King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 35:8 Mean?

Ezekiel 35:8 in the King James Version says “And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 35:8 · KJV

Context

6

Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.

7

Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth. most: Heb. desolation and desolation

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

Read Ezekiel 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mountains and valleys would be filled with the slain—comprehensive death covering the landscape. This extensive bloodshed reflects the magnitude of Edom's violence toward Judah. Divine justice is proportionate: extensive violence brings extensive judgment. God doesn't overlook or minimize sin but addresses it fully.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's mountainous terrain, once their source of security, would become their graveyard. The same geography that made them feel invincible would be filled with their slain, demonstrating that natural advantages provide no ultimate security.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's thorough judgment of sin assure that ultimate justice will be done?
  2. What does proportionate judgment teach about God's righteousness and fairness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמִלֵּאתִ֥י1 of 12

“And I will fill”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הָרָ֖יו3 of 12

“his mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

חַלְלֵי4 of 12

“that are slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

גִּבְעוֹתֶ֤יךָ5 of 12

“men in thy hills”

H1389

a hillock

וְגֵיאוֹתֶ֙יךָ֙6 of 12

“and in thy valleys”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

וְכָל7 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲפִיקֶ֔יךָ8 of 12

“and in all thy rivers”

H650

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

חַלְלֵי9 of 12

“that are slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

חֶ֖רֶב10 of 12

“with the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יִפְּל֥וּ11 of 12

“shall they fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בָהֶֽם׃12 of 12
H0

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 35:8 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 35:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 31:12Ezekiel 32:4-5Ezekiel 39:4-5Isaiah 34:2-7

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