King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 33:29 Mean?
“Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.”
Ezekiel 33:29 · KJV
Context
27
Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence. to be: Heb. to devour him
28
For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through. most: Heb. desolation and desolation
29
Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.
30
Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. against thee: of, of thee
31
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. as the: Heb. according to the coming of the people they sit: or, my people sit before thee they shew: Heb. they make loves, or, jests
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis 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
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוְיָדְע֖וּ1 of 14
“Then shall they know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי2 of 14
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֑ה4 of 14
“that I am the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּתִתִּ֤י5 of 14
“when I have laid”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת6 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַ֥ל10 of 14
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל11 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תּוֹעֲבֹתָ֖ם12 of 14
“because of all their abominations”
H8441properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשֽׂוּ׃14 of 14
“which they have committed”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
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 33:29 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 33:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge