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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 21  › Ezekiel 21:28

Ezekiel 21:28

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Ezekiel 21:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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—

King James Version KJV

¶ And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

American Standard Version ASV

And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say thou, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you, son of man, say as a prophet, This is what the Lord has said about the children of Ammon and about their shame: Say, A sword, even a sword let loose, polished for death, to make it shining so that it may be like a flame:

Free Bible Version FBV

Prophesy, son of man, and announce that this is what the Lord God says about the Ammonites and their insults: A sword! A sword is ready for killing, polished to destroy, to flash like lightning,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And thou, sonne of man, prophecie, and say, Thus saith the Lord God to the children of Ammon, and to their blasphemie: say thou, I say, The sword, the sword is drawen foorth, and fourbished to the slaughter, to consume, because of the glittering:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And thou, son of man, prophesy, and thou hast said: Thus said the Lord Jehovah concerning the sons of Ammon, and concerning their reproach: and thou hast said: A sword, a sword, open for slaughter, Polished to the utmost for brightness!

World English Bible WEB

“You, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘The Lord GOD says this concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach: “A sword! A sword is drawn! It is polished for the slaughter, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach, and thou shalt say: sword, O sword, come out of the scabbard to kill, be furbished to destroy, and to glitter,

Translation for Translators T4T

“And, you human, prophesy and say this: 'This is what Yahweh the Lord says about the Ammon people-group, and about what they have said to insult Israel: “The King of Babylon says, ‘My soldiers have swords’ [APO]; they have pulled out those swords to slaughter many people. They have polished them in order to kill people, and to make those swords flash like lightning.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:28

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 21:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָיָ֨ה לָ/הֶ֤ם כ/קסום כִּ/קְסָם שָׁוְא֙ בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם שְׁבֻעֵ֥י שְׁבֻע֖וֹת לָ/הֶ֑ם וְ/הֽוּא מַזְכִּ֥יר עָוֺ֖ן לְ/הִתָּפֵֽשׂ
וְ/הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לָ/הֶ֤ם Prep | Suff
כ/קסום qâçam H7080 to divine Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כִּ/קְסָם qâçam H7080 to divine Prep | N-ms
שָׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 vanity N-ms
בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
שְׁבֻעֵ֥י shâbaʻ H7650 to swear N-fp
שְׁבֻע֖וֹת shᵉbûwʻâh H7621 oath N-fp
לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וְ/הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron
מַזְכִּ֥יר zâkar H2142 to remember V-Hiphil
עָוֺ֖ן ʻâvôn H5771 iniquity N-cs
לְ/הִתָּפֵֽשׂ tâphas H8610 to capture Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
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 21:28

וְ/הָיָ֨ה 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.
לָ/הֶ֤ם "" Prep | Suff
כ/קסום qâçam H7080 "to divine" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to use magic or divination to predict the future, like Balaam did. It's often associated with false prophets and forbidden practices. This concept appears in various books, including Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to practice divination, divine 1a) of diviners of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets of Israel 1c) prohibited
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination). See also: Deuteronomy 18:10; Ezekiel 13:9; Isaiah 3:2.
כִּ/קְסָם qâçam H7080 "to divine" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to use magic or divination to predict the future, like Balaam did. It's often associated with false prophets and forbidden practices. This concept appears in various books, including Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to practice divination, divine 1a) of diviners of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets of Israel 1c) prohibited
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: divine(-r, -ation), prudent, soothsayer, use (divination). See also: Deuteronomy 18:10; Ezekiel 13:9; Isaiah 3:2.
שָׁוְא֙ shâvᵉʼ H7723 "vanity" N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
בְּ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שְׁבֻעֵ֥י shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" N-fp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
שְׁבֻע֖וֹת shᵉbûwʻâh H7621 "oath" N-fp
This word means an oath or curse, like a promise or vow. In the Bible, it appears in Numbers 5:21 and Deuteronomy 29:12, referring to God's oath. The KJV translates it as 'oath' or 'curse'.
Definition: 1) oath, curse 1a) oath 1a1) attesting of innocence 1a2) curse 1b) oath (of Jehovah)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: curse, oath, [idiom] sworn. See also: Genesis 24:8; 2 Samuel 21:7; Psalms 105:9.
לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וְ/הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מַזְכִּ֥יר zâkar H2142 "to remember" V-Hiphil
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
עָוֺ֖ן ʻâvôn H5771 "iniquity" N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
לְ/הִתָּפֵֽשׂ tâphas H8610 "to capture" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 21:20 Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.
2 Ezekiel 21:9–10 “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— 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.
3 Zephaniah 2:8–10 “I have heard the reproach of Moab and the insults of the Ammonites, who have taunted My people and threatened their borders. Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.” This they shall have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts.
4 Jeremiah 12:12 Over all the barren heights in the wilderness the destroyers have come, for the sword of the LORD devours from one end of the earth to the other. No flesh has peace.
5 Jeremiah 49:1–5 Concerning the Ammonites, this is what the LORD says: “Has Israel no sons? Is he without heir? Why then has Milcom taken possession of Gad? Why have his people settled in their cities? Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites. It will become a heap of ruins, and its villages will be burned. Then Israel will drive out their dispossessors, says the LORD. Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed; cry out, O daughters of Rabbah! Put on sackcloth and mourn; run back and forth within your walls, for Milcom will go into exile together with his priests and officials. Why do you boast of your valleys— your valleys so fruitful, O faithless daughter? You trust in your riches and say, ‘Who can come against me?’ Behold, I am about to bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of Hosts, from all those around you. You will each be driven headlong, with no one to regather the fugitives.
6 Amos 1:13–15 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. So I will kindle a fire in the walls of Rabbah to consume its citadels amid war cries on the day of battle and a violent wind on the day of tempest. Their king will go into exile — he and his princes together,” says the LORD.
7 Ezekiel 25:2–7 “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them. Tell the Ammonites to hear the word of the Lord GOD, for this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you exclaimed, “Aha!” when My sanctuary was profaned, when the land of Israel was laid waste, and when the house of Judah went into exile, therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk. I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels, and Ammon a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stomped your feet and rejoiced over the land of Israel with a heart full of contempt, therefore I will indeed stretch out My hand against you and give you as plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples and exterminate you from the countries. I will destroy you, and you will know that I am the LORD.’

Ezekiel 21:28 Summary

[Ezekiel 21:28 is a warning from God to the Ammonites that He will bring judgment upon them for their contempt, which is a form of rebellion against Him. This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and will not tolerate sin, as seen in other verses like Romans 6:23 and Revelation 20:12-15. The sword that is 'drawn for slaughter' and 'polished to consume' represents the severity of God's judgment, which is also mentioned in Isaiah 34:5-6. We can learn from this verse by recognizing the importance of humility and reverence for God, as opposed to contempt, and by trusting in His sovereignty and justice, as stated in Psalm 9:8 and Proverbs 1:7.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the sword in Ezekiel 21:28?

The sword in Ezekiel 21:28 represents God's judgment and punishment on the Ammonites for their contempt, as seen in other verses like Jeremiah 25:31 and Isaiah 34:5-6.

Why is God speaking against the Ammonites in this verse?

God is speaking against the Ammonites because of their contempt, which is a form of rebellion against Him, as mentioned in Ezekiel 21:28, similar to other instances of rebellion in the Bible, such as Numbers 14:9 and 2 Chronicles 36:16.

What does it mean for the sword to be 'polished to consume'?

The sword being 'polished to consume' in Ezekiel 21:28 means that it is sharpened and ready to bring about destruction and judgment, much like the sharpened sword in Isaiah 49:2, which is used to execute God's judgment.

How does this verse relate to the larger context of Ezekiel?

This verse is part of a larger section in Ezekiel where God is pronouncing judgment on various nations, including the Ammonites, for their sins, as seen in Ezekiel 25:1-17 and Ezekiel 28:1-26, which serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as stated in Psalm 9:8 and Romans 2:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I show contempt for God, and how can I repent of those actions?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I see evil and injustice in the world?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility and reverence for God, as opposed to contempt?
  4. How can I apply the principle of Ezekiel 21:28 to my own life, recognizing that God is a God of justice and will ultimately bring about punishment for sin?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:28

And thou, son of man, prophesy, and say,.... Here begins a new prophecy, or rather an enlargement on part of the former; two ways being marked out for the sword of the Chaldeans to come in; the one

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:28

And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:28

In ,20 you had the mention of Rabbath, chief city of the Ammonites, in equal danger with Jerusalem; but while Jerusalem is threatened, Rabbath is no further minded, till now God directs the prophet to declare the ruin thereof. The Ammonites; a stout, but proud, injurious, and insulting people. Their reproach, wherewith they reproached Israel in the day of Israel’ s afflictions, as , and ,5,6, and blasphemed the God of Israel. The sword; all warlike preparations are made against you. The sword is drawn; the war is declared, and your enemy hath drawn the sword: see . For the slaughter; to make waste, by avenging former quarrels and affronts. The Babylonish king comes out with bloody mind against you, O Ammonites! You countenanced Ishmael, who slew Gedaliah, viceroy by Nebuchadnezzar’ s appointment, and you would have set Ishmael on the throne; this affront you shall satisfy for with your blood. Because of the glittering: see ,10.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:28

Ezekiel 21:28 And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword [is] drawn: for the slaughter [it is] furbished, to consume because of the glittering:Ver. 28. Concerning the Ammonites.] Who had likewise rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and were very injurious to God’ s people. See Ezekiel 25:3; Ezekiel 25:6 Zephaniah 2:8-9. “Tβριςκαι Mαγνμταςαπωλεσεκαι Kολοφωνα.”

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:28

(28) Concerning the Ammonites.—At the opening of this prophecy (Ezekiel 21:19-20) the king of Babylon was represented as hesitating whether to attack Jerusalem or Rabbah, and as being led to the determination of attacking the former. This would leave the inference that the Ammonites might escape altogether; and from the destruction of God’s peculiar people, along with the immunity of their ancient enemies, the heathen would be likely to draw conclusions inconsistent with the power and majesty of God. Hence this prophecy is added to show that His judgments shall certainly fall on them also, and in this case the ruin foretold is final and hopeless, without the promise given to Israel in Ezekiel 21:27. Another prophecy against Ammon is given in Ezekiel 25:1-7. As a matter of history, the Ammonites were conquered, and their country desolated, by Nebuchadnezzar a few years after the destruction of Jerusalem, and they gradually dwindled away until their name and place among the nations finally disappeared. Their reproach—i.e., their exultation in the desolation of Israel. (See Ezekiel 25:3; Zephaniah 2:8.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:28

Verse 28. Concerning the Ammonites] They had reproached and insulted Judea in its low estate, see Ezekiel 25:3; Ezekiel 25:6. This prophecy against them was fulfilled about five years after the taking of Jerusalem. See Joseph. Ant. lib. x. c. 11; and Jeremiah 27, Jeremiah 48, Jeremiah 49; Ezekiel 25.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:28

Appendix. 28–32. Threatening prophecy against Ammon The passage is obscure, but several things seem evident. 1. In spite of the similarities between the language of Eze 21:28 and that in Ezekiel 21:9-10, the sword here is that of Ammon. This is certain from the words Ezekiel 21:30 “return it to its sheath.” 2. It is against Israel, not against the Chaldeans, that the Ammonites furbish and draw their sword. This appears from the words “concerning Ammon, and concerning their reproach” Ezekiel 21:28. Deceived by false prophecies they cherish purposes of conquest outside their own borders, which shall be far from being realized; on the contrary they shall be assailed in their own home and there annihilated (Ezekiel 21:25, cf. Ezekiel 25:4). History does not enable us to follow the progress of events. It is possible that simultaneously with Judah all the neighbouring peoples threw off the yoke of Babylon, so that it might be doubtful which of them Nebuchadnezzar would attack first (Ezekiel 21:20-21), but that in the course of events Ammon, true to its instincts, assumed an attitude hostile to Judah (cf. 2 Kings 24:2). The date of the present passage is no doubt later than that of the rest of the chapter, and may owe some of its colour to events subsequent to the fall of Jerusalem. Cf. Ezekiel 25:1-7.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:28

28. The sword — This description of the sword which falls upon the Ammonites strikingly resembles that which fell upon Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:8-11). It is the same sword; it is the sword of the Lord!

Sermons on Ezekiel 21:28

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract
← Ezekiel 21:27 Ezekiel 21:29 →

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