Ezekiel 21:13
Ezekiel 21:13 in Multiple Translations
Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD.
Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD.
For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that contemneth shall be no more? saith the Lord Jehovah.
...
They will be tested. What if the scepter that despises others doesn't continue? declares the Lord God.
For it is a triall, and what shall this be, if the sworde contemne euen the rodde? It shall be no more, saith the Lord God.
Because [it is] a trier, And what if even the sceptre it is despising? It shall not be, an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.
“For there is a trial. What if even the rod that condemns will be no more?” says the Lord GOD.
Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemneth even the rod? it shall be no more , saith the Lord GOD.
Because it is tried: and that when it shall overthrow the sceptre, and it shall not be, saith the Lord God.
I am about to test my people, and the kings [MTY] of Judah will not escape being punished. That is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:13
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 21:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֥י
דְבַר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֵלַ֥/י
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דְבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:13
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
דְבַר
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:13
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
11The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer.
12Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.
13Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD.
14‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side! 15So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:10 | it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 8:2 | In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 21:25 | And you, O profane and wicked prince of Israel, the day has come for your final punishment.’ |
| 4 | Job 9:23 | When the scourge brings sudden death, He mocks the despair of the innocent. |
Ezekiel 21:13 Summary
Ezekiel 21:13 is a warning from God that a time of testing is coming, and even those in positions of power and authority will not be exempt from it. The 'scepter' represents leadership and authority, but even this will not be able to withstand the judgment of God, as seen in Ezekiel 21:11-12. This verse reminds us that God is in control, and His will cannot be resisted, as declared in Psalm 103:19. We can trust in His sovereignty, even in uncertain times, and surrender to His refining work in our lives, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'scepter' represent in Ezekiel 21:13?
The 'scepter' likely represents the ruling authority or leadership of Israel, which is being threatened by the sword, symbolizing judgment and destruction, as seen in Ezekiel 21:11-12 and Isaiah 9:4.
Why does the sword 'despise' the scepter?
The sword despises the scepter because it is a symbol of God's judgment, which will not be swayed or deterred by human authority or leadership, as declared by the Lord GOD in Ezekiel 21:13 and echoed in Romans 13:1-4.
What is the purpose of the 'testing' mentioned in Ezekiel 21:13?
The testing mentioned in Ezekiel 21:13 is a time of refinement and purification, where God's people will be tried and refined, as seen in Isaiah 48:10 and Malachi 3:3, to separate the faithful from the unfaithful.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including human rulers and authorities, as declared in Psalm 103:19 and Daniel 4:35, emphasizing that His will cannot be thwarted or resisted.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am resisting God's refining fire, and how can I surrender to His will?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with uncertainty or chaos, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3?
- What are the 'scepters' in my life that I am holding onto, and how can I release them to God's control, as seen in Matthew 16:24-26?
- In what ways can I be a vessel for God's refining work in the lives of those around me, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Ezekiel 21:13, to my daily life and decisions, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:13
Because it is a trial,.... As all afflictions and calamities are, especially to the people of God they try their faith and patience, and every other grace; and also to wicked men, they try them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:13
Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord GOD. Because it is a trial - rather, 'For there is a trial' being made; the sword of the Lord will subject all to the ordeal.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
It is a sore trial, therefore show all the signs of grief and sorrow; or it may refer to what follows in the verse; thus, since this is the exploration, or trial, which I make in so severe manner to bring them to repentance, mourn for them, lest they should harden themselves. What if the sword? the addition of sword, which is not in the original, hath perplexed the words in my thoughts. I would read them thus, and what if the rod contemn? It shall be no more. Then the sense runs thus: But if the king and kingdom of Judah despise this trial, and harden themselves against this sword, both shall be destroyed, and be no more, for nothing but a right use of this last trial could help them. Or else, if we must adhere to our version, what if it amount to this: All this is for probation and trial, not for utterly extirpating Israel, saith God to his prophet; who might propose this, What if the sword contemn those bounds, and despise the king and kingdom, and resolve to destroy them from being a nation? as ,7. To this God gives answer thus; This he shall never effect, and in due time this sword shall be no more; Babylon shall be destroyed. In so perplexed a place I rather conjecture than affirm.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
Ezekiel 21:13 Because [it is] a trial, and what if [the sword] contemn even the rod? it shall be no [more], saith the Lord GOD.Ver. 13. Because it is a trial.] Sore and sharp; therefore cry and howl, especially since they are not bettered. Hang heavy weights on rotten boughs, they presently break; the best divination of men is at the parting way. See Ezekiel 21:21. And what if the sword contemn even the rod?] q.d., What doth this silly rod do here? will they not stoop? will they not put their necks under the yoke of God’ s Son? Let me come; I will make them either bow or break, either yield or bleed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
(13) Because it is a trial.—Here again the original is obscure from its conciseness and abruptness, leading to great variety of interpretation. Neither the text nor the margin of our translation is quite intelligible. The words for “rod” and “contemn” are the same as in Ezekiel 21:10, and must be taken in the same sense. The most satisfactory translation is this: “For it (the sword) has been proved (viz., on others), and what if this contemning rod shall be no more?” i.e., the power of the sword of Babylon has already been proved; and the sceptre of Judah, which despises it, shall be clean swept away. Various other translations, differing in detail, give the same general sense.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
Verse 13. Because it is a trial] This will be a trial of strength and skill between the Chaldeans and the Jews; and a trial of faith and patience to the righteous. And what if the sword, (Nebuchadnezzar,) contemn even the rod?] Overthrow Zedekiah? It will do so; for the regal government of Judea shall be no more. Or, it is tried; that is, the sword. Nebuchadnezzar has already shown himself strong and skilful.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:13
13. Because it is a trial] Or, for there is a trial. So accented the word occurs again Isaiah 28:16, a stone of trial (tried stone). The word might be read as a verb: for trial has been made. In any case reference is not to the “sword” nor the Babylonian conqueror who wields it, as if the meaning were: trial has been made of what it or he can do! Such a sense has no probability. The word must refer to those on whom the calamity is to fall. and what if … be no more] The same difficulties recur here as in Ezekiel 21:10, and the translation will follow that adopted there. Ew., “for it has been tried—and what? is it also a soft rod?—that will not be, saith” &c.; i.e. the rod (the sword) has been tried, and it will be found no soft one. This is wholly improbable. Boett., “for (as to) trial, what (is to be effected) with that, when thou hast even contemned the rod?” (Aehrenlese, ii. p. 174.) Others (Hitz., Corn.) point the word “trial” differently, and read: for with kindness what (should I accomplish)? &c.—which is quite destitute of probability.
In spite of the grammatical harshness (cf. however Ezekiel 21:27) the construction followed in R.V. is perhaps the most probable: “for trial hath been made, and what if the sceptre (R. V. rod) that contemneth should be no more!”—reference being to the royal house of Judah which shall perish, cf. Ezekiel 21:25-27; Ezekiel 21:29?
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:13
13. Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more — Perhaps, for the trial hath been made, and what if even the contemning scepter should be no more?
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Testimony - Part 8 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a man who was sentenced to prison for possessing a large amount of opium. The speaker visited the man in prison and prayed wi |
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Characteristics of Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not questioning or trying to understand God's ways. He reminds the congregation that God does not owe anyone an explanatio |
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Your Life: Don't Waste It by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, focusing on three key aspects: being made for God's glory, finding joy in God, and loving others. |
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Gifts, Bribes and Guilt-Offerings by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of giving and emphasizes the importance of giving oneself to the Lord. He praises the Macedonians for their abundant giving, stati |
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Devotion to Jesus - Part 3 by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of devotion to Jesus, encouraging the congregation to bless the Lord and express gratitude for His presence. He highlights the significa |
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The Bliss of the Glorified by C.H. Spurgeon | Wayne Barber delves into the concept of proven character (dokime) in the Bible, emphasizing that enduring trials and afflictions promote and validate the character of believers. Th |