King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 35:13 Mean?
“Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them. boasted: Heb. magnified”
Ezekiel 35:13 · KJV
Context
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
13
Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them. boasted: Heb. magnified
14
Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.
15
As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
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 · 8 wordsוַתַּגְדִּ֤ילוּ1 of 8
“ye have boasted”
H1431to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
עָלַי֙2 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּפִיכֶ֔ם3 of 8
“Thus with your mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
עָלַ֖י5 of 8
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֑ם6 of 8
“your words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃8 of 8
“against me I have heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
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 35:13 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 35:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge