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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 38  › Ezekiel 38:4

Ezekiel 38:4

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Ezekiel 38:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I 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.

King James Version KJV

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

American Standard Version ASV

and I will turn thee about, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And turning you round, I will put hooks in your mouth and make you come out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them in full war-dress, a great force with breastplate and body-cover, all of them armed with swords:

Free Bible Version FBV

I will send you in a different direction, put hooks in your jaws, and drag you out with your whole army, including your horses, your horsemen in uniform, and a host of men with large and small shields and bucklers, all waving their swords.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I wil destroy thee, and put hookes in thy chawes, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine host both horses, and horsemen, all clothed with al sorts of armour, eue a great multitude with bucklers, and shieldes, all handling swords.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I have turned thee back, And I have put hooks in thy jaws, And have brought thee out, and all thy force, Horses and horsemen, Clothed in perfection all of them, A numerous assembly, [with] buckler and shield, Handling swords — all of them.

World English Bible WEB

I will turn you around, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, with all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thy army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor , even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I will turn thee about, and I will put a bit in thy jaws: and I will bring thee forth, and ail thy army, horses and horsemen all clothed with coats of mail, a great multitude, armed with spears and shields and swords.

Translation for Translators T4T

It will be as though I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws and bring you to Israel—you and all of your army, including your horses and men carrying weapons who ride the horses, and many other soldiers carrying large shields and small shields, all of them carrying swords.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 38:4

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 38:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/שׁ֣וֹבַבְתִּ֔י/ךָ וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י חַחִ֖ים בִּ/לְחָיֶ֑י/ךָ וְ/הוֹצֵאתִי֩ אוֹתְ/ךָ֨ וְ/אֶת כָּל חֵילֶ֜/ךָ סוּסִ֣ים וּ/פָרָשִׁ֗ים לְבֻשֵׁ֤י מִכְלוֹל֙ כֻּלָּ֔/ם קָהָ֥ל רָב֙ צִנָּ֣ה וּ/מָגֵ֔ן תֹּפְשֵׂ֥י חֲרָב֖וֹת כֻּלָּֽ/ם
וְ/שׁ֣וֹבַבְתִּ֔י/ךָ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-o-1cs | Suff
וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs
חַחִ֖ים châch H2397 hook N-mp
בִּ/לְחָיֶ֑י/ךָ lᵉchîy H3895 jaw Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/הוֹצֵאתִי֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אוֹתְ/ךָ֨ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
חֵילֶ֜/ךָ chayil H2428 Helech N-ms | Suff
סוּסִ֣ים çûwç H5483 swallow N-mp
וּ/פָרָשִׁ֗ים pârâsh H6571 horse Conj | N-mp
לְבֻשֵׁ֤י lâbash H3847 to clothe Adj
מִכְלוֹל֙ miklôwl H4358 perfection N-ms
כֻּלָּ֔/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff
קָהָ֥ל qâhâl H6951 assembly N-ms
רָב֙ rab H7227 many Adj
צִנָּ֣ה tsinnâh H6793 hook N-fs
וּ/מָגֵ֔ן mâgên H4043 shield Conj | N-cs
תֹּפְשֵׂ֥י tâphas H8610 to capture V-Qal
חֲרָב֖וֹת chereb H2719 sword N-fp
כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 38:4

וְ/שׁ֣וֹבַבְתִּ֔י/ךָ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-o-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וְ/נָתַתִּ֥י nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
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.
חַחִ֖ים châch H2397 "hook" N-mp
A hook or ring, often referring to a nose ring or jewelry, like a bracelet or chain. It was also used to lead captive people.
Definition: 1) hook, ring, fetter, brooch 1a) hook, ring (in nose of captive) 1b) hook, ring (as jewellery) 1b1) nose ring 1b2) bracelet
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bracelet, chain, hook. See also: Exodus 35:22; Ezekiel 19:4; Isaiah 37:29.
בִּ/לְחָיֶ֑י/ךָ lᵉchîy H3895 "jaw" Prep | N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the jaw or cheek, often referring to the jawbone of an animal. It appears in the story of Samson, who used a donkey's jawbone to defeat 1000 men. The word is also used to describe the jawbone of animals in general.
Definition: 1) jaw, cheek 1a) jaw, jawbone (of animal) 1b) cheek (of man)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cheek (bone), jaw (bone). See also: Deuteronomy 18:3; Song of Solomon 1:10; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/הוֹצֵאתִי֩ yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
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.
אוֹתְ/ךָ֨ 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.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
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.
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.
חֵילֶ֜/ךָ chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
סוּסִ֣ים çûwç H5483 "swallow" N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וּ/פָרָשִׁ֗ים pârâsh H6571 "horse" Conj | N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
לְבֻשֵׁ֤י lâbash H3847 "to clothe" Adj
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
מִכְלוֹל֙ miklôwl H4358 "perfection" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something done perfectly or with great beauty. It describes something or someone as splendidly made. It appears in descriptions of gorgeous attire.
Definition: 1) perfection, gorgeous attire adv 2) perfectly, most gorgeously
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: most gorgeously, all sorts. See also: Ezekiel 23:12; Ezekiel 38:4.
כֻּלָּ֔/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff
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.
קָהָ֥ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
רָב֙ rab H7227 "many" Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
צִנָּ֣ה tsinnâh H6793 "hook" N-fs
This Hebrew word for shield refers to a protective device used in battle, like a buckler. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's protection, as in Psalm 5:12. The word also means cold, as in piercing or biting.
Definition: 1) something piercing, hook, barb 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buckler, cold, hook, shield, target. See also: 1 Samuel 17:7; Psalms 5:13; Psalms 35:2.
וּ/מָגֵ֔ן mâgên H4043 "shield" Conj | N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
תֹּפְשֵׂ֥י tâphas H8610 "to capture" V-Qal
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.
חֲרָב֖וֹת chereb H2719 "sword" N-fp
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.
כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 38:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 29:4 But I will put hooks in your jaws and cause the fish of your streams to cling to your scales. I will haul you up out of your rivers, and all the fish of your streams will cling to your scales.
2 Daniel 11:40 At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.
3 Ezekiel 38:15 And you will come from your place out of the far north—you and many peoples with you, all riding horses—a mighty horde, a huge army.
4 2 Kings 19:28 Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’
5 Ezekiel 39:2 I will turn you around, drive you along, bring you up from the far north, and send you against the mountains of Israel.
6 Jeremiah 46:9 Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth— Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.
7 Isaiah 37:29 Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’
8 1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains:
9 2 Chronicles 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield.
10 Ezekiel 23:12 She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendor, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men.

Ezekiel 38:4 Summary

[This verse, Ezekiel 38:4, is saying that God is in control of even the most powerful armies and leaders, and He will guide their actions according to His will (Psalm 2:1-4). The image of 'hooks in your jaws' is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, and He will not be defeated by any human force (Isaiah 46:10). As we read this verse, we can trust that God is always working out His plan, even when it seems like the forces of evil are in control, and we can have confidence in His power and protection (Romans 8:28).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have 'hooks in your jaws' in Ezekiel 38:4?

This phrase is a metaphor for God's control over Gog, indicating that He will guide and direct his actions, much like a fisherman controls a fish with a hook, as seen in other scriptures where God sovereignly guides the actions of nations and leaders (Isaiah 10:5-7, Jeremiah 25:8-9).

Who is the 'you' being addressed in Ezekiel 38:4?

The 'you' is Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, who is being prophesied against by Ezekiel as directed by the Lord God, as stated in Ezekiel 38:2-3.

What is the significance of the army's description in Ezekiel 38:4?

The description of the army, including horses, horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, emphasizes the military might and preparation of Gog's army, highlighting the magnitude of the forces that God will ultimately defeat (Ezekiel 38:21-23).

Is Ezekiel 38:4 a prophecy that has already been fulfilled?

While there have been various interpretations and speculations about the timing and fulfillment of this prophecy, many evangelical scholars believe that Ezekiel 38:4 is still a future prophecy, awaiting its fulfillment in the end times, as supported by the context of the surrounding verses and other biblical prophecies (Revelation 20:7-10, Ezekiel 39:1-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty over the nations and their leaders?
  2. How does the image of 'hooks in your jaws' make you think about God's control in your own life?
  3. What can we learn from the fact that God is the one who 'will turn you around' and direct the actions of Gog and his army?
  4. In what ways can we trust in God's power and protection, even in the face of overwhelming military might, as described in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:4

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws,.... Or, I will put hooks in thy jaws, and with them turn thee back; or rather, "turn thee about" (f); and lead thee where and as I please; for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:4

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:4

I will turn thee back: the words seem to imply a diverting him from some other enterprise, or else intimate to us, when that mighty power come out, that they are still under God’ s control, and he will turn them back from what they intended, that they shall not effect it. Hooks: see this expression . I will bring thee forth; so dispose affairs, thou shalt leave thine own country to invade, and spoil, and destroy. All thy army; the whole power thou canst make. Horses; those nations, Sarmatee, or Scythians, Cappadocians, &c., or which comprise all the Turks and Tartars, are to this day strong in horse, and their armies consist much of horsemen. All of them clothed; their leaders both rich and gaudy, yet well armed, and their soldiers well provided too, and we know how they and other antichristian soldiers march with all warlike provisions. A great company; in vast armies, far greater than any of their neighbours can bring out against them. Bucklers for their foot, and shields for their horsemen, as Servius observes the difference between the two Latin words scutum and clypeus, if not misreported. I doubt whether the Hebrew words do so differ; however, these were for defence of those that bear them, and to this day the Tartars use oblong shields for defence on horseback, as the figures represent them to our eye. Handling swords; that is, very ready, expert, and strong in using the sword; this to slay the enemies, as the other to save themselves.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:4

Ezekiel 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts [of armour, even] a great company [with] bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:Ver. 4. And I will turn thee back.] As he did Antiochus Epiphanes by the Jews; the Turks oft by Hunniades; the Pope’ s forces by the Hussites in Germany, and lately by the Swedes. It hath been long ago foretold, and for many ages believed, and by the Turks themselves not a little feared, that the Mohammedan superstition, by the sword begun, and by the sword maintained, shall at length, by the Christian sword, also be destroyed, so that the name of Gog and Magog, saith the historian, shall be no more heard of under heaven. A cold sweat also stands at this time upon the limbs of the western antichrist, by reason of the growing greatness of the Protestant princes. And put hooks into thy jaws.] A metaphor from those that catch whales. Compare Ezekiel 29:4. And I will bring thee.] But for an ill bargain. Turkish History, 1153.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:4

(4) I will turn thee back.—This is the more common meaning of the word; but if this meaning be retained here, it is not to be taken in the sense of turning back from the holy land, but rather, in connection with the figure of the next clause, of turning away the wild beast from his natural inclination to the fulfilment of God’s purpose. It is better, however, to take it in the sense in which it is used in Isaiah 47:10 (perverted) and Jeremiah 8:5 (slidden back; comp. Ezekiel 1:6), “I will lead thee astray.” In Revelation 20:8, this leading astray of the nations is ascribed to Satan, just as in 2 Samuel 24:1, God, and in 1 Chronicles 21:1, Satan, are said to move David to number the people; in either case God is said to do that which He allows to be done by Satan. For the same Divine gathering of the nations against God’s people see Joe 3:2; Zechariah 14:2-3. Hooks into thy jaws.—See the same figure in Ezekiel 29:4.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:4

Verse 4. I will turn thee back] Thy enterprise shall fail.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:4

4. I will turn thee back] Either: I will turn thee about, or, I will lead thee. The sense entice or “decoy” (Ew.) has scarcely evidence (Isaiah 47:10). The clause “and I will turn … jaws” is wanting in LXX. Putting hooks into the jaws suggests unwillingness and compulsion (ch. Ezekiel 29:4; 2 Kings 19:28), whereas Gog comes up of his own accord. This, however, is not quite conclusive, as Jehovah is leading him on to his destruction. with all sorts of armour] Rather: clothed gorgeously (cf. Ezekiel 23:12), or, in full armour (R.V.). The host of Gog is probably not exclusively cavalry, though these are specially mentioned; and besides their vast numbers their splendid uniforms and heavy armour are vividly pictured.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 38:4

With all sorts - Or, “gorgeously;” see the marginal reference. Omit “of armor.”

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:4

4. Put hooks into thy jaws — So the Pharaonic “dragon” was pulled out of the Nile (Ezekiel 29:4).

Sermons on Ezekiel 38:4

SermonDescription
Lance Lambert The Significance of Israel 1980 by Lance Lambert In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision from the book of Daniel in which a son of man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. The preacher then connec
John F. Walvoord The King of the North by John F. Walvoord John F. Walvoord preaches about the prophetic significance of the great world conflict predicted in the Scriptures, involving a revived Roman Empire, a ten-nation confederacy, and
John F. Walvoord The Nations in the Millennium and the Eternal State by John F. Walvoord John F. Walvoord preaches about the divine purpose of God for the Gentiles reaching its natural conclusion at the end of the times of the Gentiles marked by the second coming of Je
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - 1 & 2 Chronicles by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of understanding the times and knowing what God's people ought to do, drawing insights from the Books of Chronicles compiled by Ezra. Chron
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