Ezekiel 38:9
Ezekiel 38:9 in Multiple Translations
You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
And thou shalt ascend, thou shalt come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy hordes, and many peoples with thee.
And you will go up, you will come like a storm, you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your forces, and a great number of peoples with you.
You and your whole army, and the armies of many nations with you, will advance like an incoming storm, like a cloud that covers the land.
Thou shalt ascende and come vp like a tempest, and shalt be like a cloude to couer the land, both thou, and all thy bandes, and many people with thee.
And thou hast gone up — as wasting thou comest in, As a cloud to cover the land art thou, Thou and all thy bands, and many peoples with thee.
You will ascend. You will come like a storm. You will be like a cloud to cover the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.”
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
And thou shalt go up and come like a storm, and like a cloud to cover the land, thou and all thy bands and many people with thee.
You and all those armies from many nations will go up to Israel, advancing like [SIM] a big storm. Your army will be like a huge cloud that covers the land.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 38:9
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 38:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עָלִ֨יתָ֙
כַּ/שֹּׁאָ֣ה
תָב֔וֹא
כֶּ/עָנָ֛ן
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
אַתָּה֙
וְ/כָל
אֲגַפֶּ֔י/ךָ
וְ/עַמִּ֥ים
רַבִּ֖ים
אוֹתָֽ/ךְ
וְ/עָלִ֨יתָ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כַּ/שֹּׁאָ֣ה
shôwʼ
H7722
ravage
Prep | N-fs
תָב֔וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כֶּ/עָנָ֛ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Prep | N-ms
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲגַפֶּ֔י/ךָ
ʼaggâph
H102
band
N-mp | Suff
וְ/עַמִּ֥ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-mp
רַבִּ֖ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
אוֹתָֽ/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 38:9
וְ/עָלִ֨יתָ֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
כַּ/שֹּׁאָ֣ה
shôwʼ
H7722
"ravage"
Prep | N-fs
Devastation or destruction, this word describes a place or thing that has been ruined or laid waste, like the desolate land described in Jeremiah 4:23, or the destruction caused by a storm, as in Psalm 107:25.
Definition: ravage
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: desolate(-ion), destroy, destruction, storm, wasteness. See also: Job 30:3; Proverbs 1:27; Psalms 35:8.
תָב֔וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כֶּ/עָנָ֛ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
לְ/כַסּ֥וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
אֲגַפֶּ֔י/ךָ
ʼaggâph
H102
"band"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for band refers to the wings of an army or crowds of troops. It describes a large group of people, often in a military context.
Definition: wing (of an army), band, army, hordes
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bands. See also: Ezekiel 12:14; Ezekiel 38:9; Ezekiel 39:4.
וְ/עַמִּ֥ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רַבִּ֖ים
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.
אוֹתָֽ/ךְ
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 38:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 38:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:9
- Sermons on Ezekiel 38:9
Context — A Prophecy against Gog
7Get ready; prepare yourself, you and all your company gathered around you; you will be their guard.
8After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and all now dwell securely.
9You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.
10This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. 11You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 28:2 | Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:13 | Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! |
| 3 | Joel 2:2 | a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. |
| 4 | Isaiah 25:4 | For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall, |
| 5 | Ezekiel 38:16 | You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes. |
| 6 | Isaiah 21:1–2 | This is the burden against the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the Negev, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror. A dire vision is declared to me: “The traitor still betrays, and the destroyer still destroys. Go up, O Elam! Lay siege, O Media! I will put an end to all her groaning.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 13:11 | tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
Ezekiel 38:9 Summary
[Ezekiel 38:9 describes a powerful and overwhelming invasion, like a thunderstorm, where a leader and many nations will come against the land of Israel, as God allows them to fulfill His plan (Romans 9:17). The phrase 'like a cloud covering the land' shows how massive and unstoppable this invasion will be, much like a cloud that blocks out the sun (Isaiah 60:2). This verse reminds us that God is in control of all nations and events, and His plan will be fulfilled, even if it means allowing judgment and restoration to come upon His people (Isaiah 46:10).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'advancing like a thunderstorm' in Ezekiel 38:9?
This phrase suggests a sudden and powerful invasion, much like the overwhelming sound and force of a thunderstorm, as described in Psalm 29:3-9, where God's voice thunders and shakes the earth.
Who are the 'many peoples with you' that will go up against the land?
The 'many peoples with you' refers to the diverse groups of nations that will join forces with the leader described in Ezekiel 38:9, much like the coalition of nations that gathered against God's people in Ezekiel 38:5-6, including Persia, Cush, and Put.
What is the significance of being 'like a cloud covering the land'?
This phrase implies a massive and overwhelming presence, much like a cloud that blocks out the sun and covers the entire land, as seen in Isaiah 60:2, where the Lord's glory is described as a cloud that covers the earth.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and plan?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations and His plan to bring judgment and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plan will stand, and His purpose will be established.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of God's judgment and the consequences of sin?
- How does the image of a thunderstorm and a cloud covering the land make you feel, and what does it say about God's power and majesty?
- In what ways can you apply the warning of this verse to your own life, and how can you prepare yourself for the spiritual battles ahead?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, even in the face of overwhelming opposition?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 38:9
Thou shall ascend and come like a storm,.... That comes suddenly, looks black and terrible, and causes darkness and horror; makes a great noise, and is very threatening of danger; signifying, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 38:9
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. Thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land - with the multitude of thy forces.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
Thou shalt: sometimes such phrase declares duty and is perceptive, but here it declares the event and is predictive, Gog will, though he should not. The Hebrew might be read thus, Thou shalt ascend as a storm, thou shalt come as a cloud. This storm is violent, with confused, tumultuous noises, and with devastation, as the word implieth; and come as a cloud, that is, as dark, as large, and as inevitable, and which continueth the violent waving storm. To cover the land; Gog and his bands shall be a storm that overspreads the whole land. All thy bands; troops, or wings. Many people; many in number, great in courage and strength.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
Ezekiel 38:9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.Ver. 9. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm.] With great hurry and terror, but it shall soon blow over. Thou shalt be like a cloud.] Sed cito transibis.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 38:9
Verse 9. Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm] It is observable that Antiochus is thus spoken of by Daniel, Daniel 11:40: The king of the north - Antiochus, shall come against him (the king of the south is the king of Egypt) like a whirlwind.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 38:9
9. like a storm] Cf. on the figure Isaiah 21:1; Isaiah 28:2; Jeremiah 4:13. The rapidity of the movements of Gog (Hosea 8:1), and their destructiveness, as well as the infinite masses of his host (Numbers 22:5; Judges 6:5) are expressed by the comparison with the storm and cloud.
Sermons on Ezekiel 38:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes. |
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God's Miracle Mountain by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fulfillment of biblical prophecies in the present day. He highlights the spread of the Gospel in schools and colleges, including in China |
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Resting in Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 24 and the prophecy of a watchman. He acknowledges the warning he has given in his book, "America's Last Call," about the |
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A Man Called Lenin (Reading) by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus as the ultimate refuge and savior. He highlights the historical significance of Jesus' birth and his role as |
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A Tree Planted by the Water by Tom Macartney | Tom Macartney preaches on the contrast between trusting in the Lord and trusting in mortal man, illustrating the blessings of those who trust in the Lord as being like a tree plant |
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God the Refuge for His People by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about God being the refuge for His people, emphasizing how God, in His infinite love, becomes the sinner's shelter from sin's guilt and punishment through Chr |