King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 39:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 39:2 in the King James Version says “And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, an...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: leave: or, strike thee with six plagues: or, draw thee back with an hook of six teeth the north: Heb. the sides of the north”

Ezekiel 39:2 · KJV

Context

1

Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

2

And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: leave: or, strike thee with six plagues: or, draw thee back with an hook of six teeth the north: Heb. the sides of the north

3

And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.

4

Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. sort: Heb. wing to be: Heb. to devour

Read Ezekiel 39 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 · 9 words
וְשֹׁבַבְתִּ֙יךָ֙1 of 9

“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);

וְשִׁשֵּׁאתִ֔יךָ2 of 9

“and leave but the sixth part”

H8338

to annihilate

וְהַעֲלִיתִ֖יךָ3 of 9

“of thee and will cause thee to come up”

H5927

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

מִיַּרְכְּתֵ֣י4 of 9

“parts”

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

צָפ֑וֹן5 of 9

“from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וַהֲבִאוֹתִ֖ךָ6 of 9

“and will bring”

H935

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

עַל7 of 9
H5921

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

הָרֵ֥י8 of 9

“thee upon the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃9 of 9

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 39:2 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 39:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:14Isaiah 37:29Ezekiel 38:15Psalms 68:2Daniel 11:40

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 39 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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