Ezekiel 17:13
Ezekiel 17:13 in Multiple Translations
He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,
And hath taken of the king’s seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
And he took of the seed royal, and made a covenant with him; he also brought him under an oath, and took away the mighty of the land;
And he took one of the sons of the king and made an agreement with him; and he put him under an oath, and took away the great men of the land:
He made an agreement with one of the royal family and made him take an oath that he would be a loyal subject as king. Then he took into exile the country's leaders,
And hath taken one of the Kings seede, and made a couenant with him, and hath taken an othe of him: he hath also taken the princes of the land,
And he taketh of the seed of the kingdom, And maketh with him a covenant, And bringeth him in to an oath, And the mighty of the land he hath taken,
He took one of the royal offspring, and made a covenant with him. He also brought him under an oath, and took away the mighty of the land,
And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath from him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
And he shall take one of the king’s seed, and make a covenant with him, and take an oath of him. Yea, and he shall take away the mighty men of the land,
Then he took one of the king’s close relatives and appointed him to be the king, and made an agreement with him, forcing him to solemnly promise to remain loyal. The King of Babylon also took to Babylon the other important citizens of Judah,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 17:13
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
מִ/זֶּ֣רַע
הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
אִתּ֖/וֹ
בְּרִ֑ית
וַ/יָּבֵ֤א
אֹת/וֹ֙
בְּ/אָלָ֔ה
וְ/אֶת
אֵילֵ֥י
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
לָקָֽח
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/זֶּ֣רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה
mᵉlûwkâh
H4410
kingship
Art | N-fs
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִתּ֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
בְּרִ֑ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs
וַ/יָּבֵ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹת/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/אָלָ֔ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
Prep | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֵילֵ֥י
ʼayil
H352
ram
N-mp
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לָקָֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 17:13
וַ/יִּקַּח֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מִ/זֶּ֣רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
הַ/מְּלוּכָ֔ה
mᵉlûwkâh
H4410
"kingship"
Art | N-fs
Melukah refers to a kingdom or realm, describing a king's domain or territory. It is related to the concept of royalty and kingship in the Bible.
Definition: kingship, royalty, kingly office
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: kingsom, king's, [idiom] royal. See also: 1 Samuel 10:16; 1 Kings 12:21; Psalms 22:29.
וַ/יִּכְרֹ֥ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
אִתּ֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּרִ֑ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
וַ/יָּבֵ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֹת/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/אָלָ֔ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵילֵ֥י
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
N-mp
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לָקָֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 17:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 17:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
- Sermons on Ezekiel 17:13
Context — The Parable Explained
11Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
12“Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon.
13He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,
14so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. 15But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 36:13 | He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 24:15–17 | Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle. Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:5 | He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 24:1 | After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 37:1 | Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made Zedekiah son of Josiah the king of Judah, and he reigned in place of Coniah son of Jehoiakim. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:2 | Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 29:2 | (This was after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, the court officials, the officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and the metalsmiths had been exiled from Jerusalem.) |
Ezekiel 17:13 Summary
Ezekiel 17:13 tells us that the king of Babylon made a treaty with a member of the royal family of Judah, requiring him to obey the king of Babylon. This means that the king of Judah had to submit to the king of Babylon and do what he said, similar to the way we submit to God's will (Romans 12:1-2). The king of Babylon also took some of the leaders of Judah captive to make sure the king of Judah kept his promises. This shows us that God is in control of all the nations of the world and can use them to fulfill His plans (Daniel 2:21).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the covenant being referred to in Ezekiel 17:13?
The covenant in Ezekiel 17:13 is a treaty between the king of Babylon and a member of the royal family of Judah, where the king of Judah agrees to submit to the king of Babylon and pay tribute, as seen in similar agreements like the one in 2 Kings 25:9-10.
Why did the king of Babylon take leading men of the land captive?
The king of Babylon took the leading men of the land captive to ensure the king of Judah's obedience to their covenant, similar to the way the Assyrians had done in 2 Kings 15:29, and to prevent any potential uprisings.
What does it mean to be 'put under oath' in this context?
Being 'put under oath' in Ezekiel 17:13 means that the king of Judah was required to make a solemn promise or vow to the king of Babylon, similar to the way God makes covenants with His people, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over nations?
This verse shows that God is sovereign over all nations, including Babylon and Judah, and that He uses earthly powers to accomplish His will, as stated in Daniel 4:17 and Jeremiah 25:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the king of Judah, might be tempted to make agreements or compromises that could lead to spiritual bondage?
- How can I, like the king of Babylon, be used by God to fulfill His purposes, even if I do not realize it?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty over my life and the world around me, even when circumstances seem uncertain or out of control?
- What are some 'oaths' or promises that I have made to God or others, and how can I ensure that I am keeping them?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:13
And hath taken of the king's seed,.... One of the royal family, signified by the seed of the land, Ezekiel 17:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:13
And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: And hath taken of the king's seed - Zedekiah, Jechoniah's uncle.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
Hath taken of the king’ s seed; first taken Jehoiachin and his princes captives, and next taken out from amidst the royal seed Mattaniah, and advanced him to the throne in Jerusalem. Made a covenant with him, by solemn agreement, and on terms approved and accepted by Mattaniah, for performance of which terms he hath obliged himself by public promise. An oath; because Nebuchadnezzar would be secure, he made Mattaniah enter into an oath, changed his name into Zedekiah, as a fit memorial who should avenge the crime, if this captive restored should perjure himself. The mighty; the rich, honourable, valiant, wise, and who might (if rebellion ever arose among the Jews) be able to make head and do mischief against the Babylonian king. Of the land; of Judea.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
Ezekiel 17:13 And hath taken of the king’ s seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:Ver. 13. And hath taken an oath of him.] An oath of allegiance. Heb., Hath brought him into an execration, or an oath with cursing, that he shall be true and loyal to him, and hold his kingdom of him as his liege lord, and pay him tribute. This, though we find not in the book of Kings, yet from what we here find, we are sure it was so.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:13
13. the king’s seed] the royal seed, lit. seed of the kingdom. See on Ezekiel 17:5; cf. 2 Kings 24:17; Jeremiah 37:1. an oath of him] Cf. 2 Chronicles 36:13. he hath also taken] he took also. On “mighty of the land,” cf. Ezekiel 17:12. Probably the more influential classes are included, those who if left might be uneasy under the yoke and likely to stir up revolt; cf. 2 Kings 24:14-15; Jeremiah 29:1-2.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:13
13. Hath also — Literally, took also. Taken an oath — See 2 Chronicles 36:18. King’s seed,… the mighty of the lands — 2 Kings 24:11, etc.; Jeremiah 24:1-2.
Sermons on Ezekiel 17:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bristol Conference 1976-16 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of serving others and the spiritual deterioration of the nation. The sermon begins with a reference to Jesus describing himself |
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You Are Loved and Accepted by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and acceptance that God has for His people, contrasting the harsh messages of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah with the grace and mer |
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Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep |