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Ezekiel 20:33

Ezekiel 20:33 in Multiple Translations

As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will rule over you.

¶ As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be king over you.

By my life, says the Lord, truly, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with burning wrath let loose, I will be King over you:

As I live, declares the Lord God, I will rule you with all my strength and power, and in my anger.

As I liue, saith the Lord God, I will surely rule you with a mightie hand, and with a stretched out arme, and in my wrath powred out,

I live — an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, Do not I, with a strong hand, And with a stretched-out arm, And with fury poured out — rule over you?

As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, I will be king over you.

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with an out-stretched arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

As I live, saith the Lord God, I will reign over you with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

I, Yahweh your Lord, say that as surely as I am alive, I will use my great power [DOU, MTY] to rule over you, and show that I am angry with you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:33

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 20:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB חַי אָ֕נִי נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֣/י יְהוִ֑ה אִם לֹ֠א בְּ/יָ֨ד חֲזָקָ֜ה וּ/בִ/זְר֧וֹעַ נְטוּיָ֛ה וּ/בְ/חֵמָ֥ה שְׁפוּכָ֖ה אֶמְל֥וֹךְ עֲלֵי/כֶֽם
חַי chay H2416 alive Adj
אָ֕נִי ʼănîy H589 I Pron
נְאֻ֖ם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֠א lôʼ H3808 not Part
בְּ/יָ֨ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
חֲזָקָ֜ה châzâq H2389 strong Adj
וּ/בִ/זְר֧וֹעַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm Conj | Prep | N-cs
נְטוּיָ֛ה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal-Inf-c
וּ/בְ/חֵמָ֥ה chêmâh H2534 rage Conj | Prep | N-fs
שְׁפוּכָ֖ה shâphak H8210 to pour V-Qal-Inf-c
אֶמְל֥וֹךְ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עֲלֵי/כֶֽם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:33

חַי chay H2416 "alive" Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אָ֕נִי ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
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.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֠א 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.
בְּ/יָ֨ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
חֲזָקָ֜ה châzâq H2389 "strong" Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
וּ/בִ/זְר֧וֹעַ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" Conj | Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
נְטוּיָ֛ה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal-Inf-c
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
וּ/בְ/חֵמָ֥ה chêmâh H2534 "rage" Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
שְׁפוּכָ֖ה shâphak H8210 "to pour" V-Qal-Inf-c
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
אֶמְל֥וֹךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
עֲלֵי/כֶֽם 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.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 21:5 And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath.
2 Ezekiel 8:18 Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”
3 Jeremiah 44:6 Therefore My wrath and anger poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so that they have become the desolate ruin they are today.
4 Jeremiah 42:18 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and wrath were poured out on the residents of Jerusalem, so will My wrath be poured out on you if you go to Egypt. You will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and disgrace, and you will never see this place again.’
5 Lamentations 2:4 He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion.
6 Daniel 9:11–12 All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 20:33 Summary

This verse means that God is promising to be in charge of His people, using His great power and strength to guide and direct them, even when they try to go their own way. He wants to help them and take care of them, but He will not let them follow their own desires if it will hurt them. This is similar to how a good parent takes care of their children, as seen in Psalm 103:13, and it is a demonstration of God's love for His people, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3. By surrendering to God's rule, we can experience His love and care in our lives, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to rule over us with a strong hand and outstretched arm?

This phrase, also found in Exodus 6:6 and Deuteronomy 4:34, signifies God's powerful and redeeming action on behalf of His people, demonstrating His mighty deliverance and care for them.

Is God's wrath a contradiction to His love?

No, God's wrath is a natural response to sin, as seen in Romans 1:18, and it is a demonstration of His holy character, while His love, as expressed in John 3:16, is a demonstration of His desire to redeem and restore humanity to Himself.

How does this verse relate to the Israelites' desire to be like other nations?

This verse is a response to the Israelites' desire to be like other nations, serving wood and stone, as stated in Ezekiel 20:32, and it emphasizes God's sovereignty and determination to rule over them, rather than allowing them to follow their own desires.

What is the significance of God declaring 'As surely as I live'?

This phrase, also found in Ezekiel 20:31, is an oath that emphasizes the certainty and reliability of God's promise, underscoring the importance and gravity of His declaration, as seen in Numbers 14:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of God's strong hand and outstretched arm comfort or challenge you in your current circumstances?
  2. In what ways do you see God's wrath and love intersecting in your life or in the world around you?
  3. What are some areas in your life where you may be trying to be like the world, rather than following God's unique plan for you?
  4. How can you surrender to God's rule in your life, acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:33

As I live, saith the Lord God,.... The form of an oath; the Lord swears by his own life, used more than once before; it supposes something of moment, and the certain performance of it: surely with a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:33

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand ... will I rule over you.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:33

As I live: see . A mighty hand; so mighty, that you shall never wrest yourselves out of it: you think to revolt, and get out of my hand, but you shall hereby discover your own folly, malice, and weakness. A stretched out arm, which reacheth every where, whence you can never flee, which shall be most visible. With fury; in hot, but just indignation. Poured out; as an inundation from a mighty river, or like a violent storm poured from the clouds, or as a full vessel emptied all at once. Rule over you; retain my right over you, and exercise it on you, us on combined rebels, since you will refuse my rule, as over-loyal subjects. If you will not be my free subjects, you shall be lettered slaves; the chains of affliction, the restraints of providence crossing you, the execution of my menaces, shall be too sharp and thick a hedge for you to break through; I will make every place where you are a prison for strength to confine you, and I will make it a prison for the sorrows and hardships you shall there endure, and all this in my fury.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:33

Ezekiel 20:33 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:Ver. 33. Surely with a mighty hand.] You are ready to say, as in Jeremiah 2:31, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee; but I shall sure subdue you as so many perverse slaves or sturdy rebels. So unhappy is apostasy; so little is got by struggling, or by starting aside like a deceitful bow. God will rule over such with rigour; he will have the better of them to their small comfort.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:33

(33) With a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm.—As the delineations of this whole passage are founded upon the exodus from Egypt (comp. Hosea 2:14-15), so this particular expression is the standing form in the Pentateuch for the series of mighty acts by which the Lord effected that deliverance (see Exodus 6:1; Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 7:19, &c). In Exodus 6:6 it is connected with “great judgments”; here and in the next verse, on the contrary, with “fury poured out.” Then the Almighty power was manifested for deliverance, but now it shall be for discipline; He “will rule over” and purify them with the same resistless energy which He formerly put forth to save them from their enemies.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:33

33. This resolution of the people to sink themselves among the heathen shall not stand; Jehovah will assert his sovereignty over them, amidst terrible manifestations of his power and anger. rule over you] be or, become king over you. The mighty hand (Exodus 13:9; Deuteronomy 5:15) and the stretched out arm (Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 7:19; Deuteronomy 11:2, &c.), were turned at the exodus against their enemies, here partly at least they are directed upon the disobedient people themselves (Ezekiel 20:35).

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:33

33. With a mighty hand… will I rule over you — Or, be king over you. The thought had come into their minds to forsake the worship of Jehovah; but this they could not do.

Sermons on Ezekiel 20:33

SermonDescription
Art Katz Span-12 Art's Testimony by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the evangelization of the Jewish people. He challenges the idea of following a formula or step-by-step approac
Art Katz Russ-02 израиль ицарст by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of morning, sadness, sorrow, and everlasting joy. He references Ezekiel chapter 20, verse 33, to emphasize that in the midst of cris
Art Katz Russ-03 будущего кризи by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of God's word and the role of the Son of Man in prophesying. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the power of God's
Denis Lyle Why Do the Jewish People Continue to Suffer? by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on the ongoing suffering of the Jewish people, attributing it to both the power of Satan, who hates the Jewish race for bringing the Savior into the world, and
John F. Walvoord Part 9: Amillennial Eschatology by John F. Walvoord John F. Walvoord delves into the influence of amillennialism on eschatology, highlighting the stark contrast it poses to premillennial eschatology. He discusses the diverse systems
Gareth Evans Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors
Andrew Strom Predictions - Housing Crash Depression by Andrew Strom In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of the American gospel and Jesus on other countries. He expresses concern about how American culture, including gangs and rap so

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