King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 33:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 33:21 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.”

Ezekiel 33:21 · KJV

Context

19

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

20

Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

21

And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

22

Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.

23

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

Read Ezekiel 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 15
H1961

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

בִּשְׁתֵּ֧י2 of 15

“And it came to pass in the twelfth”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה3 of 15
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֗ה4 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בָּעֲשִׂרִ֛י5 of 15

“in the tenth”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֥ה6 of 15

“month in the fifth”

H2568

five

לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ7 of 15

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

לְגָלוּתֵ֑נוּ8 of 15

“of our captivity”

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

בָּא9 of 15

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֨י10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַפָּלִ֧יט11 of 15

“that one that had escaped”

H6412

a refugee

מִירוּשָׁלִַ֛ם12 of 15

“out of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֵאמֹ֖ר13 of 15

“unto me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֻכְּתָ֥ה14 of 15

“is smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הָעִֽיר׃15 of 15

“The city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 33:21 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 33:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 1:22 Kings 25:4Jeremiah 52:4-14Jeremiah 39:1-8Ezekiel 32:1Ezekiel 40:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezekiel 33 →

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