King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 35:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 35:13 in the King James Version says “Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them. boasted: ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.

Read Ezekiel 35 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 · 8 words
וַתַּגְדִּ֤ילוּ1 of 8

“ye have boasted”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

עָלַי֙2 of 8
H5921

above, 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”

H6310

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

וְהַעְתַּרְתֶּ֥ם4 of 8

“against me and have multiplied”

H6280

to be (causatively, make) abundant

עָלַ֖י5 of 8
H5921

above, 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”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲנִ֖י7 of 8
H589

i

שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃8 of 8

“against me I have heard”

H8085

to 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

Daniel 11:361 Samuel 2:3Isaiah 36:20Ezekiel 35:12Jeremiah 29:23Ecclesiastes 10:14

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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