Ezekiel 21:5
Ezekiel 21:5 in Multiple Translations
Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’
That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.
and all flesh shall know that I, Jehovah, have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more.
And all flesh will see that I the Lord have taken my sword out of its cover: and it will never go back.
Then the whole world will know that I, the Lord, have taken out my sword, and won't put it back again.
That all flesh may knowe that I the Lord haue drawen my sworde out of his sheath, and it shall not returne any more.
And known have all flesh that I, Jehovah, Have brought out My sword from its scabbard, It doth not turn back any more.
All flesh will know that I, the LORD, have drawn my sword out of its sheath. It will not return any more.”’
That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn my sword out of its sheath: it shall not return any more.
That all flesh may know that I the Lord have drawn my sword out of its sheath not to be turned back.
Then everyone will know thatit is as though I, Yahweh, have struck people with my sword, and I will not put it back in its sheath again.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
אֲהָ֖הּ
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
הֵ֚מָּה
אֹמְרִ֣ים
לִ֔/י
הֲ/לֹ֛א
מְמַשֵּׁ֥ל
מְשָׁלִ֖ים
הֽוּא
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֲהָ֖הּ
ʼăhâhh
H162
alas!
Part
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
הֵ֚מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אֹמְרִ֣ים
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal
לִ֔/י
Prep | Suff
הֲ/לֹ֛א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מְמַשֵּׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4911
to liken
V-Piel
מְשָׁלִ֖ים
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-mp
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
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 21:5
וָ/אֹמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
אֲהָ֖הּ
ʼăhâhh
H162
"alas!"
Part
The Hebrew word means alas or oh, an expression of sadness or regret, used to convey strong emotions in the Bible.
Definition: alas!, oh!, ah!
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas. See also: Joshua 7:7; Jeremiah 4:10; Jeremiah 1:6.
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.
הֵ֚מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אֹמְרִ֣ים
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal
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.
לִ֔/י
""
Prep | Suff
הֲ/לֹ֛א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
מְמַשֵּׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4911
"to liken"
V-Piel
To use a proverb means to speak in a way that teaches a lesson, often using metaphors or poems, as seen in Jesus' parables in the Gospels. This word is about comparing things to make a point. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to represent, liken, be like 1a) (Niphal) to liken, be like, be similar 1b) (Hiphil) to compare 1c) (Hithpael) to become like
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter. See also: Numbers 21:27; Isaiah 46:5; Psalms 28:1.
מְשָׁלִ֖ים
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-mp
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
הֽוּא
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 21:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 21:5
Context — God’s Sword of Judgment
3and tell her that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am against you, and I will draw My sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
4Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.
5Then all flesh will know that I, the LORD, have taken My sword from its sheath, not to return it again.’
6But you, son of man, groan! Groan before their eyes with a broken heart and bitter grief. 7And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:30 | Return the sword to its sheath! In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you. |
| 2 | Nahum 1:9 | Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end. Affliction will not rise up a second time. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 3:12 | On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:48 | Then all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be quenched.” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 23:20 | The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 9:7–9 | then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples. And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 29:24–28 | So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them. Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against this land, and He brought upon it every curse written in this book. The LORD uprooted them from their land in His anger, rage, and great wrath, and He cast them into another land, where they are today.’ |
| 8 | Isaiah 45:23 | By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. |
| 9 | Isaiah 55:11 | so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. |
| 10 | Numbers 14:21–23 | “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. |
Ezekiel 21:5 Summary
[This verse means that God is announcing His judgment, and it will be clear to everyone that He is in control. He is taking action, and it will not be stopped, as stated in Ezekiel 21:5. It's like when a parent disciplines their child - it's not because they don't love them, but because they want what's best for them, as seen in Hebrews 12:6. God's judgment is a call to turn to Him and acknowledge His power and authority, as described in Psalm 86:9-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has taken His sword from its sheath and will not return it again?
This means that God's judgment is imminent and will not be withdrawn, as stated in Ezekiel 21:5, a declaration of His sovereign power and judgment, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 32:41.
Why does God say He will cut off both the righteous and the wicked?
This is because God's judgment is not just about punishing the wicked, but also about purifying and refining His people, as seen in Malachi 3:2-3, where He refines them like silver.
How can we understand God's sword being unsheathed against everyone?
This is a metaphor for God's judgment and discipline, as described in Hebrews 12:6, where the Lord disciplines those He loves, and in Ezekiel 21:4, where His sword is unsheathed against everyone from south to north.
What is the significance of God saying 'all flesh will know' that He has taken His sword from its sheath?
This emphasizes that God's judgment will be universally recognized, and all people will acknowledge His power and authority, as stated in Psalm 86:9-10, where all nations will come and worship Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to acknowledge God's sovereign power and judgment in my life, and how can I surrender to His will?
- How can I prepare myself for the refining fire of God's judgment, and what areas of my life need purification?
- In what ways can I trust in God's goodness and love, even when faced with difficult circumstances or discipline, as described in Ezekiel 21:5 and Hebrews 12:6?
- What does it mean for me to 'groan' before God, as described in Ezekiel 21:6, and how can I express my brokenness and sorrow to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:5
That all flesh may know that I the Lord have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath,.... The same with kindling a fire in Judea, [See comments on Ezekiel 20:48]: it shall not return any more; that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:5
That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
That they that smart and suffer may see and own God in their just sufferings, they that see and hear it may confess God’ s doings herein. It shall not return any more: in it is expressed thus, it shall not be quenched, for there it was a fire; here, it shall not return into the scabbard till it hath done full execution.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
Ezekiel 21:5 That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.Ver. 5. Have drawn forth my sword.] And put it in commission; not to return till the circuit ended, till it hath done full execution.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
(5) It shall not return any more—i.e., until it has fully accomplished its purpose. Other judgments upon Israel had been arrested in mercy—the sword had been returned to the scabbard while its work was still incomplete. This will go on to the end.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:5
Verse 5. It shall not return any more.] That is, till all the work that I have designed for it is done. Nor did it; for Nebuchadnezzar never rested till he had subdued all the lands from the south to the north, from the Euphrates to the Nile.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:5
Ezekiel 21:1-5. These verses, though still figurative, are plainer than the preceding, of which they furnish the explanation. The sword of the Lord is drawn finally from its sheath, to which it shall not return (Ezekiel 21:5); it is drawn against Jerusalem and its sanctuaries (Ezekiel 21:2); it shall slay indiscriminately righteous and wicked (Ezekiel 21:3, cf. Ezekiel 20:47), and all flesh shall know that it is the sword of the Lord, and that it is his hand that wields it (Ezekiel 21:5).—Even to-day the study of Israel’s history occupies men, and its lessons are not yet exhausted.
Sermons on Ezekiel 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Samuel) the Training of a Prophet by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Eli and his sons in the book of 1 Samuel. Eli's sons were corrupt priests who were stealing from God and committing immorality wi |
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The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha |
|
Praying for Revival by Brian Edwards | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of faith in four generations. The great grandparents of the present generation believed in the Christian faith but were in |
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(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 26-29 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses addresses the children of Israel and reminds them of the covenant they have with God. He emphasizes that despite witnessing great miracles and signs, they hav |
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Of the Anger and Wrath of God. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the anger and wrath of God, emphasizing that while God is loving and merciful, He also possesses anger and wrath as responses to sin. He distinguishes between G |
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Not Yet Time by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of judging and criticizing others, particularly fellow Christians. He uses the example of King David, who committed adultery |
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Articles of Engagement for Spiritual Warfare by Darrell Champlin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a witch doctor and witnessing the power of God. The speaker describes how the witch doctor attempted to har |