Ezekiel 21:5

Authorized King James Version

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That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

Original Language Analysis

וְיָֽדְעוּ֙ may know H3045
וְיָֽדְעוּ֙ may know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֔ר That all flesh H1320
בָּשָׂ֔ר That all flesh
Strong's: H1320
Word #: 3 of 12
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
כִּ֚י H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲנִ֣י H589
אֲנִ֣י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 5 of 12
i
יְהוָ֔ה that I the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה that I the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי have drawn forth H3318
הוֹצֵ֥אתִי have drawn forth
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 7 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
חַרְבִּ֖י my sword H2719
חַרְבִּ֖י my sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 8 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
מִתַּעְרָ֑הּ out of his sheath H8593
מִתַּעְרָ֑הּ out of his sheath
Strong's: H8593
Word #: 9 of 12
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָשׁ֖וּב it shall not return H7725
תָשׁ֖וּב it shall not return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 11 of 12
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עֽוֹד׃ H5750
עֽוֹד׃
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis & Commentary

"That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more." The recognition formula appears with emphasis—"all flesh" (kol-basar, כָּל־בָּשָׂר) will know Yahweh drew the sword. Judgment serves pedagogical purposes—teaching divine reality, sovereignty, and justice. "It shall not return any more" (lo tashuv od, לֹא תָשׁוּב עוֹד) indicates irrevocable commitment to complete the judgment—no last-minute reversal occurs. The finality creates urgency for repentance before the sword strikes.

Historical Context

When Babylon conquered Jerusalem, surrounding nations witnessed and recognized Yahweh's hand (Ezekiel 5:14-15). The destruction didn't suggest God's weakness but vindicated His holiness—He judges His own people's sin severely. The irreversible nature was proven when no prophetic intercession or royal diplomacy prevented Jerusalem's fall. God's word, once decreed, cannot be reversed apart from genuine repentance (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

Questions for Reflection

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