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Ezekiel 21:9

Ezekiel 21:9 in Multiple Translations

“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished—

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished;

Son of man, say as a prophet, These are the words of the Lord: Say, A sword, a sword which has been made sharp and polished:

“Son of man, prophesy! Tell them this is what the Lord says: There's a sword, a sword that's being sharpened and polished.

Sonne of man, prophecie, and say, Thus saith the Lord God, say, A sworde, a sworde both sharpe, and fourbished.

'Son of man, prophesy, and thou hast said, Thus said Jehovah, say: A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also polished.

“Son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘The LORD says: “A sword! A sword! It is sharpened, and also polished.

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

Son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: Say: The sword, the sword is sharpened, and furbished.

“You human, prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what Yahweh says: I have sharpened my sword and polished it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 21:9

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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יַ֛עַן אֲשֶׁר הִכְרַ֥תִּי מִמֵּ֖/ךְ צַדִּ֣יק וְ/רָשָׁ֑ע לָ֠/כֵן תֵּצֵ֨א חַרְבִּ֧/י מִ/תַּעְרָ֛/הּ אֶל כָּל בָּשָׂ֖ר מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב צָפֽוֹן
יַ֛עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
הִכְרַ֥תִּי kârath H3772 to cut V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
מִמֵּ֖/ךְ min H4480 from Prep | Suff
צַדִּ֣יק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj
וְ/רָשָׁ֑ע râshâʻ H7563 wicked Conj | Adj
לָ֠/כֵן kên H3651 right Prep | Adv
תֵּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
חַרְבִּ֧/י chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff
מִ/תַּעְרָ֛/הּ taʻar H8593 razor Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
בָּשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms
מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Prep | N-ms
צָפֽוֹן tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 21:9

יַ֛עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
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.
הִכְרַ֥תִּי kârath H3772 "to cut" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
מִמֵּ֖/ךְ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
צַדִּ֣יק tsaddîyq H6662 "righteous" Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/רָשָׁ֑ע râshâʻ H7563 "wicked" Conj | 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.
לָ֠/כֵן kên H3651 "right" Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
תֵּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
חַרְבִּ֧/י chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff
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.
מִ/תַּעְרָ֛/הּ taʻar H8593 "razor" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a sharp knife or razor, used for shaving or cutting. It also refers to an empty scabbard, a holder for a sword. The word is used in various contexts, including Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) razor, sheath (making naked) 1a) razor 1b) sheath (of sword)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (pen-) knife, razor, scabbard, shave, sheath. See also: Numbers 6:5; Jeremiah 36:23; Psalms 52:4.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּשָׂ֖ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
מִ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Prep | N-ms
The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.
Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country
Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.
צָפֽוֹן tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 21:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 34:5–6 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat— with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
2 Ezekiel 21:28 Now 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—
3 Ezekiel 21:3 and 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.
4 Jeremiah 12:12 Over all the barren heights in the wilderness the destroyers have come, for the sword of the LORD devours from one end of the earth to the other. No flesh has peace.
5 Job 20:25 It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him.
6 Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
7 Ezekiel 21:15 So 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.
8 Jeremiah 15:2 If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’
9 Psalms 7:11–13 God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day. If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire.
10 Amos 9:4 Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.”

Ezekiel 21:9 Summary

In Ezekiel 21:9, God is warning His people of the coming judgment and destruction through the symbol of a sharpened and polished sword. This represents the severity and certainty of God's judgment, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:41. Just as a sword is sharpened and polished for its purpose, God is preparing to execute His judgment on the nations (Jeremiah 47:6). We can learn from this verse that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate sin forever, and we must surrender our lives to Him and seek His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 103:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the sword being sharpened and polished in Ezekiel 21:9?

The sharpened and polished sword represents God's judgment and the coming destruction, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:41, where God sharpens His sword to execute judgment.

Why is the Lord repeating 'a sword, a sword' in this verse?

The repetition of 'a sword, a sword' emphasizes the certainty and severity of God's judgment, similar to how the Lord repeats 'Holy, holy, holy' in Isaiah 6:3 to emphasize His holiness.

Is the sword a literal or symbolic representation in Ezekiel 21:9?

While the sword can be literal, in this context, it is also symbolic of God's judgment and the coming destruction of Israel's enemies, as seen in Jeremiah 47:6, where the sword is used to symbolize God's judgment on the nations.

How does this verse relate to other prophecies in the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment on Israel and the nations, as seen in prophecies like Isaiah 13:4-5 and Jeremiah 25:31, where God declares His judgment on the nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's refining and polishing, just as the sword is sharpened and polished for its purpose?
  2. How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in verses like Ezekiel 21:9 and Psalm 103:8?
  3. In what ways can I be a messenger of God's Word, like Ezekiel, to proclaim the coming judgment and the need for repentance?
  4. What are some 'swords' in my life that I need to surrender to God, allowing Him to use them for His purposes, rather than my own?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 21:9

Son of man, prophesy and say, thus saith the Lord,.... Deliver out the following prophecy in the name of the Lord: say, a sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished; it is not only drawn out of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 21:9

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: A sword, a sword - namely, of God (Deuteronomy 32:41). The Chaldeans are His instrument.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:9

As if he pointed to it, crying out as one that suddenly seeth some dreadful sight. A mighty sword, or many; so the ingemination may imply the forces of Nebuchadnezzar and his confederates. Sharpened; prepared to wound, slay, and that with greater speed and sureness. Furbished; to terrify the weaker courage, to dazzle the eyes of such as encounter it: in a word, the danger is as near as if an army come up in array, and their swords in their bends ready to go on and fight.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:9

Ezekiel 21:9 Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:Ver. 9 A sword, a sword is sharpened.] Not only drawn, but sharpened, that it may wound swiftly and deadly; furbished also, that it may the more affray and make the quicker despatch. And that no doubt may be made of it, the ward sword is doubled. Exacutus et extersus, sharp and clean.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 21:9

(8-17) This second prophecy is an expansion of the last, Ezekiel 21:8-13 corresponding to 2-5, and Ezekiel 21:14-17 to Ezekiel 21:6-7. In several of its clauses modern criticism has been able to improve the translation, and make it clearer.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 21:9

8–17. The destroying sword of the Lord. The violent agitation of the prophet at the thought of the coming destruction finds expression in a wild and irregular ode upon the sword of the Lord. The general sense of the poem is discernible, but as in ch. 7 the text is in several places very obscure (e.g. Ezekiel 21:10; Ezekiel 21:13). There appear to be four divisions:— Ezekiel 21:9-11. A sword is furbished that it may glitter terribly in the eyes of men (cf. Ezekiel 32:10); it is sharpened for the slaughter—furbished and sharpened to give it into the hand of the slayer. Ezekiel 21:12-13. The prophet must cry and howl and smite in wild excitement on his thigh, for the princes of Israel and the people are delivered over to the sword. His agitation is but the reflexion of the carnage which shall be witnessed. Ezekiel 21:14-15. The sword is doubled and tripled; universal shall be the carnage. Ezekiel 21:16-17. Wild apostrophe to the sword to execute its task in all directions. Sympathy of Jehovah with the terrible work.

Sermons on Ezekiel 21:9

SermonDescription
Aaron Dunlop Judgment Prepared in the Ungodly Ii by Aaron Dunlop In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of complacency and its consequences. He uses the analogy of thieves robbing vineyards to illustrate how God will strip away every
Allan Halton The Sword in the Shadow by Allan Halton Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming dese
A.W. Tozer Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract
Kent Hovind Seminar 3 - Dinosaurs and the Bible by Kent Hovind This seminar addresses the perceived conflict between dinosaur fossils and the biblical account of creation, exploring the field of cryptozoology to shed light on hidden animals li
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of family and the breakdown of the family unit in society. He uses the metaphor of a vineyard to describe God's people a
Paris Reidhead Except Ye Repent by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dire plight and desperate need of humanity by contrasting it with the Beatitudes. He asks the congregation if they have ever been lost,
Andrew Bonar The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation

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