Ezekiel 38:3
Ezekiel 38:3 in Multiple Translations
and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:
And say, This is what the Lord has said: See, I am against you, O Gog, ruler of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:
and declare that this is what the Lord God says: Watch out, I am condemning you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
And say, Thus sayth the Lord God, Behold, I come against thee, O Gog the chiefe prince of Meshech and Tubal.
and thou hast said: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I [am] against thee, O Gog, Prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal,
and say, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
And say to him: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I come against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Mosoch and Thubal.
and say, ‘This is what Yahweh the Lord says: Gog, you who rule Meshech and Tubal, I am opposed to you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 38:3
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 38:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָ֣מַרְתָּ֔
כֹּ֥ה
אָמַ֖ר
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֑ה
הִנְ/נִ֤י
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
גּ֔וֹג
נְשִׂ֕יא
רֹ֖אשׁ
מֶ֥שֶׁךְ
וְ/תֻבָֽל
וְ/אָ֣מַרְתָּ֔
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֑ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
הִנְ/נִ֤י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
גּ֔וֹג
Gôwg
H1463
Gog
N-proper
נְשִׂ֕יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-ms
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
מֶ֥שֶׁךְ
Meshek
H4902
Meshech
N-proper
וְ/תֻבָֽל
Tûwbal
H8422
Tubal
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 38:3
וְ/אָ֣מַרְתָּ֔
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
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.
הִנְ/נִ֤י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
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.
גּ֔וֹג
Gôwg
H1463
"Gog"
N-proper
Gog refers to a northern nation and an Israelite, mentioned in the Bible, with his name meaning 'mountain'. He is associated with the lands of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and Magog.
Definition: Gog = "mountain" the land of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and Magog Also named: Gōg (Γώγ "Gog" G1136)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Gog. See also: 1 Chronicles 5:4; Ezekiel 38:16; Ezekiel 39:11.
נְשִׂ֕יא
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.
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
מֶ֥שֶׁךְ
Meshek
H4902
"Meshech"
N-proper
Meshech was a son of Japheth and the ancestor of a people group, first mentioned in Genesis 10:23. They lived in the north of Israel and are often referenced in the Bible. Meshech means drawing out.
Definition: A man of the Syrians living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.23; son of: Aram (H0758); brother of: Uz (H5780), Hul (H2343) and Gether (H1666); also called Meshech at 1Ch.1.17; Another name of mash (מַשׁ "Mash" H4851) § Mesech or Meshech = "drawing out" 1) son of Japheth, grandson of Noah, and progenitor of peoples to the north of Israel 1a) descendants of Mesech often mentioned in connection with Tubal, Magog, and other northern nations including the Moschi, a people on the borders of Colchis and Armenia
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Mesech, Meshech. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Psalms 120:5.
וְ/תֻבָֽל
Tûwbal
H8422
"Tubal"
Conj | N-proper
Tubal refers to a region in Asia Minor, similar to Cappadocia. It is named after a postdiluvian patriarch and his descendants. The area is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: § Tubal = "thou shall be brought" a region in east Asia Minor perhaps nearly equal to Cappadocia
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Tubal. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 32:26; Isaiah 66:19.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 38:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — A Prophecy against Gog
1And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him
3and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
4I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. 5Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, all with shields and helmets,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 13:8 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 39:1–10 | “As for you, O son of man, prophesy against Gog and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around, drive you along, bring you up from the far north, and send you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike the bow from your left hand and dash down the arrows from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall—you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to every kind of ravenous bird and wild beast. You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD. So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. Yes, it is coming, and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD. This is the day of which I have spoken. Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 29:3 | Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 35:3 | and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Mount Seir. I will stretch out My hand against you and make you a desolate waste. |
Ezekiel 38:3 Summary
In Ezekiel 38:3, God declares that He is against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. This means that God is opposed to Gog's actions and plans, and will ultimately judge him. This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and in control, and that He will not tolerate evil or opposition to His plans (as seen in Psalm 2:1-6). As we reflect on this verse, we can find comfort in knowing that God is on our side, and that He will ultimately triumph over evil (as promised in Revelation 20:10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gog in Ezekiel 38:3?
Gog is referred to as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and his identity is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but some scholars believe he may be a symbol of evil or a leader from the region of modern-day Russia or Turkey, as mentioned in Ezekiel 38:2 and 39:1.
What does it mean for God to be 'against' someone in the Bible?
When the Bible says God is 'against' someone, it means He is opposed to their actions or plans, as seen in Ezekiel 38:3, and will ultimately judge them, as stated in Psalm 1:6 and Proverbs 3:34.
Is Ezekiel 38:3 a prophecy that has already been fulfilled?
While some prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled, Ezekiel 38:3 is generally considered a future prophecy, as the events described in Ezekiel 38-39 have not yet occurred in history, and are often seen as part of end-time events, as mentioned in Revelation 20:8-9.
How does Ezekiel 38:3 relate to the rest of the Bible?
Ezekiel 38:3 is part of a larger prophecy about God's judgment on nations that oppose Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 38-39, and is consistent with other biblical themes, such as God's sovereignty and His plan to redeem His people, as stated in Genesis 12:3 and Romans 11:25-26.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to declare Himself 'against' someone, and how should this impact our understanding of His character?
- How can we apply the concept of God's opposition to evil in our own lives, and what does this mean for our relationships with others?
- What can we learn from Gog's role in this prophecy, and how can we avoid opposing God's plans in our own lives?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and control over world events, and what comfort can we find in this truth?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:3
And say, thus saith the Lord God, behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:3
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:3
Ezekiel 38:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:Ver. 3. Behold, I am against thee, O Gog.] Ecce ego ad re, Have at thee, Gog, The chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.] These two are thus conjoined to show, as some think, that Turks and Popelings shall at length join their forces to root out the true religion, and that, while they are tumultuating and endeavouring the Church’ s downfall, Christ shall come upon them and confound them. See on Revelation 16:14; Revelation 16:16. The Jews hold that this whole prophecy shall be fulfilled at the coming of their long looked for Messiah, and while they take all things therein according to the letter, they run into many very great errors. Propheta omnia loquitur magnificis verbis per hyperbolas.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:3
(3) The chief prince.—As in Ezekiel 38:2, the prince of Rosh.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:3
3. chief prince] Cf. on Ezekiel 38:2.
Sermons on Ezekiel 38:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Middle-Eastern Alliance by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson delves into the prophecy of Ezekiel 38, identifying nations forming a military alliance under Gog's leadership. The sermon explores the debated identities of nation |
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Ezekiel 36:36 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 36:36, emphasizing the re-gathering of Israel as a nation and the restoration of its land after centuries of desolation. |
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No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He |