King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 6:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 6:14 in the King James Version says “So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Dibla...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD. more: or, desolate from the wilderness”

Ezekiel 6:14 · King James Version

Context

12

He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.

13

Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.

14

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD. more: or, desolate from the wilderness

Read Ezekiel 6 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD. God's outstretched hand (natiti et-yadi, נָטִיתִי אֶת־יָדִי) symbolizes active intervention in judgment. The land will become "more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath" (shimamah min-midbar Divlatah)—possibly referring to Riblah in Syria (2 Kings 25:6) or using Diblath as extreme example of barrenness. The comparison to wilderness emphasizes total uninhabitability—what once flowed with milk and honey will become desert waste. The chapter concludes with the recognition formula, driving home God's ultimate purpose: that people acknowledge His identity, sovereignty, and exclusive deity through witnessing judgment's fulfillment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylon's systematic destruction created conditions matching this prophecy. Archaeological surveys document massive depopulation—settlements dropped from hundreds to dozens between pre-exilic and post-exilic periods. Much of Judah became virtually uninhabited wasteland for decades. The land's desolation served multiple purposes: punishment for sin, removal of idolatrous infrastructure, and Sabbath rest for land exploited through covenant violations (2 Chronicles 36:21; Leviticus 26:34-35). The severity ensured survivors recognized Yahweh's hand, fulfilling the recognition formula's purpose. Ultimately, desolation prepared for restoration—God strips away corrupted systems to build anew (Ezekiel 36-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the land becoming 'more desolate than wilderness' illustrate sin's comprehensive destructive effects on creation?
  2. What does God's outstretched hand teach about His active involvement in historical judgments?
  3. In what ways does God use desolation to prepare for restoration and renewal?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְנָטִ֤יתִי1 of 17

“So will I stretch out”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

יָדִי֙3 of 17

“my 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

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 17
H5921

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

וְנָתַתִּ֨י5 of 17

“upon them and make”

H5414

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

אֶת6 of 17
H853

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

הָאָ֜רֶץ7 of 17

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שְׁמָמָ֤ה8 of 17

“desolate”

H8077

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

וּמְשַׁמָּה֙9 of 17

“yea more desolate”

H4923

a waste or amazement

מִמִּדְבַּ֣ר10 of 17

“than the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

דִּבְלָ֔תָה11 of 17

“toward Diblath”

H1689

diblah, a place in syria

בְּכֹ֖ל12 of 17
H3605

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

מוֹשְׁבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 17

“in all their habitations”

H4186

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

וְיָדְע֖וּ14 of 17

“and they shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי15 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י16 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:25Isaiah 9:12Ezekiel 20:33-34Isaiah 9:21Ezekiel 16:27Isaiah 9:17

Places in This Verse

Riblah 1Settlement · Modern: Rableh · 34.46°N, 36.57°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in Ezekiel 6 →

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