Ezekiel 17:19
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֞ן
H3651
לָכֵ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּה
H3541
כֹּה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
חַי
As I live
H2416
חַי
As I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
6 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
8 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֗א
H3808
לֹ֗א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וּבְרִיתִ֖י
and my covenant
H1285
וּבְרִיתִ֖י
and my covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
13 of 17
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:9Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?Jeremiah 5:2And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.Deuteronomy 5:11Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Historical Context
Ancient treaties invoked deities as witnesses and enforcers. The Babylon-Judah treaty explicitly named Yahweh. Breaking this oath defied God Himself. This explains judgment's intensity—not merely political but covenant curses. Deuteronomic covenant (Deuteronomy 28-30) specified curses for disobedience: conquest, exile, royal humiliation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that commitments before others are ultimately to God change our view?
- What areas have we compartmentalized as 'secular' when God views them as sacred?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'He hath despised mine oath, and hath broken my covenant.' What appeared merely political was actually oath to God. When Zedekiah swore before Yahweh as witness, he bound himself to God, not just Nebuchadnezzar. 'I will even bring it upon his head'—covenant curse language. God takes personal responsibility: 'I will...' His reputation is at stake.