King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 38:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 38:4 in the King James Version says “And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and hors... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

Ezekiel 38:4 · KJV


Context

2

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, the chief: or, prince of the chief

3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

4

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

5

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Libya: or, Phut

6

Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.


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.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְשׁ֣וֹבַבְתִּ֔יךָ1 of 21

And I will turn thee back

H7725

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

וְנָתַתִּ֥י2 of 21

and put

H5414

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

חַחִ֖ים3 of 21

hooks

H2397

a ring for the nose (or lips)

בִּלְחָיֶ֑יךָ4 of 21

into thy jaws

H3895

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

וְהוֹצֵאתִי֩5 of 21

and I will bring thee forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתְךָ֙6 of 21
H853

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

וְאֶת7 of 21
H853

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

כָּל8 of 21
H3605

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

חֵילֶ֜ךָ9 of 21

and all thine army

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

סוּסִ֣ים10 of 21

horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וּפָרָשִׁ֗ים11 of 21

and horsemen

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

לְבֻשֵׁ֤י12 of 21

all of them clothed

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

מִכְלוֹל֙13 of 21

with all sorts

H4358

perfection (i.e., concrete adverbial, splendidly)

כֻּלָּ֔ם14 of 21
H3605

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

קָהָ֥ל15 of 21

company

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

רָב֙16 of 21

of armour even a great

H7227

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

צִנָּ֣ה17 of 21

with bucklers

H6793

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

וּמָגֵ֔ן18 of 21

and shields

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

תֹּפְשֵׂ֥י19 of 21

all of them handling

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

חֲרָב֖וֹת20 of 21

swords

H2719

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

כֻּלָּֽם׃21 of 21
H3605

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


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 38:4 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 38:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study