Ezekiel 21:30
Ezekiel 21:30 in Multiple Translations
Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you.
Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.
Cause it to return into its sheath. In the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy birth, will I judge thee.
Go back into your cover. In the place where you were made, in the land from which you were taken, I will be your judge.
Sword, go back to where you came from! I'm going to judge you right where you were created, in your homeland.
Shall I cause it to returne into his sheath? I will iudge thee in the place where thou wast created, euen in the land of thine habitation.
Turn [it] back unto its scabbard, In the place where thou wast produced, In the land of thy birth I do judge thee.
Cause it to return into its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your birth, I will judge you.
Shall I cause it to return into its sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.
Return into thy sheath. I will judge thee in the place wherein thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.
You must put your swords back in their sheaths because the days for you to slaughter your enemies are ended. I will judge those people in the country where they were born.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:30
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 21:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּה֙
חָלָ֣ל
רָשָׁ֔ע
נְשִׂ֖יא
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
אֲשֶׁר
בָּ֣א
יוֹמ֔/וֹ
בְּ/עֵ֖ת
עֲוֺ֥ן
קֵֽץ
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
חָלָ֣ל
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
נְשִׂ֖יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יוֹמ֔/וֹ
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
עֲוֺ֥ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs
קֵֽץ
qêts
H7093
end
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:30
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
חָלָ֣ל
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
נְשִׂ֖יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-ms
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יוֹמ֔/וֹ
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
בְּ/עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
עֲוֺ֥ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
קֵֽץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:30
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:30
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
28Now prophesy, son of man, and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says concerning the Ammonites and their contempt: ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for slaughter, polished to consume, to flash like lightning—
29while they offer false visions for you and lying divinations about you— to be placed on the necks of the wicked who are slain, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.
30Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you.
31I will pour out My anger upon you; I will breathe the fire of My fury against you; I will hand you over to brutal men, skilled in destruction. 32You will be fuel for the fire. Your blood will stain your own land. You will not be remembered, for I, the LORD, have spoken.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 16:38 | And I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and those who shed blood; so I will bring upon you the wrath of your bloodshed and jealousy. |
| 2 | Genesis 15:14 | But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 47:6–7 | ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.” |
| 4 | Ezekiel 28:13 | You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 28:15 | From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways— until wickedness was found in you. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 16:3–4 | and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth were in the land of the Canaanites. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. On the day of your birth your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing. You were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 21:4–5 | Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north. Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’ |
Ezekiel 21:30 Summary
Ezekiel 21:30 is a call from God to stop fighting and turn away from violence, just like putting a sword back in its sheath. This verse reminds us that God is in control of everything and everyone, and He will judge each of us according to our actions, as seen in Romans 2:6-11 and Hebrews 4:13. God wants us to trust Him and live peacefully, knowing that He is our Creator and Judge (Psalm 139:13-16). By trusting in God's sovereignty and living according to His will, we can experience His peace and redemption in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'return the sword to its sheath' in Ezekiel 21:30?
This phrase is a call to cease from violence and bloodshed, as the sword is a symbol of war and judgment, similar to how God commands His people to put away violence in Genesis 6:13 and Deuteronomy 32:41-42.
Why does God say He will judge the Ammonites in the place where they were created?
This statement emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples, as declared in Psalm 139:13-16 and Jeremiah 1:5, reminding us that our origins and destinies are in His hands.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of judgment and redemption?
Ezekiel 21:30 is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on the nations, as seen in Isaiah 13:1-22 and Jeremiah 25:15-38, ultimately pointing to His redemption and restoration of all things, as promised in Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'return my sword to its sheath' and cease from strife and conflict?
- How does the reality of God's judgment in Ezekiel 21:30 impact my daily decisions and priorities?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty over my life and the world around me, just as He has sovereignty over the nations?
- What does this verse teach me about God's heart for justice and righteousness, and how can I reflect those values in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:30
Shall I cause it to return into his sheath?.... The drawn and furbished sword of the Chaldeans? no, I will not; it shall never return or be put up until the Ammonites are utterly consumed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:30
Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity. Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? - namely, without first destroying Ammon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
Some read it without interrogation, as an advice to the Ammonites to put up the sword they had drawn for their defence, as being to no purpose to resist. If it be an interrogation, it is such as more vehemently denieth, God will by no means suffer the sword to be sheathed; in this sense it refers to the sword of the Chaldeans. Will judge thee; plead, condemn, and execute too. Where thou wast created; explained by that which follows; though they might boast of their ancient original, and their safe and impregnable strengths, yet God will bring a sword into those very places, and there they should perish.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
Ezekiel 21:30 Shall I cause [it] to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.Ver. 30. Shall I cause it to return?] No, but it shall still eat your flesh and drink your blood, till none remaineth. In the land of thy nativity.] In thine own nest, and on thine own dunghill.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
(30) Shall I cause it to return?—There is nothing in the original to indicate either a question, or that this is spoken in the first person. It is addressed to the Ammonites, “Return it” (the sword) “into his sheath;” and it means that all resistance will be vain, the coming destruction cannot be averted. And this judgment is to be executed in the Ammonites’ own country: they are to be destroyed at home.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:30
Verse 30. I will judge thee] This seems to refer to Nebuchadnezzar, who, after his return from Jerusalem, became insane, and lived like a beast for seven years; but was afterwards restored, and acknowledged the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:30
30. Shall I … return] Return it into its sheath! Ammon is commanded to put back his sword to its sheath; his dreams of conquests abroad are vain, he shall be visited and destroyed in his own land. On “nativity” cf. Ezekiel 16:3.
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Man in the Land by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of fellowship among believers, urging us to value one another and practice patience as exemplified by Jesus. He illustrates this through Ab |
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Don't Lay Down Your Sword by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of not laying down our spiritual sword, which represents the Word of God, in the face of demonic attacks and societal challenges. He discusse |
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Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 1 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the danger of allowing complaints and seeds of discontent to take root in our hearts, leading to a spirit of overwhelming negativity and rebellion against Go |
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Rock Seminar by John Musser | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of music, particularly rock music, as a tool of indoctrination. He argues that Satan has devised a beat that is appealing to young |
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The Significance of the Death of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of Christ's death, illustrating how it addresses the essence of sin, which is independence from God. He explains that this ind |
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Generations Remade by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan explores the theme of creation and the fall, emphasizing that everything God created was initially good, but something went wrong, leading to a state of formlessness |
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Study Notes - Satan by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the origin, fall, personality, and tactics of Satan, emphasizing his role as the adversary of God's people. He delves into the nature of evil spirits, t |