Ezekiel 21:12

Ezekiel 21:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.

King James Version KJV

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.

American Standard Version ASV

Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people, it is upon all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon thy thigh.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Give loud cries and make sounds of grief, O son of man: for it has come on my people, it has come on all the rulers of Israel: fear of the sword has come on my people: for this cause give signs of grief.

Free Bible Version FBV

Weep and wail, son of man, and slap your thigh in grief, for the sword is going to be used to attack my people, to attack all the leaders of Israel! They will be thrown away, killed by the sword along with my people.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Cry, and houle, sonne of man: for this shall come to my people, and it shall come vnto all the princes of Israel: the terrours of the sword shall be vpon my people: smite therefore vpon thy thigh.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Cry and howl, son of man, For it hath been among My people, It [is] among all the princes of Israel, Cast unto the sword have been My people. Therefore strike on thy thigh,

World English Bible WEB

Cry and wail, son of man; for it is on my people. It is on all the princes of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Therefore beat your thigh.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Cry, and howl, O son of man, for this sword is upon my people, it is upon all the princes of Israel, that are fled: they are delivered up to the sword with my people, strike therefore upon thy thigh,

Translation for Translators T4T

So, you human, cry and wail, because I will use my sword to kill my people, including the leaders of Israel. They and all the other people, my people, will be killed by swords, so beat your chestto show that you are sad.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הָיָה֙ כִּֽי יֹאמְר֣וּ אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ עַל מָ֖ה אַתָּ֣ה נֶאֱנָ֑ח וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֡ אֶל שְׁמוּעָ֣ה כִֽי בָאָ֡ה וְ/נָמֵ֣ס כָּל לֵב֩ וְ/רָפ֨וּ כָל יָדַ֜יִם וְ/כִהֲתָ֣ה כָל ר֗וּחַ וְ/כָל בִּרְכַּ֨יִם֙ תֵּלַ֣כְנָה מַּ֔יִם הִנֵּ֤ה בָאָה֙ וְ/נִֽהְיָ֔תָה נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥/י יְהוִֽה

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יֹאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מָ֖ה mâh H4100 what? Part

אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

נֶאֱנָ֑ח ʼânach H584 to sigh V-Niphal

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֡ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שְׁמוּעָ֣ה shᵉmûwʻâh H8052 tidings N-fs

כִֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

בָאָ֡ה bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

וְ/נָמֵ֣ס mâçaç H4549 to melt Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

לֵב֩ lêb H3820 heart N-ms

וְ/רָפ֨וּ râphâh H7503 to slacken Conj | V-Qal-3cp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יָדַ֜יִם yâd H3027 hand N-cd

וְ/כִהֲתָ֣ה kâhâh H3543 to grow dim Conj | V-Piel-3fs

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

בִּרְכַּ֨יִם֙ berek H1290 knee N-fd

תֵּלַ֣כְנָה yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-3fp

מַּ֔יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

בָאָה֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

וְ/נִֽהְיָ֔תָה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

נְאֻ֖ם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִֽה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:12

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יֹאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מָ֖ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

נֶאֱנָ֑ח ʼânach H584 "to sigh" V-Niphal

To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp 1a) moan (of cattle)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groan, mourn, sigh. See also: Exodus 2:23; Lamentations 1:11; Proverbs 29:2.

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֡ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

שְׁמוּעָ֣ה shᵉmûwʻâh H8052 "tidings" N-fs

This Hebrew word means news or a report, often referring to a message or announcement, like the tidings of Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Luke.

Definition: 1) report, news, rumour 1a) report, news, tidings 1b) mention

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bruit, doctrine, fame, mentioned, news, report, rumor, tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 2:24; Isaiah 28:19; Psalms 112:7.

כִֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

בָאָ֡ה bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

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.

וְ/נָמֵ֣ס mâçaç H4549 "to melt" Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

To melt or waste away is what this verb means, often used to describe something weakening or disappearing. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, describing the effects of disease or fear. This word can also mean to faint or lose strength.

Definition: 1) to dissolve, melt 1a) (Qal) to waste away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away 1b2) to faint, grow fearful (fig.) 1b3) wasted, worthless (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to melt

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: discourage, faint, be loosed, melt (away), refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 16:21; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 22:15.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

לֵב֩ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

וְ/רָפ֨וּ râphâh H7503 "to slacken" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.

Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

יָדַ֜יִם yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

וְ/כִהֲתָ֣ה kâhâh H3543 "to grow dim" Conj | V-Piel-3fs

To rebuke means to scold or correct someone, like when God rebukes His people in the Bible for disobedience. It can also mean to become weak or dim, like when light fades away. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to grow weak, grow dim, grow faint, falter, be weak, be dim, be darkened, be restrained, be faint, fail 1a) (Qal) to grow dim 1b) (Piel) to faint, grow weak, grow faint

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:1; Job 17:7; Isaiah 42:4.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

ר֗וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

בִּרְכַּ֨יִם֙ berek H1290 "knee" N-fd

The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.

Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.

תֵּלַ֣כְנָה yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-3fp

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

מַּ֔יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

בָאָה֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

וְ/נִֽהְיָ֔תָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Niphal-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

נְאֻ֖ם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יְהוִֽה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 21:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:12
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:12

Context — God’s Sword of Judgment

10it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. 11The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer.

12Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.

13Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD. 14‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 21:6	But you, son of man, groan! Groan before their eyes with a broken heart and bitter grief.
2	Joel 1:13	Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.
3	Ezekiel 21:14	‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!
4	Jeremiah 31:12	They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish.
5	Ezekiel 9:8	While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, “Oh, Lord GOD, when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?”
6	Ezekiel 30:2	“Son of man, prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Wail, ‘Alas for that day!’
7	Ezekiel 6:11	This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!” because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague.
8	Jeremiah 31:19	After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
9	Micah 1:8	Because of this I will lament and wail; I will walk barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and mourn like an ostrich.
10	Jeremiah 25:34	Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.

Ezekiel 21:12 Summary

[Ezekiel 21:12 is a call to mourning and lamentation, as God's people are facing judgment and wrath, similar to the judgment seen in Isaiah 13:6-9. The sword represents the destruction and chaos that comes from sin and rebellion against God, as seen in Romans 6:23. We can learn from this verse the importance of repentance and turning to God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and trusting in His love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By reflecting on this verse, we can examine our own lives and turn to God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the sword in Ezekiel 21:12?

The sword represents God's judgment and wrath against His people, as seen in Ezekiel 21:12, and is a symbol of destruction and chaos, similar to the sword in Revelation 6:4, which brings war and strife.

Why is Ezekiel told to cry out and wail in Ezekiel 21:12?

Ezekiel is told to cry out and wail because the sword is wielded against God's people, including the princes of Israel, and this is a time of great sorrow and mourning, as seen in Jeremiah 9:1, where the prophet weeps for his people.

What does it mean to strike one's thigh in Ezekiel 21:12?

Striking one's thigh is a sign of grief, sorrow, and lamentation, as seen in Ezekiel 21:12, and is a physical expression of the emotional pain and distress that Ezekiel is feeling, similar to the emotional distress expressed in Jeremiah 4:19.

Is Ezekiel 21:12 still relevant today?

Yes, Ezekiel 21:12 is still relevant today, as it reminds us of the importance of repentance and turning to God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and the consequences of sin and rebellion against Him, as seen in Romans 6:23.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I need to repent and turn to God, in light of the judgment and wrath described in Ezekiel 21:12?
How can I, like Ezekiel, be a voice of warning and lamentation for those around me who are living in sin and rebellion against God?
What are the 'swords' in my life that are causing me pain and sorrow, and how can I trust God to bring healing and restoration, as seen in Psalm 30:2?
How can I balance the message of judgment and wrath in Ezekiel 21:12 with the message of love and mercy in John 3:16?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:12

Cry, howl, son of man,.... Not only sigh, but cry; and not cry only, but howl; signifying hereby that this would be the case of the Jews when these calamities should come upon them; and, in order to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:12

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12

Cry, as one in great distress; nay, how unseemly soever it may appear, howl, that they may by this know what sorrows are coming on them, and how they, like wild beasts taken in the toils and girts, shall howl. For the devouring sword of Babylon shall certainly be upon all, high and low. Terrors; surrounding terrors, out of which no way to escape. The sword; that sword God will draw against them. Smite upon thy thigh, in token of thy sense of what they must suffer, and to presignify what their sorrows shall be, when they must express them by signs, because too great for words.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12

Ezekiel 21:12 Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.Ver. 12. Cry and howl, son of man.] While others make mirth, and are insolent against God. Mourners shall be marked, comforted. Smite therefore upon thy thigh.] See on Jeremiah 31:19.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12

(12) Smite therefore upon thy thigh.—A mark of extreme grief, see Jeremiah 31:19. The connection of Eze 21:11-12 with the objection in Ezekiel 21:10 is this: you think there is security for you in the promise to Judah; do not deceive yourselves, but prepare for sorrow and desolation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12

Verse 12. Smite - upon thy thigh.] See on Jeremiah 31:19. So HOMER, Il. xv. ver. 113: - Ὡςεφατ'·αυταρΑρηςθαλερωπεπληγετομηρω Χερσικαταπρηνεσσ,ολοφυρομενοςδεπροσηυδα. "She spake; and, with expanded arms his thighs Smiting, thus sorrowful the god exclaimed." COWPER.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:12

12. terrors … the sword] With R. V. they (the princes) are delivered over to the sword with my people. smite upon thy thigh] A gesture implying despair or the sense of a terrible and irreparable evil happening, Jeremiah 31:19.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:12

12. Terrors by reason of the sword — Rather, they [the princes of Israel] with my people are delivered unto the sword. Smite therefore upon thy thigh — A gesture naturally expressing either antagonism or despair.

Sermons on Ezekiel 21:12

	Sermon	Description
	"Five Loaves and Two Fishes" Ch. 6:1-21 by Charles Alexander	In this sermon, the preacher delves into the significance of the miracles of the feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water in the Gospel of John, emphasizing the teachi
	The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of Go
	Weeping Between Porch and the Altar by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the superficiality of modern Christian gatherings with the deep devotion and sacrifice of believers in the past. He highlights the story of a
	Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people
	Gv1601 Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need to prioritize it in our lives. He shares an example of a man named Buck Singh who dedicated three hours
	The Seven Levels of Judgment - Proper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser	This sermon emphasizes the importance of a proper response to God's word, focusing on seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God, repentance, acknowledging sin, seeking
	Soul-Travail by Oswald J. Smith	Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to travail in prayer for the souls of the lost, comparing the natural anguish felt for a drowning child to the indifferenc