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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 21  › Ezekiel 21:15

Ezekiel 21:15

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Ezekiel 21:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.

King James Version KJV

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

American Standard Version ASV

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In order that hearts may become soft, and the number of those who are falling may be increased, I have sent death by the sword against all their doors: you are made like a flame, you are polished for death.

Free Bible Version FBV

I have placed a sword at all the gates of their city so that they may lose their courage, and many may fall. Oh no! It's made to flash like lightning and used to kill.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I haue brought the feare of the sword into all their gates to make their heart to faint, and to multiplie their ruines. Ah it is made bright, and it is dressed for the slaughter.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

To melt the heart, and to multiply the ruins, By all their gates I have set the point of a sword. Ah, it is made for brightness, Wrapped up for slaughter.

World English Bible WEB

I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied. Ah! It is made as lightning. It is pointed for slaughter.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is sharpened for the slaughter.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And languish in heart, and that multiplieth ruins. In all their gates I have set the dread of the sharp sword, the sword that is furbished to glitter, that is made ready for slaughter.

Translation for Translators T4T

In order that people will be very much afraid [IDM] and many people will be killed, I have placedsoldiers holding my swords at every city gate, ready to slaughter people. Those swords will flash like lightning, as the soldiers grasp them to slaughter people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:15

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 21:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לְמַ֨עַן טְבֹ֤חַ טֶ֨בַח֙ הוּחַ֔דָּה לְמַעַן הֱיֵה לָ֥/הּ בָּ֖רָק מֹרָ֑טָּה א֣וֹ נָשִׂ֔ישׂ שֵׁ֥בֶט בְּנִ֖/י מֹאֶ֥סֶת כָּל עֵֽץ
לְמַ֨עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
טְבֹ֤חַ ṭâbach H2873 to slaughter V-Qal-Inf-a
טֶ֨בַח֙ ṭebach H2874 slaughter N-ms
הוּחַ֔דָּה châdad H2300 be sharp V-Hophal-Perf-3fs
לְמַעַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
הֱיֵה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לָ֥/הּ Prep | Suff
בָּ֖רָק bârâq H1300 to use lightning N-ms
מֹרָ֑טָּה mâraṭ H4803 to smooth V-Pual-Perf-3fs
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
נָשִׂ֔ישׂ sûws H7797 to rejoice V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-ms
בְּנִ֖/י bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
מֹאֶ֥סֶת mâʼaç H3988 to reject V-Qal
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֵֽץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:15

לְמַ֨עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
טְבֹ֤חַ ṭâbach H2873 "to slaughter" V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to slaughter or kill animals or people, often in a ruthless manner, as seen in violent battles or sacrifices. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament. This concept is also used figuratively to describe spiritual slaughter.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter, butcher 1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: kill, (make) slaughter, slay. See also: Genesis 43:16; Proverbs 9:2; Psalms 37:14.
טֶ֨בַח֙ ṭebach H2874 "slaughter" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the act of slaughter or the meat that results from it, and can also mean a place of slaughter. It is used to describe the brutal killing of animals or people. The concept is used in both literal and figurative senses.
Definition: 1) slaughter, slaughtering, animal 1a) slaughtering, slaughter (of animals) 1b) slaughter (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] beast, slaughter, [idiom] slay, [idiom] sore. See also: Genesis 43:16; Isaiah 65:12; Proverbs 7:22.
הוּחַ֔דָּה châdad H2300 "be sharp" V-Hophal-Perf-3fs
To sharpen or be severe, as seen in Genesis when God makes a sharp distinction between good and evil. This word is about being fierce or intense. It is used to describe something that cuts deeply.
Definition: 1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen 1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen 1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen 1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be fierce, sharpen. See also: Proverbs 27:17; Ezekiel 21:15; Habakkuk 1:8.
לְמַעַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
הֱיֵה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
לָ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff
בָּ֖רָק bârâq H1300 "to use lightning" N-ms
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
מֹרָ֑טָּה mâraṭ H4803 "to smooth" V-Pual-Perf-3fs
To smooth or polish something, like making a surface shiny or bald. It can also mean to sharpen or gall something. In the Bible, it's used to describe someone's head being bald or their shoulder being rough.
Definition: 1) to bare, polish, make smooth or bald or bare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make bare 1a2) to scour, polish 1b) (Niphal) to be made bald
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bright, furbish, (have his) hair (be) fallen off, peeled, pluck off (hair). See also: Leviticus 13:40; Isaiah 50:6; Ezekiel 29:18.
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
נָשִׂ֔ישׂ sûws H7797 "to rejoice" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to feel joyful or cheerful, like a bright and happy feeling. It appears in the Bible when people are celebrating or giving thanks. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'rejoice' or 'be glad'.
Definition: 1) to exult, rejoice 1a) (Qal) to exult, display joy
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice. See also: Deuteronomy 28:63; Isaiah 61:10; Psalms 19:6.
שֵׁ֥בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
בְּנִ֖/י bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מֹאֶ֥סֶת mâʼaç H3988 "to reject" V-Qal
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
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.
עֵֽץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 21:10 it 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.
2 Jeremiah 17:27 But if you do not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in its gates to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.’”
3 Ezekiel 21:22 In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall.
4 Ezekiel 15:7 And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD.
5 Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me.
6 Ezekiel 21:28 Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning—
7 Ezekiel 20:47 Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.
8 Ezekiel 21:7 And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.”
9 2 Samuel 17:10 Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.

Ezekiel 21:15 Summary

[Ezekiel 21:15 tells us that God is going to allow a sword to come against His people as a form of judgment, which will cause their hearts to melt and many to stumble. This is a serious warning that sin has consequences, as seen in verses like Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is death. God's judgment is not just punitive, but also a call to repentance, as seen in verses like Matthew 4:17, where Jesus calls people to repent. As we reflect on this verse, let us consider the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for hearts to 'melt' in Ezekiel 21:15?

In this context, 'hearts melting' refers to people becoming weak and fearful in the face of judgment, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 13:7 and Ezekiel 7:17, where fear and trembling are associated with God's judgment.

Why does God appoint a sword for slaughter at all the gates?

God appoints a sword for slaughter at all the gates as a means of judgment, emphasizing the thoroughness and inevitability of His judgment, much like in Deuteronomy 28:52 where God warns of siege and judgment.

What does the image of the sword flashing like lightning signify?

The sword flashing like lightning signifies the swift and powerful nature of God's judgment, much like the imagery used in Ezekiel 1:14, where the cherubim move with the speed of lightning, indicating the rapid execution of God's will.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse displays God's holiness and justice, as He executes judgment on those who have rebelled against Him, consistent with other scriptures like Psalm 119:75, where God's judgments are righteous and just.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the ways in which God's judgment can cause our hearts to 'melt' and how can we prepare ourselves for His judgment?
  2. How does the image of a sword at every gate make you think about the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance?
  3. In what ways can we see God's judgment as an act of love, as seen in Ezekiel 21:15, and how does this impact our understanding of His character?
  4. What are some areas in your life where you may be 'stumbling' due to a lack of awareness of God's judgment, and how can you seek God's guidance to correct these areas?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:15

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates,.... The word rendered "point" is nowhere else used, and is differently translated: by some the "fear" of the sword (z), as Menachem and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:15

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:15

The Lord hath gathered them together round about Jerusalem, with their swords sharpened and drawn at every gate to slay whosoever attempt to come out, or to slay all they meet with when they take the city. All their gates; both of meaner cities, of their palaces, and private houses. That their heart may faint; as what heart can be thought able to retain its courage, when beset with death by an enemy’ s sword, which killeth all that come out, and entereth to kill all that stay within? Multiplied; for number made many, for nature made very great. Made bright; prepared, brightened, and sharpened. Wrapped up; and hath been carefully kept in the scabbard, that it might keep its edge, and not be blunted.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:15

Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that [their] heart may faint, and [their] ruins be multiplied: ah! [it is] made bright, [it is] wrapped up for the slaughter.Ver. 15. Ah! it is made bright.] By this doleful exclamation the prophet venteth himself tanquam coram deformitatem cladis cerneret, as if he had seen the execution. Oecolamp.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:15

(15) The point.—The Hebrew word occurs only here. The marginal rendering comes nearer its sense, but the exact meaning is the glance or the whirl of the sword. The glancing or the whirling motion of the sword was to be everywhere, “against all their gates.” Their ruins be multiplied.—Literally, their stumbling blocks be multiplied. The thought is that in the coming desolation trouble shall be on every side and, in their perplexity, occasions for ill-advised action shall arise all around. “Bright” means “glittering.” (Comp. Deuteronomy 32:41; Job 20:25; Nahum 3:3.) It is wrapped.—The margin has sharpened, but the exact sense is drawn, “drawn out for the slaughter.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:15

Verse 15. Wrapped up] It is not a blunt sword, it is carefully sharpened and preserved for the slaughter.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:15

15. the point of the sword] Or, the glitter, lit. whirl or swing. Others by changing a letter would read “slaughter,” which Frd. Del. (Baer, Ezek.) by comparison of Assyr. considers the word to mean as it stands. ruins be multiplied] Or, stumbling-blocks, Jeremiah 6:21. Or, by a slight change in pointing: those overthrown may be multiplied; Jeremiah 18:23; cf. Jeremiah 46:16. wrapt up] sharpened, as marg.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:15

15. Point — The word has been supposed to mean “threatening,” “terror,” “shouting,” “waving.” Glitter — It literally means whirl. “Almost exactly the same word in Assyrian means slaughter.” — W.A.I., 2:23, 9.

Sermons on Ezekiel 21:15

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou
Gwyn Davies A Light in the Land (Christianity in Wales 200-2000) by Gwyn Davies In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the history of Christianity in Wales, acknowledging both the blessings and challenges that have been faced. He mentions the presence of disa
Stephen Kaung The Tabernacle #1 - Outer Court by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of purification and service in the believer's life. He explains that the water mentioned in 1 John 5 represents the life of Jesu
C.H. Spurgeon Let Us Not Forget the Substitute by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound significance of Christ as our Substitute, who bore the weight of sin and divine wrath on behalf of humanity. He vividly describes the agony of
Julian of Norwich A Part of His Passion by Julian of Norwich Julian of Norwich describes a vivid vision of Christ's Passion, focusing on the gradual changes in His appearance as He suffered on the cross. She details the transformation of His
C.H. Spurgeon I Am Poured Out Like Water, and All My Bones Are Out of Joint by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound suffering of Jesus, describing Him as feeling weak and dislocated, burdened by the weight of the cross and the wrath of God. He emphasizes th
Andrew Bonar Letter: Craignure, Isle of Mull, 18th August 1882. by Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar emphasizes the profound weakness of Christ on the Cross, as expressed in Psalm 22, and encourages believers to find strength in Jehovah during their own moments of wea
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