Ezekiel 7:17
Ezekiel 7:17 in Multiple Translations
Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.
All hands will be feeble and all knees without strength, like water.
Every hand will go limp, and every knee will go weak.
All handes shalbe weake, and all knees shall fall away as water.
All the hands are feeble, and all knees go — waters.
All hands will be feeble, and all knees will be weak as water.
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.
All hands shall be made feeble, and all knees shall run with water.
Because everyone will be very afraid, all the people’s hands will become limp and their knees will become very weak.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 7:17
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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּל
הַ/יָּדַ֖יִם
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
וְ/כָל
בִּרְכַּ֖יִם
תֵּלַ֥כְנָה
מָּֽיִם
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יָּדַ֖יִם
yâd
H3027
hand
Art | N-cd
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בִּרְכַּ֖יִם
berek
H1290
knee
N-fd
תֵּלַ֥כְנָה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 7:17
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.
הַ/יָּדַ֖יִם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Art | N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
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.
בִּרְכַּ֖יִם
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fd
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
תֵּלַ֥כְנָה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מָּֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
- Sermons on Ezekiel 7:17
Context — The Desolation of Israel
15The sword is outside; plague and famine are within. Those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.
16The survivors will escape and live in the mountains, moaning like doves of the valley, each for his own iniquity.
17Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.
18They will put on sackcloth, and terror will overwhelm them. Shame will cover all their faces, and all their heads will be shaved. 19They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 21:7 | And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 2 | Hebrews 12:12 | Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 6:24 | We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 22:14 | Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act. |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:7–8 | Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. |
Ezekiel 7:17 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 7:17, is saying that when God's judgment comes, people will be completely overwhelmed and unable to do anything to help themselves, like it says in Psalm 107:26. It's a powerful reminder that our strength and courage come from God, and when we turn away from Him, we can expect to feel weak and helpless. As it says in Proverbs 29:25, 'fear of man will prove to be a snare', and we need to put our trust in God instead, as described in Psalm 28:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for 'every hand to go limp' in Ezekiel 7:17?
This phrase is a metaphor for the loss of strength and courage in the face of judgment, similar to what is described in Isaiah 13:7, where it says 'every heart will melt with fear'
How does the image of 'every knee turning to water' relate to the rest of the Bible?
This image is reminiscent of other scriptures, such as Psalm 107:26, where it describes the fear and helplessness of those in peril, and highlights the overwhelming nature of God's judgment
Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual condition?
While the language is physical, the context suggests that Ezekiel 7:17 is describing a spiritual condition of fear, shame, and hopelessness, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:65-67, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience
How does this verse fit into the larger picture of God's judgment in Ezekiel?
Ezekiel 7:17 is part of a larger description of God's judgment on Israel, where the people's strength and courage will fail them, and they will be left helpless and ashamed, as described in Ezekiel 7:15-16 and 7:18-19
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like my 'hands are limp' and I've lost my strength and courage?
- How do I respond to fear and uncertainty, and what can I learn from the example of those in Ezekiel 7:17?
- What are some idols or false sources of comfort that I turn to in times of trouble, and how can I learn to trust in God instead?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on my own heart and my response to the idea of God's judgment, and what changes can I make to align myself with His will?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:17
All hands shall be feeble,.... No strength in them, to lay hold on weapons of war to defend themselves, or fight the enemy; no heart nor courage in them, to go forth and meet him; and even afraid to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:17
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. All knees shall be weak as water - literally, shall go (as) waters; incapable of resistance (Joshua 7:5; Psalms 22:14; Isaiah 13:7).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
All hands with which they should hold the instruments of fortification, the weapons of war, the tools of working, and that should carry away their goods, that they shall not be able to work at the ramparts, nor fight in the battle, nor earn-their bread, or carry away their substance on which they might subsist. All knees, which bowed to idols, shall now fall under the punishments of idolatry, shall be neither strong to stand in battle, or to flee from the drawn sword: and this weakness was on all, as it is twice repeated.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
Ezekiel 7:17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak [as] water.Ver. 17. All hands shall be feeble.] As after some grievous disease, or as in extreme cold weather, ye shall not be able to handle your arms, wherein ye so trust. God strengtheneth or weakeneth the arms of either party. And all knees shall be weak as water.] Fluent aquis: puta sudore ex gravi angustia, vel potius urina, ex pavore. Not to those that wait upon God. Let wicked Thrasos think on this. Vulg., Jerome, Septuag.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
Verse 17. All knees shall be weak as water.] Calmet understands this curiously: La frayeur dont on sera saisi, fera qu'on ne pourra retenir son urine. D'autres l'expliquent d'une autre souillure plus honteuse. I believe him to be nearly about right. St. Jerome is exactly the same: Pavoris magnitudine, urina polluet genua, nec valebit profluentes aquas vesica prohibere. This and other malretentions are often the natural effect of extreme fear or terror.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:17
17. The description returns from the condition of the fugitives to that of the besieged. Prostration and despair seizes them. The figures of the hands “hanging down,” and the knees becoming “water” are expressive of complete paralysis of strength. LXX. Hitz. interpret the latter phrase literally. Cf. ch. Ezekiel 21:7; Isaiah 13:7; Jeremiah 6:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:17
17. This verse shows the utter prostration of those who are escaping: “their knees melt into water.” (Compare Ezekiel 21:7; Isaiah 13:7; Jeremiah 6:24.)
Sermons on Ezekiel 7:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s |
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Endurance by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of losing his sermon files on his computer and finding them in a different location. He humorously suggests that all tech |
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We Have Been Called to Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its s |
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Discouragement (Letting the Fire Go Out) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of discouragement and its impact on our faith. He highlights how God warned Joshua not to be discouraged before entering the land, |
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Hebrews 12:12-17 by Don McClure | Don McClure emphasizes the importance of discipline in the Christian life, using the metaphor of a marathon runner to illustrate the need for perseverance and focus on Jesus as the |
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Exhortation #5 - the Prize by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not falling short of the grace of God. The grace of God is described as both a calling and a supply, calling us into all th |
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The Faithfulness of Elohim & Jehovah by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God and having a real biblical faith. They discuss the transcendence of God, highlighting His position as the |