King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 35:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 35:3 in the King James Version says “And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand agai...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. most: Heb. desolation and desolation”

Ezekiel 35:3 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

3

And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate. most: Heb. desolation and desolation

4

I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.

5

Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end: perpetual: or, hatred of old shed: Heb. poured out the children force: Heb. hands

Read Ezekiel 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'I am against thee' appears frequently in judgment oracles. It's the most terrifying statement anyone can hear—to have God as active opponent. 'I will stretch out mine hand against thee' indicates active, not passive, judgment. Complete desolation would result. When God opposes, no defense succeeds.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's mountain fortresses included Petra, carved into rock cliffs. They believed themselves impregnable. Yet God's stretched-out hand would bring comprehensive destruction regardless of natural or military defenses.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to have God as ally versus having Him as opponent?
  2. How should awareness of God's active opposition to evil affect your choices and allegiances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָמַר֙1 of 16

“And say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לּ֗וֹ2 of 16
H0
כֹּ֤ה3 of 16
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙4 of 16

“And say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י5 of 16

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה6 of 16

“GOD”

H3069

god

הִנְנִ֥י7 of 16
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֵלֶ֖יךָ8 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַר9 of 16

“Behold O mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֵׂעִ֑יר10 of 16

“Seir”

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

וְנָטִ֤יתִי11 of 16

“I am against thee and I will stretch out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יָדִי֙12 of 16

“mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עָלֶ֔יךָ13 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ14 of 16

“against thee and I will make”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שְׁמָמָ֥ה15 of 16

“desolate”

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

וּמְשַׁמָּֽה׃16 of 16

“thee most”

H4923

a waste or amazement

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 35:3 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 35:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 6:12Jeremiah 15:6Ezekiel 35:7Ezekiel 6:14Ezekiel 5:15Ezekiel 25:13

Places in This Verse

Mount Seir 1Mountain Range · Modern: Jebel esh Shera · 30.18°N, 35.32°E34 verses across 9 books
View all places in Ezekiel 35 →

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