King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 38:18 Mean?

Ezekiel 38:18 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my f...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.”

Ezekiel 38:18 · KJV

Context

16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

17

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? by: Heb. by the hand of

18

And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.

19

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

20

So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. steep: or, towers, or, stairs

Read Ezekiel 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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 · 15 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּי֨וֹם2 of 15

“And it shall come to pass at the same time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֗וּא3 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בְּי֨וֹם4 of 15

“And it shall come to pass at the same time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בּ֥וֹא5 of 15

“shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

גוֹג֙6 of 15

“Gog”

H1463

gog, the name of an israelite, also of some nothern nation

עַל7 of 15
H5921

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

אַדְמַ֣ת8 of 15

“against the land”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נְאֻ֖ם10 of 15

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֣י11 of 15

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֑ה12 of 15

“GOD”

H3069

god

תַּעֲלֶ֥ה13 of 15

“shall come up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

חֲמָתִ֖י14 of 15

“that my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

בְּאַפִּֽי׃15 of 15

“in my face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

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 38:18 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 38:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:5-6Deuteronomy 32:22Hebrews 12:29Nahum 1:2Psalms 89:46Psalms 18:7-8

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