Ezekiel 21:16
Ezekiel 21:16 in Multiple Translations
Slash to the right; set your blade to the left— wherever your blade is directed.
Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
Gather thee together, go to the right, set thyself in array, go to the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
Be pointed to the right, to the left, wherever your edge is ordered.
Slash right and left, whichever way you're facing.
Get thee alone: goe to the right hande, or get thy selfe to the left hande, whithersoeuer thy face turneth.
Take possession of the right, place thyself at the left, Whither thy face is appointed.
Gather yourselves together. Go to the right. Set yourselves in array. Go to the left, wherever your face is set.
Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
Be thou sharpened, go to the right hand, or to the left, which way soever thou hast a mind to set thy face.
Their swords [APO] will slash to the right and then to the left, whichever way they turn the blades.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:16
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 21:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
אֹתָ֛/הּ
לְ/מָרְטָ֖ה
לִ/תְפֹּ֣שׂ
בַּ/כָּ֑ף
הִֽיא
הוּחַ֤דָּה
חֶ֨רֶב֙
וְ/הִ֣יא
מֹרָ֔טָּה
לָ/תֵ֥ת
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
בְּ/יַד
הוֹרֵֽג
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לְ/מָרְטָ֖ה
mâraṭ
H4803
to smooth
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לִ/תְפֹּ֣שׂ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
palm
Prep | N-fs
הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הוּחַ֤דָּה
châdad
H2300
be sharp
V-Hophal-Perf-3fs
חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מֹרָ֔טָּה
mâraṭ
H4803
to smooth
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
הוֹרֵֽג
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:16
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לְ/מָרְטָ֖ה
mâraṭ
H4803
"to smooth"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To smooth or polish something, like making a surface shiny or bald. It can also mean to sharpen or gall something. In the Bible, it's used to describe someone's head being bald or their shoulder being rough.
Definition: 1) to bare, polish, make smooth or bald or bare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make bare 1a2) to scour, polish 1b) (Niphal) to be made bald
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bright, furbish, (have his) hair (be) fallen off, peeled, pluck off (hair). See also: Leviticus 13:40; Isaiah 50:6; Ezekiel 29:18.
לִ/תְפֹּ֣שׂ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
בַּ/כָּ֑ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
הִֽיא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הוּחַ֤דָּה
châdad
H2300
"be sharp"
V-Hophal-Perf-3fs
To sharpen or be severe, as seen in Genesis when God makes a sharp distinction between good and evil. This word is about being fierce or intense. It is used to describe something that cuts deeply.
Definition: 1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen 1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen 1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen 1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be fierce, sharpen. See also: Proverbs 27:17; Ezekiel 21:15; Habakkuk 1:8.
חֶ֨רֶב֙
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.
וְ/הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מֹרָ֔טָּה
mâraṭ
H4803
"to smooth"
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
To smooth or polish something, like making a surface shiny or bald. It can also mean to sharpen or gall something. In the Bible, it's used to describe someone's head being bald or their shoulder being rough.
Definition: 1) to bare, polish, make smooth or bald or bare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to make bare 1a2) to scour, polish 1b) (Niphal) to be made bald
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: bright, furbish, (have his) hair (be) fallen off, peeled, pluck off (hair). See also: Leviticus 13:40; Isaiah 50:6; Ezekiel 29:18.
לָ/תֵ֥ת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אוֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/יַד
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.
הוֹרֵֽג
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:16
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
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.
16Slash to the right; set your blade to the left— wherever your blade is directed.
17I too will strike My hands together, and I will satisfy My wrath.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.” 18Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:20 | Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 21:4 | Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north. |
| 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 | Genesis 13:9 | Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 16:46 | Your older sister was Samaria, who lived with her daughters to your north; and your younger sister was Sodom, who lived with her daughters to your south. |
Ezekiel 21:16 Summary
Ezekiel 21:16 is a powerful verse that talks about God's judgment being unleashed in all directions, bringing destruction wherever it is directed. This verse reminds us that God is a just and righteous God, who will not tolerate sin and rebellion (Romans 6:23). Just like a sword can cut both to the right and to the left, God's judgment can come from any direction, and it's up to us to seek His mercy and forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-2). By acknowledging God's sovereignty and submitting to His will, we can avoid His judgment and experience His love and mercy instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'slash to the right' and 'set your blade to the left' in Ezekiel 21:16?
This phrase is a metaphor for the sword of God's judgment being unleashed in all directions, bringing destruction wherever it is directed, as seen in Ezekiel 21:14-15 and supported by Jeremiah 47:6-7, where God's sword is described as bringing devastation.
Is this verse talking about a physical sword or a spiritual one?
While the context suggests a physical sword, the spiritual implications are clear: God's judgment can be swift and merciless, as seen in Romans 13:4, where the sword is a symbol of God's authority and judgment.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:75, where God's judgments are described as righteous and fair, and in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as a rock of integrity, emphasizing His perfect character.
What is the purpose of God's judgment in this verse?
The purpose of God's judgment is to bring people to repentance and acknowledge His sovereignty, as seen in Ezekiel 21:17, where God says He will satisfy His wrath, and in 2 Peter 3:9, where God's patience is described as an opportunity for people to come to repentance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and submit to His will?
- How can I balance the idea of a loving God with the concept of His judgment, as seen in this verse?
- What are some ways I can prepare myself for the spiritual battles that lie ahead, in light of Ezekiel 21:16?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, rather than facing His judgment?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:16
Go thee one way or another,.... Go to some one place: or "unite thyself" (a); to other swords, or join other soldiers holding swords; the address is to the sword, to steer its course some one way,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:16
Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set. Apostrophe to the sword.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
O sword, take thy own course; O ye slaughtermen, ye Babylonian soldiers, all is open before you, go which way you will; I have brought you to waste the land from south to north, begin where you will, and proceed as you will, none shall be able to resist you.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
Ezekiel 21:16 Go thee one way or other, [either] on the right hand, [or] on the left, whithersoever thy face [is] set.Ver. 16. Go thee one way or other.] This he speaketh to the bright and sharp sword, stirring it up to make impression that way whereunto it was appointed, quocunque occurrent tibires comparatae. Tremel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
(16) Go thee one way or other.—An address to the sword, the animation of which is singularly lost in our version; the sword is addressed as a host, to be prepared for instant action in every quarter: “Gather thyself up (close up ranks) right; set thyself, left.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
Verse 16. Go thee one way or other] Thou shalt prosper, O sword, whithersoever thou turnest; against Ammon, or Judea, or Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:16
16. Perhaps with R.V., “gather thee together, go to the right; set thyself in array, go to the left!” The sword is addressed by the Lord and bidden concentrate its force to smite on the right, and set itself on to slaughter on the left. Others by changes in the text find a command to the sword to smite in all the four directions (Boett.), which is more artificial. thy face is set] Or, thine edge is appointed. Cf. same word “appointed” used of the sword, Jeremiah 47:7, of the rod, Micah 6:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:16
16. Go thee one way or other, etc. — R.V., “Gather thee together, go to the right; set thyself in array, go to the left; whithersoever thy face is set.” Toy changes text slightly so as to read, “Turn
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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All This and Heaven Too by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of lost decisions in the Bible. He mentions Abraham and Moses as examples of individuals who made important decisions. The preach |
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Pursuing Your Treasure - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K. P. O'Hannon emphasizes the importance of pursuing Christ above all else. He references Psalm 42:1, where the Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, h |
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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The Two Paths by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the choices made by Abraham and Lot, emphasizing the consequences of choosing worldly gain over spiritual integrity. Lot's decision to settle in the well-watere |
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Beware of the Pride of Reasoning; the True Guide to Knowledge Is Love. by Francois Fenelon | Francois Fenelon warns against the pride of reasoning, emphasizing that true knowledge is guided by love. He cautions against being overly occupied with external matters and engagi |