Ezekiel 7:15
Ezekiel 7:15 in Multiple Translations
The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.
The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
Outside is the sword, and inside disease and need of food: he who is in the open country will be put to the sword; he who is in the town will come to his end through need of food and disease.
Outside the city are armed attacks; inside are disease and starvation. Those in the countryside will be killed by the sword, and those in the city will be destroyed by starvation and disease.
The sword is without, and the pestilence, and the famine within: he that is in the field, shall dye with the sword, and he that is in the citie, famine and pestilence shall deuoure him.
The sword [is] without, And the pestilence and the famine within, He who is in a field by sword dieth, And he who is in a city, Famine and pestilence devour him.
“‘The sword is outside, and the pestilence and the famine within. He who is in the field will die by the sword. He who is in the city will be devoured by famine and pestilence.
The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
The sword without: and the pestilence, and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die by the sword: and they that are in the city, shall be devoured by the pestilence, and the famine.
When those things happen, your enemies will be outsidethe city with their swords, and there will be plagues and famines insidethe city. Thosewho flee from the city into the countryside will be killed bytheir enemies’ swords, and those who stay in the city will die from famines and plagues.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 7:15
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 7:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/חֶ֣רֶב
בַּ/ח֔וּץ
וְ/הַ/דֶּ֥בֶר
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
מִ/בָּ֑יִת
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
בַּ/שָּׂדֶה֙
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
יָמ֔וּת
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בָּ/עִ֔יר
רָעָ֥ב
וָ/דֶ֖בֶר
יֹאכֲלֶֽ/נּוּ
הַ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Art | N-fs
בַּ/ח֔וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הַ/דֶּ֥בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Conj | Art | N-ms
מִ/בָּ֑יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
יָמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
רָעָ֥ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
N-ms
וָ/דֶ֖בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Conj | N-ms
יֹאכֲלֶֽ/נּוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 7:15
הַ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Art | 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.
בַּ/ח֔וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וְ/הַ/דֶּ֥בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
וְ/הָ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Conj | Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
מִ/בָּ֑יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | 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.
יָמ֔וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
רָעָ֥ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
וָ/דֶ֖בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Conj | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
יֹאכֲלֶֽ/נּוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 7:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 7:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
- Sermons on Ezekiel 7:15
Context — The Desolation of Israel
13The seller will surely not recover what he sold while both remain alive. For the vision concerning the whole multitude will not be revoked, and because of their iniquity, not one of them will preserve his life.
14They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but no one goes to war, for My wrath is upon the whole multitude.
15The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.
16The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity. 17Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 14:18 | If I go out to the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I enter the city, I see those ravaged by famine! For both prophet and priest travel to a land they do not know.’” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 5:12 | A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. |
| 3 | Lamentations 1:20 | See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am churning within; my heart is pounding within me, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is death. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 15:2–3 | If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 6:12 | He who is far off will die by the plague, he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains will die by famine. So I will vent My fury upon them. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 32:23–25 | I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them. They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust. Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. |
Ezekiel 7:15 Summary
Ezekiel 7:15 describes a situation where the people are surrounded by danger and destruction, with the sword outside and plague and famine within. This verse is a reminder that God's judgment is real and that sin has serious consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:21-22. However, it also points us to the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, as encouraged in Psalm 103:8-10, and reminds us that our only hope is in Him. By recognizing the severity of God's judgment, we can be motivated to turn to Him and seek salvation through Jesus Christ, as presented in Acts 4:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the sword, plague, and famine in Ezekiel 7:15?
The sword, plague, and famine represent God's judgment on the people for their iniquity, as seen in Ezekiel 7:15, and is reminiscent of the covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28:21-22, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.
Why does the verse distinguish between those in the country and those in the city?
The distinction highlights that no one will be spared from God's judgment, regardless of their location, as both the country and the city will experience different forms of devastation, as stated in Ezekiel 7:15, and this is consistent with the principle that God's judgment is not limited by geography, as seen in Jeremiah 25:29.
Is this verse only applicable to the historical context of Ezekiel's time?
While Ezekiel 7:15 was addressed to the people of Israel in Ezekiel's time, its principles of God's judgment on sin and the consequences of disobedience are timeless and can be applied to any generation, as supported by verses like Romans 6:23, which reminds us that the wages of sin is death.
How can we apply the warning of Ezekiel 7:15 to our own lives?
We can apply this warning by recognizing the severity of God's judgment on sin and the importance of repentance, as encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and by seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God, as exhorted in Colossians 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can examine my own heart and life to ensure that I am not harboring any iniquity that could lead to God's judgment?
- How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in verses like Psalm 103:8-10?
- What are some practical steps that I can take to prepare myself and my loved ones for the spiritual battles that we may face, in light of the warning in Ezekiel 7:15?
- In what ways can I be a source of hope and comfort to those around me who may be experiencing the consequences of sin, as described in Ezekiel 7:15?
- How can I use the warning of Ezekiel 7:15 to share the Gospel with others and encourage them to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, as presented in Acts 4:12?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:15
The sword [is] without,.... Without the city, where the enemy was besieging; so that those that went without, in order to make their escapes fell into their hands: and the pestilence and the famine
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:15
The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
Without; in the countries. Within; in the besieged city. With the sword of the Chaldean soldier. Shall devour him; shall eat him up; you, O Jews! shall be food for unsatiable pestilence and famine. Heavy tidings to sinful Jerusalem!
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
Ezekiel 7:15 The sword [is] without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that [is] in the field shall die with the sword; and he that [is] in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.Ver. 15. The sword is without, and the pestilence, &c.] No safety can be to such as are pursued by the divine vengeance, called therefore by the Greeks Aδραστεια, because there is no outrunning of it. Of these three judgments (seldom separated) see Ezekiel 42:1-20; Ezekiel 3:1-27; Ezekiel 16:1-63; Ezekiel 17:1-24 Hξει Dωριακοςπολεμοςκαιλιμος επαυτω. Aδραστεια, οτιουκαντιςαυτηναποδρασαιτο. or λοιμος
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
Verse 15. The sword is without] War through all the country, and pestilence and famine within the city, shall destroy the whole, except a small remnant. He who endeavours to flee from the one shall fall by the other.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:15
15. Comp. Lamentations 1:20.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:15
15. Compare Ezekiel 5:12; Ezekiel 6:12; Leviticus 26:25.
Sermons on Ezekiel 7:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum | Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert |