opening of mouth') suggests freedom to speak all God's words, not just prophetic oracles. And they shall know that I am the LORD—Fulfilled prophecy again produces recognition. Ezekiel's restored speech, Israel's renewed strength, and Egypt's judgment would all testify to YHWH's sovereignty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's 'horn budding' had partial fulfillment in the return from exile (538 BC) and temple rebuilding (516 BC). Fuller realization came through David's greater son, Jesus the Messiah (Luke 1:68-69). Ezekiel's speech was restored when Jerusalem fell (33:22), authenticating his ministry. Each fulfillment demonstrated God's faithfulness to His prophetic word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'budding horn' metaphor connect to Messianic hope?
  2. What is the significance of Ezekiel's opened mouth coinciding with Israel's restoration?
  3. How do layered fulfillments (near and far) enrich prophetic interpretation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּיּ֣וֹם1 of 15

“In that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא2 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אַצְמִ֤יחַ3 of 15

“to bud forth”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

קֶ֙רֶן֙4 of 15

“the horn”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

לְבֵ֣ית5 of 15

“of the house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וּלְךָ֛7 of 15
H0
אֶתֵּ֥ן8 of 15

“and I will give”

H5414

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

פִּתְחֽוֹן9 of 15

“thee the opening”

H6610

opening (the act)

פֶּ֖ה10 of 15

“of the mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

בְּתוֹכָ֑ם11 of 15

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וְיָדְע֖וּ12 of 15

“of 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

כִּי13 of 15
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י14 of 15
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of 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 29:21 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 29:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:151 Samuel 2:10Psalms 132:17Amos 3:7-8Ezekiel 33:22Ezekiel 24:27

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