King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 38:12 Mean?

Ezekiel 38:12 in the King James Version says “To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the pe...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. To take: Heb. To spoil the spoil, and to prey the prey midst: Heb. navel”

Ezekiel 38:12 · King James Version

Context

10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: think: or, conceive a mischievous purpose

11

And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, safely: or, confidently

12

To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. To take: Heb. To spoil the spoil, and to prey the prey midst: Heb. navel

13

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

14

Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

Read Ezekiel 38 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
This prophetic word demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and nations. Even pagan empires and hostile coalitions serve God's purposes while remaining morally accountable for their actions. This Reformed understanding of providence affirms that nothing occurs outside God's decree, yet human agents bear full responsibility for their choices. The prophecy serves pastoral purposes: assuring God's people of His protection, warning enemies of certain judgment, and demonstrating that history moves toward God's appointed end. These prophecies find layered fulfillment—immediate historical, ongoing spiritual, and ultimate eschatological.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לִשְׁלֹ֥ל1 of 20

“To take”

H7997

to drop or strip; by implication, to plunder

שָׁלָ֖ל2 of 20

“a spoil”

H7998

booty

וְלָבֹ֣ז3 of 20

“and to take”

H962

to plunder

בַּ֑ז4 of 20

“a prey”

H957

plunder

לְהָשִׁ֨יב5 of 20

“to turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יָדְךָ֜6 of 20

“thine 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

עַל7 of 20
H5921

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

חֳרָב֣וֹת8 of 20

“upon the desolate places”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י9 of 20

“that are now inhabited”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וְאֶל10 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַם֙11 of 20

“and upon the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מְאֻסָּ֣ף12 of 20

“that are gathered”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

מִגּוֹיִ֔ם13 of 20

“out of the nations”

H1471

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

עֹשֶׂה֙14 of 20

“which have gotten”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִקְנֶ֣ה15 of 20

“cattle”

H4735

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

וְקִנְיָ֔ן16 of 20

“and goods”

H7075

creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth

יֹשְׁבֵ֖י17 of 20

“that are now inhabited”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל18 of 20
H5921

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

טַבּ֥וּר19 of 20

“in the midst”

H2872

properly, accumulated; i.e., (by implication) a summit

הָאָֽרֶץ׃20 of 20

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 38:12 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 38:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 29:19Ezekiel 38:8Isaiah 10:6Judges 9:37Zechariah 13:7Zechariah 1:12

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