Ezekiel 38:21
Ezekiel 38:21 in Multiple Translations
And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother.
And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
And I will call for a sword against him unto all my mountains, saith the Lord Jehovah: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
And I will send to all my mountains for a sword against him, says the Lord: every man's sword will be against his brother.
I will call for an attack on Gog from all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Everyone will attack his brother with sword.
For I will call for a sworde against him throughout all my mountaines, saith the Lord God: euery mans sword shalbe against his brother.
And I have called against him, to all My mountains a sword, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, The sword of each is against his brother.
I will call for a sword against him to all my mountains,” says the Lord GOD. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother.
And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.
And I will call in the sword against him in all my mountains, saith the Lord God: every man’s sword shall be pointed against his brother.
Gog, on all the mountains in the country that belongs to me I will cause your soldiers to fight against each other with their swords.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 38:21
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 38:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/קָרָ֨אתִי
עָלָ֤י/ו
לְ/כָל
הָרַ/י֙
חֶ֔רֶב
נְאֻ֖ם
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
חֶ֥רֶב
אִ֖ישׁ
בְּ/אָחִ֥י/ו
תִּֽהְיֶֽה
וְ/קָרָ֨אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
עָלָ֤י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָרַ/י֙
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp | Suff
חֶ֔רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בְּ/אָחִ֥י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
תִּֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 38:21
וְ/קָרָ֨אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
עָלָ֤י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
הָרַ/י֙
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp | Suff
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
חֶ֔רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
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.
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.
יְהוִ֑ה
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.
חֶ֥רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/אָחִ֥י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
תִּֽהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 38:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 38:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
- Sermons on Ezekiel 38:21
Context — A Prophecy against Gog
19In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
20The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that crawls upon the ground, and all mankind on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground.
21And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother.
22I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 23I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and I will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haggai 2:22 | I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overturn chariots and their riders; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother. |
| 2 | Judges 7:22 | And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 14:17 | Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast, |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 20:23 | The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:20 | Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. |
| 6 | Psalms 105:16 | He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food. |
Ezekiel 38:21 Summary
Ezekiel 38:21 is a verse about God's judgment on a leader named Gog, who opposes God and His people. God will bring confusion and conflict upon Gog and his armies, causing them to fight against each other, much like the time of confusion at the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and mercy, who will ultimately defeat all opposing forces, as seen in Revelation 20:7-10. As we trust in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will work all things out for our good, even in times of conflict and uncertainty, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to summon a sword against Gog on His mountains?
This refers to God's judgment against Gog, a leader who opposes Him, and it will occur on the mountains of Israel, which are considered God's holy land, as seen in Ezekiel 38:21 and supported by Deuteronomy 11:11-12, where God claims the land as His own.
Why does the verse say every man's sword will be against his brother?
This indicates a time of great confusion and conflict, where even allies will turn against each other, much like the confusion at the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, where God confused the language of the people, causing them to scatter.
Is this verse talking about a physical war or a spiritual one?
While Ezekiel 38:21 describes a physical battle, the underlying theme is spiritual, as God executes judgment against those who oppose Him, similar to the spiritual battle described in Ephesians 6:12, where believers fight against spiritual forces of evil.
How does this verse relate to the end times?
Ezekiel 38:21 is part of a larger prophecy about God's judgment on nations that oppose Israel, which is often seen as a precursor to end-time events, as described in Revelation 20:7-10, where God ultimately defeats all opposing forces.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty, as seen in Ezekiel 38:21?
- How can I apply the principle of God's judgment on those who oppose Him to my own life, recognizing that God is a God of justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 89:14?
- In what ways can I be a part of God's plan to reveal Himself to the nations, as mentioned in Ezekiel 38:23, and how can I share God's love with those around me?
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself for the spiritual battles that I face, using the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18, and trusting in God's power to overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:21
And I will call for a sword against him,.... That is, against Gog; or, as I would choose to render the words, "for I will call for a sword", so the particle is rendered, Ezekiel 38:19 and which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:21
And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. Every man's sword shall be against his brother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
Call; summon and awaken. A sword; my army, the people of Israel. Against him; Gog and his powers. Throughout all my mountains; from all parts of the land, called here mountains, because it was full of mountains.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
Ezekiel 38:21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’ s sword shall be against his brother.Ver. 21. And I will call for a sword.] Against Antiochus by the Maccabees; against the Turk and Pope by the Christian princes, Hunniades, Scanderbeg, Queen Elizabeth, the late and present kings of Sweden, the English and French forces in Flanders now before Gravelin, after Dunkirk and Bergen taken from the Spaniard. Certain it is, that ere long the beast and the false prophet shall be taken, and all the fowls of the heaven filled with the flesh of those kings and captains that fight against the gospel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
Verse 21. I will call for a sword against him] Meaning Judas Maccabeus, who defeated his army under Lysias, making a horrible carnage. - Martin. Cambyses had no wars in the mountains of Israel.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:21
21. every man’s sword] sign of a supernatural panic caused by Jehovah, Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20. LXX. has read first clause: I will summon against him all terrors (i.e. a panic).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:21
18-23. “In that day, when Gog shall come against the land” (Ezekiel 38:18, R.V.), Jehovah’s fury shall come into his “nostrils” (Psalms 18:8).
Sermons on Ezekiel 38:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The King of the North by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches about the prophetic significance of the great world conflict predicted in the Scriptures, involving a revived Roman Empire, a ten-nation confederacy, and |
|
(Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |
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Against All Odds by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl |
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Hebrews 11:33-34 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. He emphasizes the battle that God has in our lives of bringing us to a place of obedience and building an |
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Removing the Stumbling Blocks by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of removing stumbling blocks from our hearts and from the church. He warns that if we do not heed God's call to be honest and |
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Our Man in Egypt by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible and draws practical lessons from his life. Joseph was pampered by his father and separated from his brothe |