King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 7:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 7:15 in the King James Version says “The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.”

Ezekiel 7:15 · KJV

Context

13

For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. although they: Heb. though their life were yet among the living in the: or, whose life is in his iniquity the iniquity: Heb. his iniquity

14

They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

15

The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

16

But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.

17

All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. be weak: Heb. go into water

Read Ezekiel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. This verse presents the comprehensive inescapability of covenant curse, drawing directly from Levitical warnings. Every location and every circumstance becomes a place of judgment—there is no refuge apart from repentance.

The sword is without refers to external military threat—Babylonian forces surrounding the city. Pestilence and famine within indicates internal breakdown—siege conditions producing disease and starvation. This echoes Leviticus 26:25 curse: I will bring a sword upon you... and I will send the pestilence among you. Deuteronomy 28:21-22 warned of disease and blight as covenant curses.

He that is in the field shall die with the sword addresses those who flee or remain outside city walls—they face the Babylonian army. He that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him shows those who seek refuge in Jerusalem fare no better—they face slow death by starvation and disease during the siege. The repetition emphasizes totality: there is no safe location.

From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that when God executes covenant curse, human wisdom and planning cannot provide escape. The verse also points forward to the greater judgment from which only Christ provides refuge. Believers are reminded that true safety is found not in location or circumstances but in covenant faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This describes the 586 BC Babylonian siege of Jerusalem with historical precision. Nebuchadnezzar forces surrounded the city, cutting off supply lines (2 Kings 25:1-2). The siege lasted approximately 18 months, during which conditions inside deteriorated catastrophically.

Archaeological evidence from the City of David excavations shows arrowheads and destruction layers from this period, confirming intense military action. Jeremiah 52:6 records that famine in the city was severe with no food for the people. Lamentations provides graphic eyewitness testimony of starvation conditions, including cannibalism (Lamentations 2:20, 4:10).

Those who attempted to flee the city were captured or killed by Babylonian forces surrounding it. King Zedekiah own escape attempt ended in capture near Jericho (2 Kings 25:4-7). Meanwhile, those who remained in Jerusalem hoping walls would protect them faced equally terrible fate through famine and disease outbreak inevitable in siege conditions.

The historical reality validated Ezekiel prophecy exactly, demonstrating that true prophetic word from God will certainly come to pass regardless of human disbelief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inescapability of this judgment point to the seriousness of covenant violation?
  2. What does it mean that location provides no refuge when God executes judgment?
  3. How should this passage shape our understanding of where true security is found?
  4. In what ways does Christ provide the refuge that Jerusalem walls could not?
  5. What does this teach about the foolishness of relying on human defenses while ignoring God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בַּחֶ֣רֶב1 of 14

“The sword”

H2719

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

בַּח֔וּץ2 of 14

“is without”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וָדֶ֖בֶר3 of 14

“and pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

רָעָ֥ב4 of 14

“and the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

מִבָּ֑יִת5 of 14

“within”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 14
H834

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

בַּשָּׂדֶה֙7 of 14

“he that is in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בַּחֶ֣רֶב8 of 14

“The sword”

H2719

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

יָמ֔וּת9 of 14

“shall die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

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

בָּעִ֔יר11 of 14

“and he that is in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

רָעָ֥ב12 of 14

“and the famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

וָדֶ֖בֶר13 of 14

“and pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

יֹאכֲלֶֽנּוּ׃14 of 14

“shall devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 5:12Jeremiah 14:18Lamentations 1:20Deuteronomy 32:23-25Jeremiah 15:2-3Ezekiel 6:12

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 7 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes