King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 38:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 38:22 in the King James Version says “And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones , fire, and brimstone.”

Ezekiel 38:22 · KJV

Context

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

21

And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.

22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones , fire, and brimstone.

23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

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 · 19 words
וְנִשְׁפַּטְתִּ֥י1 of 19

“And I will plead”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אִתּ֖וֹ2 of 19
H853

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

בְּדֶ֣בֶר3 of 19

“against him with pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

וּבְדָ֑ם4 of 19

“and with blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וְגֶ֣שֶׁם5 of 19

“rain”

H1653

a shower

שׁוֹטֵף֩6 of 19

“that are with him an overflowing”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

וְאַבְנֵ֨י7 of 19
H68

a stone

אֶלְגָּבִ֜ישׁ8 of 19

“and great hailstones”

H417

hail (as if a great pearl)

אֵ֣שׁ9 of 19

“fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְגָפְרִ֗ית10 of 19

“and brimstone”

H1614

properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable)

אַמְטִ֤יר11 of 19

“and I will rain”

H4305

to rain

עָלָיו֙12 of 19
H5921

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

וְעַל13 of 19
H5921

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

אֲגַפָּ֔יו14 of 19

“upon him and upon his bands”

H102

(only plural) wings of an army, or crowds of troops

וְעַל15 of 19
H5921

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

עַמִּ֥ים16 of 19

“people”

H5971

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

רַבִּ֖ים17 of 19

“and upon the many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתּֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, 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 38:22 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 38:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:21Isaiah 66:16Psalms 11:6Ezekiel 13:11Psalms 18:12-14Isaiah 28:17

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