King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 7:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 7:21 in the King James Version says “And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shal...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.”

Ezekiel 7:21 · KJV

Context

19

They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. removed: Heb. for a separation, or, uncleanness it is: or, their iniquity is their stumblingblock

20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. set it far: or, made it unto them an unclean thing

21

And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

22

My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it. robbers: or, burglers

23

Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. This comprehensive indictment of wealth demonstrates material prosperity utter worthlessness in delivering from divine judgment—a theme appearing throughout Scripture (Proverbs 11:4, Zephaniah 1:18, James 5:1-3).

They shall cast their silver in the streets shows former treasures becoming worthless refuse. In siege conditions with no food available, precious metals cannot purchase survival. Their gold shall be removed may indicate Babylonian looting or religious purification from tainted wealth. The repetition—their silver and their gold—emphasizes that all material wealth fails equally.

Shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD provides theological interpretation. No amount of wealth can purchase redemption from God judgment (Psalm 49:7-8). They shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels shows wealth inability to meet either spiritual needs (soul satisfaction) or physical survival (filling bowels during famine).

Because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity reveals the root issue. Wealth had become idol, leading to oppression, injustice, and false security. From Reformed perspective, prosperity without godliness produces spiritual death. This anticipates Jesus teaching about impossibility of serving God and mammon (Matthew 6:24) and Paul warning that love of money is root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Babylon 586 BC siege, precious metals indeed became worthless for immediate survival. When famine gripped Jerusalem, no silver could purchase non-existent food. Archaeological evidence from this period shows the dramatic economic collapse during siege conditions.

2 Kings 25:13-17 records Babylon looting temple and palace treasures. Individual wealth provided no protection from deportation or death. Jeremiah 39:10 notes ironically that poorest people owning nothing were left in land while wealthy were exiled—wealth became liability rather than asset.

The phrase stumblingblock of their iniquity indicates wealth had led to covenant violation. Pre-exilic prophets condemned exploitation, unjust economic practices, and trust in riches rather than God (Isaiah 5:8, Amos 2:6-7, 8:4-6, Micah 2:1-2). Wealthy classes used prosperity oppressively and grew complacent in covenant unfaithfulness.

This warning proved devastatingly accurate. Lamentations 4:1-2 laments: How is the gold become dim... The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers. The treasures they trusted proved utterly unable to save.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does wealth worthlessness in judgment teach about where genuine security is found?
  2. How does material prosperity become stumblingblock leading to spiritual destruction?
  3. In what ways does love of money root all kinds of evil in human hearts?
  4. What is relationship between economic injustice and divine judgment throughout Scripture?
  5. How does Christ provide redemption that silver and gold cannot purchase (1 Peter 1:18-19)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּנְתַתִּ֤יו1 of 8

“And I will give”

H5414

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

בְּיַֽד2 of 8

“it into the hands”

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

הַזָּרִים֙3 of 8

“of the strangers”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

לָבַ֔ז4 of 8

“for a prey”

H957

plunder

וּלְרִשְׁעֵ֥י5 of 8

“and to the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

הָאָ֖רֶץ6 of 8

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשָׁלָ֑ל7 of 8

“for a spoil”

H7998

booty

וְחִלְּלֽוּהֻ׃8 of 8

“and they shall pollute”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 24:13Psalms 74:2-8Psalms 79:12 Kings 25:9Jeremiah 52:13-232 Kings 25:13-16

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