Ezekiel 21:3

Ezekiel 21:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.

King James Version KJV

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

American Standard Version ASV

and say to the land of Israel, Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And say to the land of Israel, These are the words of the Lord: See, I am against you, and I will take my sword out of its cover, cutting off from you the upright and the evil.

Free Bible Version FBV

and tell them that this is what the Lord says: Watch out, because I'm going to attack you! I'm going to take out my sword and destroy you, both the good and the bad.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the Lord, Beholde, I come against thee, and will drawe my sword out of his sheath, and cut off from thee both the righteous and the wicked.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast said unto the ground of Israel: Thus said Jehovah: Lo, I [am] against thee, And have brought out My sword from its scabbard, And have cut off from thee righteous and wicked.

World English Bible WEB

Tell the land of Israel, ‘The LORD says: “Behold, I am against you, and will draw my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And say to the land of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I come against thee, and I will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off in thee the just, and the wicked.

Translation for Translators T4T

Say to them, ‘This is what Yahweh says: I am opposed to you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:3

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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אָֽמַרְתָּ֙ לְ/יַ֣עַר הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב שְׁמַ֖ע דְּבַר יְהוָ֑ה כֹּֽה אָמַ֣ר אֲדֹנָ֣/י יְהוִ֡ה הִנְ/נִ֣י מַֽצִּית בְּ/ךָ֣ אֵ֡שׁ וְ/אָכְלָ֣ה בְ/ךָ֣ כָל עֵֽץ לַח֩ וְ/כָל עֵ֨ץ יָבֵ֤שׁ לֹֽא תִכְבֶּה֙ לַהֶ֣בֶת שַׁלְהֶ֔בֶת וְ/נִצְרְבוּ בָ֥/הּ כָּל פָּנִ֖ים מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב צָפֽוֹנָ/ה

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

לְ/יַ֣עַר yaʻar H3293 Jaar Prep | N-ms

הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Art | N-ms

שְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms

דְּבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִ֡ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

הִנְ/נִ֣י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

מַֽצִּית yâtsath H3341 to kindle V-Hiphil

בְּ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff

אֵ֡שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs

וְ/אָכְלָ֣ה ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-3fs

בְ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֵֽץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

לַח֩ lach H3892 fresh Adj

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

עֵ֨ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

יָבֵ֤שׁ yâbêsh H3002 dry Adj

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִכְבֶּה֙ kâbâh H3518 to quench V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

לַהֶ֣בֶת lehâbâh H3852 flame N-fs

שַׁלְהֶ֔בֶת shalhebeth H7957 flame N-fs

וְ/נִצְרְבוּ tsârab H6866 to burn Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

בָ֥/הּ Prep | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

פָּנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp

מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Prep | N-ms

צָפֽוֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:3

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

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.

לְ/יַ֣עַר yaʻar H3293 "Jaar" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.

Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.

הַ/נֶּ֔גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Art | N-ms

The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.

Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country

Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.

שְׁמַ֖ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

דְּבַר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/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.

יְהוִ֡ה 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.

הִנְ/נִ֣י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

מַֽצִּית yâtsath H3341 "to kindle" V-Hiphil

To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.

Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.

בְּ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff

אֵ֡שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" N-cs

Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.

Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.

וְ/אָכְלָ֣ה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-3fs

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

בְ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff

כָל 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.

לַח֩ lach H3892 "fresh" Adj

In the Bible, this word means fresh or moist, often describing plants or objects that are new or unused. It appears in Exodus and other books to describe the natural world. It signifies something that is not dried up or worn out.

Definition: 1) moist, fresh, new 1a) moist, fresh (of plants) 1b) new (of cords, sinews)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: green, moist. See also: Genesis 30:37; Judges 16:8; Ezekiel 21:3.

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)

עֵ֨ץ 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.

יָבֵ֤שׁ yâbêsh H3002 "dry" Adj

Means dry, describing something that is no longer wet or moist, like dry ground. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or thing that is free from water. This word appears in various books, including Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) dry 2) dried

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: dried (away), dry. See also: Numbers 6:3; Ezekiel 17:24; Isaiah 56:3.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִכְבֶּה֙ kâbâh H3518 "to quench" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

To quench means to put out or extinguish something, like a fire or a flame, as seen in Ezekiel 20:47 where God warns of a fire that will not be quenched. It can also refer to satisfying a desire or need.

Definition: 1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished 1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished 1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: go (put) out, quench. See also: Leviticus 6:5; Isaiah 34:10; Proverbs 26:20.

לַהֶ֣בֶת lehâbâh H3852 "flame" N-fs

This word refers to a flame or the tip of a weapon, like the head of a spear. It describes something sharp or pointed, often used in battle.

Definition: 1) flame 2) tip of weapon, point, head of spear

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: flame(-ming), head (of a spear). See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 29:7.

שַׁלְהֶ֔בֶת shalhebeth H7957 "flame" N-fs

This word describes a flame of fire, like a burning blaze. It is used in the Bible to describe a fiery flame, often associated with God's presence or judgment.

Definition: flame

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (flaming) flame. See also: Job 15:30; Song of Solomon 8:6; Ezekiel 21:3.

וְ/נִצְרְבוּ tsârab H6866 "to burn" Conj | V-Niphal-3cp

To burn means to scorch or set on fire, used in the Bible to describe destruction or purification, like in the book of Numbers. It can also mean to be scorched or burned.

Definition: 1) to burn, scorch 1a) (Niphal) to be scorched

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: burn. See also: Ezekiel 21:3.

בָ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff

כָּל 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)

פָּנִ֖ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Prep | N-ms

The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.

Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country

Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.

צָפֽוֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" N-fs | Suff

This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.

Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)

Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 21:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:3
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:3

Context — God’s Sword of Judgment

1And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel

3and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.

4Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north. 5Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Job 9:22	It is all the same, and so I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’
2	Jeremiah 21:13	Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley, atop the rocky plateau— declares the LORD— you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our dwellings?”
3	Ezekiel 5:8	Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations.
4	Nahum 3:5	“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show your nakedness to the nations and your shame to the kingdoms.
5	Nahum 2:13	“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts. “I will send your chariots up in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”
6	Jeremiah 51:25	“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain.
7	Ezekiel 26:3	therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, O Tyre, I am against you, and I will raise up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.
8	Leviticus 26:25	And I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
9	Jeremiah 51:20	“You are My war club, My weapon for battle. With you I shatter nations; with you I bring kingdoms to ruin.
10	Exodus 15:9	The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’

Ezekiel 21:3 Summary

[God is saying that He is against Jerusalem because of its sin, and He will bring judgment upon it, just like He says in Jeremiah 18:10 that if a nation sins against Him, He will withdraw His promise of peace and instead bring disaster upon it. This verse reminds us that God is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin. He will purify and refine His people, but He will also judge those who refuse to repent and turn to Him, as seen in 2 Peter 3:10 where it says the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and the heavens will pass away with a roar.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God say He is against Jerusalem in Ezekiel 21:3?

God is against Jerusalem because of its sin and rebellion against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 21:2 where He instructs Ezekiel to preach against the sanctuaries and prophesy against the land of Israel, similar to Isaiah 1:4 where God expresses His displeasure with the people's sinful ways.

What does it mean for God to draw His sword from its sheath?

When God draws His sword from its sheath, it symbolizes His judgment and wrath, as seen in Ezekiel 21:5 where He says His sword will not return to its sheath again, similar to the concept of God's sword in Revelation 19:15 where Jesus wields a sharp sword to strike down the nations.

Why will God cut off both the righteous and the wicked in Ezekiel 21:3?

God will cut off both the righteous and the wicked because His judgment is not just about punishing the wicked, but also about purifying and refining the righteous, as seen in Malachi 3:3 where God refines His people like silver and gold, and in 1 Peter 4:17-18 where believers are reminded that judgment begins with the household of God.

Is God being unfair by cutting off the righteous with the wicked?

No, God is not being unfair, because even the righteous are not perfect and still sin, as seen in Romans 3:23 where it says all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, and in Ezekiel 21:4 where God says He will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that no one is exempt from His judgment.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the concept of God's judgment to my own life, recognizing that I am not perfect and still sin?
What are some ways I can prepare myself for God's refining fire, which will purify and refine me like silver and gold?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I don't understand why He allows certain things to happen?
What does it mean for me to 'know' God, as mentioned in Ezekiel 21:5, and how can I deepen my relationship with Him?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:3

And say to the land of Israel,.... The inhabitants of it, signified by the "forest of the south field", Ezekiel 20:47: thus saith the Lord, behold, I am against thee; and sad it is to have the Lord

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:3

And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3

Publish it to all the people of the land, if any will consider it; it is not the severe and morose conjecture of a disturbed and injured man, let them know God the Lord speaks it. Weigh this, I say it is of great importance. You think yourselves more righteous than those that come against you, that they are heathen, you my peculiar people, that my temple is with you, and that I will be on your side; but be not deceived, for I am, and I will be, against you. Will draw forth as an enemy resolved to slay, my sword, the Chaldean army under captains that are skilful to destroy, out of his sheath; I will bring them out of their land, where they are now quiet and at rest. This army shall not vanish, but effect what it is raised for, it shall make a general havoc. Will cut off, or take away out of the midst of thee, partly by the sword, and partly by captivity, or by famine. The righteous; some say here is meant such as seemed to be, but were not, just; but it is no unusual thing that in outward troubles and public calamities those who are indeed righteous should be involved with others, nor does this contradict any places which seem to promise a security to them; they may be chastised, but shall not be condemned. And the wicked; profane, ungodly, and vicious ones, who shall be cut off with double destruction.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3

Ezekiel 21:3 And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I [am] against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked.Ver. 3. Behold, I am against thee.] That is misery enough, for all the creatures are soon against such; as a nobleman’ s servants draw their swords when their lord once draweth. And will cut off from thee the righteous.] Who are sometimes wrapped up with the wicked in a common calamity. The husbandman cutteth down his corn and weeds together, but for a different end and purpose. If the righteous also be judged of the Lord, it is that they may not be condemned with the world.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3

(3, 4) The righteous and the wicked.—This explains the green tree and the dry of Eze 20:47; and “all flesh” of Ezekiel 21:4-5, corresponds to “all faces” of the same. These expressions are meant to show the universality of the approaching desolation. The actual separation in God’s sight between the righteous and the wicked has already been plainly set forth in 9:4-6. But still in this, as in all national judgments, the innocent must of necessity be involved in the same temporal sufferings with the guilty. The general terms of this prophecy are to be limited by what is elsewhere said of the mercy which shall be shown to a remnant.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3

Verse 3. Behold, I am against thee] Dismal news! When God is against us, who can be for us? And will draw forth my sword] War. And will cut off from thee] The land of Judea. The righteous and the wicked.] All shall be removed from thee. Some shall be cut off-removed by the sword; shall be slain in battle, or by the pestilence; and some shall be cut off - die by the famine; and some shall be cut off - removed from the land by captivity. Now, among the two latter classes there might be many righteous as well as wicked. And when all the provisions were consumed, so that there was no more bread in the city, during the siege by Nebuchadnezzar, the righteous must have suffered as well as the wicked; for they could not be preserved alive, but by miracle, when there was no bread; nor was their perishing for want any loss to them, because the Lord would take them straight to his glory. And however men in general are unwilling to die, yet there is no instance, nor can there be, of any man's complaint that he got to heaven too soon. Again, if God had permitted none to be carried off captive but the wicked, the case of these would be utterly hopeless, as there would be none to set a good example, to preach repentance, to reprove sin, or to show God's willingness to forgive sinners. But God, in his mercy, permitted many of the righteous to be carried off also, that the wicked might not be totally abandoned, or put beyond the reach of being saved. Hence, both Ezekiel and Daniel, and indeed several others, prophets and righteous men, were thus cut off from the land, and carried into captivity. And how much was God's glory and the good of men promoted by this! What a seed of salvation was sown, even in the heathen countries, by thus cutting off the righteous with the wicked! To this we owe, under God, many of the Psalms, the whole of the Book of Ezekiel, all the prophecies of Daniel, the bright example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, the decrees passed in favour of the religion of the true God by Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Darius, &c. And to this dispensation of God's merciful providence we owe the Books and example of Ezra and Nehemiah. Where then is the injustice, so loudly declaimed against, of God's thus cutting off from the land of Judea the righteous with the wicked? The righteous were not cut off for the crimes of the wicked, (see Ezekiel 18:20, &c.,) nor were these crimes visited upon them, yet several of them shared in the common calamity, but none perished. Those that were removed by a violent death, (and I believe we shall find few such,) got a speedier entrance into eternal glory.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:3

Ezekiel 21:1-5. These verses, though still figurative, are plainer than the preceding, of which they furnish the explanation. The sword of the Lord is drawn finally from its sheath, to which it shall not return (Ezekiel 21:5); it is drawn against Jerusalem and its sanctuaries (Ezekiel 21:2); it shall slay indiscriminately righteous and wicked (Ezekiel 21:3, cf. Ezekiel 20:47), and all flesh shall know that it is the sword of the Lord, and that it is his hand that wields it (Ezekiel 21:5).—Even to-day the study of Israel’s history occupies men, and its lessons are not yet exhausted.

Sermons on Ezekiel 21:3

	Sermon	Description
	Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson	The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
	Mid South Conference 1981-12 Ezekiel 34: by Lew Clarkson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of giving while still alive. He shares a personal story of a trip to Las Vegas and witnessing
	Epistle 236 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of li
	Ezekiel 26:3 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 26:3, emphasizing the prophecy against Tyre and its eventual downfall at the hands of multiple nations, starting with Nebuchadnezz
	Ezekiel 26 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the prophecy of the destruction of Tyre as foretold by Ezekiel, emphasizing the involvement of multiple nations and the eventual siege by Nebuchadnezzar. He h
	The Quarrel of God's Covenant by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a young calf being released into a field to describe the joy and healing that God promises to those who fear His name. He emphasize
	(Saved Through the Fire) 13 - God's True Message by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of the day of the Lord, where God will judge and punish all nations based on their actions. He warns that whatever one gives out