Ezekiel 21:11
And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.
Original Language Analysis
לָתֵ֥ת
And he hath given
H5414
לָתֵ֥ת
And he hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֹתָ֛הּ
H853
אֹתָ֛הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֹרָ֔טָּה
it to be furbished
H4803
מֹרָ֔טָּה
it to be furbished
Strong's:
H4803
Word #:
3 of 14
to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen
לִתְפֹּ֣שׂ
H8610
לִתְפֹּ֣שׂ
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
4 of 14
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
בַּכָּ֑ף
that it may be handled
H3709
בַּכָּ֑ף
that it may be handled
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
5 of 14
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
הִֽיא
H1931
הִֽיא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הוּחַ֤דָּה
is sharpened
H2300
הוּחַ֤דָּה
is sharpened
Strong's:
H2300
Word #:
7 of 14
to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe
חֶ֙רֶב֙
this sword
H2719
חֶ֙רֶב֙
this sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 14
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְהִ֣יא
H1931
וְהִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מֹרָ֔טָּה
it to be furbished
H4803
מֹרָ֔טָּה
it to be furbished
Strong's:
H4803
Word #:
10 of 14
to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen
לָתֵ֥ת
And he hath given
H5414
לָתֵ֥ת
And he hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אוֹתָ֖הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Babylonian swords and weapons were technologically advanced for their time. The image of a sharpened, polished sword ready for battle would evoke fear in ancient hearers who understood warfare's brutal reality. Nebuchadnezzar's armies were indeed a fearsome, well-prepared military machine.
Questions for Reflection
- How should violent biblical imagery of judgment shape our view of sin's seriousness?
- What does God's preparation of judgment teach about His sovereignty and justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished.' The sword represents Babylon's military power executing God's judgment. 'Sharpened' (chad) and 'furbished' (marat—polished, brightened) indicate preparation for battle. The repetition ('a sword, a sword') creates urgency and inevitability. God's judgment sword is ready, honed, prepared for slaughter. The imagery is violent and unsettling—appropriate for the violence of war and divine judgment.