Ezekiel 21:14
Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.
Original Language Analysis
בֶן
Thou therefore son
H1121
בֶן
Thou therefore son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֔ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֔ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 19
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הִנָּבֵ֕א
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵ֕א
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
4 of 19
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
וְהַ֖ךְ
and smite
H5221
וְהַ֖ךְ
and smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
5 of 19
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
H3709
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
6 of 19
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-
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
H3709
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
8 of 19
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-
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
H2719
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
10 of 19
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
שְׁלִישִׁ֙תָה֙
the third
H7992
שְׁלִישִׁ֙תָה֙
the third
Strong's:
H7992
Word #:
11 of 19
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
H2719
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
12 of 19
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
H2491
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
13 of 19
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
הִ֗יא
H1931
הִ֗יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 19
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
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
H2719
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
15 of 19
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
H2491
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
16 of 19
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
הַגָּד֔וֹל
of the great
H1419
הַגָּד֔וֹל
of the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
17 of 19
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Cross References
2 Kings 24:1In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.Numbers 24:10And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.Ezekiel 6:11Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.Leviticus 26:24Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.Leviticus 26:21And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's three invasions of Judah progressively intensified: first taking hostages (Daniel and others, 605 BC), then the king and leadership (Jehoiachin, 597 BC), finally destroying the city completely (586 BC). Each wave grew more devastating, fulfilling the 'doubled the third time' imagery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does escalating judgment demonstrate both God's patience (giving opportunities to repent) and His justice (eventual complete judgment)?
- What does the inability of 'great men' to escape teach about equality before God's judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.' Ezekiel must clap hands while prophesying—symbolic of judgment falling. 'Let the sword be doubled the third time' suggests repeated, intensifying attacks (Nebuchadnezzar's three campaigns: 605, 597, 586 BC). 'The sword of the great men' indicates no one escapes—even leaders in 'privy chambers' (inner, supposedly safe rooms) will fall.