King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 35:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 35:10 in the King James Version says “Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LOR...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there: whereas: or, though the LORD was there”

Ezekiel 35:10 · King James Version

Context

8

And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

9

I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return : and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

10

Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there: whereas: or, though the LORD was there

11

Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.

12

And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate , they are given us to consume. to consume: Heb. to devour

Read Ezekiel 35 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Edom's additional sin: claiming 'These two nations and these two countries shall be mine' when 'the LORD was there.' They sought to possess Israel and Judah's territory despite God's presence and ownership. Attempting to seize what belongs to God compounds arrogance with blasphemy. Divine ownership trumps human ambitions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After 586 BC, Edom occupied southern Judah while Judeans were exiled. They assumed God had permanently abandoned His land and people. This theological error—thinking God's discipline meant abandonment—brought judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between God's temporary discipline and permanent abandonment?
  2. What does it mean that God never truly abandons what belongs to Him, even during judgment?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
יַ֣עַן1 of 14
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲ֠מָרְךָ2 of 14

“Because thou hast said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֧י4 of 14

“These two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַגּוֹיִ֜ם5 of 14

“nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְאֶת6 of 14
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֧י7 of 14

“These two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָאֲרָצ֛וֹת8 of 14

“countries”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִ֥י9 of 14
H0
תִהְיֶ֖ינָה10 of 14
H1961

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

וִֽירַשְׁנ֑וּהָ11 of 14

“shall be mine and we will possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וַֽיהוָ֖ה12 of 14

“it whereas the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שָׁ֥ם13 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָיָֽה׃14 of 14
H1961

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

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 35:10 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 35:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:5Ezekiel 48:35Psalms 83:4-12Psalms 48:1-3Ezekiel 36:2Obadiah 1:13

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