Ezekiel 21:16 kjv
Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.
Ezekiel 21:16 nkjv
"Swords at the ready! Thrust right! Set your blade! Thrust left? Wherever your edge is ordered!
Ezekiel 21:16 niv
Slash to the right, you sword, then to the left, wherever your blade is turned.
Ezekiel 21:16 esv
Cut sharply to the right; set yourself to the left, wherever your face is directed.
Ezekiel 21:16 nlt
O sword, slash to the right,
then slash to the left,
wherever you will,
wherever you want.
Ezekiel 21 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 51:20 | You are my battle axe, my weapon of war. | Metaphor of God's tool for judgment |
| Isaiah 10:5 | "Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger! | Assyria as instrument of God's wrath |
| Psalm 7:12-13 | God prepares his weapons; he aims at them. | God's preparation of judgment |
| Isaiah 13:3 | God has consecrated his warriors; he has called them to his anger. | Consecration for judgment |
| Deuteronomy 32:41 | "When I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on the right for judgment, | God's personal involvement in judgment |
| Jeremiah 47:6 | "Ah, sword of the LORD, how long until you are quiet? | Address to the sword of the Lord |
| Jeremiah 50:25 | The LORD has opened his armory and brought out the weapons of his wrath. | God's arsenal of judgment |
| Revelation 1:16 | In his right hand he held seven stars. | Christ holding instruments of authority |
| Revelation 19:15 | From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike the nations. | Christ's judgment by word/sword |
| Luke 2:35 | a sword will pierce your own soul too. | Simeon's prophecy of suffering and piercing |
| Hebrews 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. | The power and effectiveness of God's word |
| Genesis 27:40 | by your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother. | Sword as a symbol of livelihood/dominance |
| Numbers 22:31 | Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD. | God revealing hidden truths |
| 2 Samuel 23:1-7 | The spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. | God's word conveyed through men |
| Isaiah 41:2 | Who stirred up one from the east, whom righteousness called to its service? | God raising up instruments for His purpose |
| Nahum 2:1 | The sacker has come up against you. Guard the stronghold; watch the road;. | Herald of destruction |
| Amos 5:2 | the virgin Israel has fallen; she will never rise again. | God's judgment upon Israel |
| Isaiah 34:2-6 | For the LORD is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their host. | God's wrath against nations |
| Jeremiah 46:10 | For that day is a day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance. | Day of the Lord's vengeance |
| Ezekiel 14:21 | For thus says the Lord GOD: How much more when I send upon Jerusalem my four disastrous acts of judgment: sword. | God's instruments of judgment |
| Psalm 58:10-11 | The righteous will rejoice when they see the vengeance. | Joy in God's justice |
Ezekiel 21 verses
Ezekiel 21 16 Meaning
The verse describes God sharpening the blade of a sword to make it gleam. This sharpening is for judgment, specifically against a wicked people. The sword is further prepared for slaughter, ready to strike with lethal force.
Ezekiel 21 16 Context
Chapter 21 of Ezekiel continues the theme of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. The prophet uses a vivid, symbolic illustration to convey God's impending wrath. He has been lamenting the impending destruction and is now showing the means and certainty of this judgment. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle depicting God sharpening and preparing His sword (representing the Babylonian army) for execution against Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 21 16 Word Analysis
- "Sharpen": The Hebrew word used here is "heqōh" (חָקֹה), which implies to make sharp, to whet. It emphasizes the deliberate preparation and honing of the weapon for its purpose.
- "blade": "leṣeṭ" (לֶצֶט) refers to the shining or flashing of a blade, emphasizing its keenness and readiness.
- "gleam": The Hebrew implies making it bright or polished, indicating readiness and purpose.
- "prepared": "mephunnelet" (מְפֻנֶּלֶת) suggests being fitted or ready, indicating the instrument is perfectly equipped.
- "for slaughter": "limṭāḥ" (לִמְטָּח) signifies for butchery or for killing, pointing to the deadly outcome.
- "slaughter": "mishḥāṭ" (מִשְׁחָט) further emphasizes the act of killing, a butcher-like efficiency in the destructive act.
- "to be thrust home": "la-ḫabōreḵā" (לַחֲבֹרֶךָ) means to be put into the sheath, or more commonly in this context, to be plunged in or thrust home, signifying the finality of the blow.
Ezekiel 21 16 Bonus Section
The act of "sharpening" and "gleaming" implies not only readiness but also a terrifying splendor in God's justice. This imagery contrasts with the people's complacent security, showing that divine judgment is an unstoppable force, perfectly prepared. The use of "slaughter" and "butchery" underscores the severity and thoroughness of the impending doom, indicating no escape for the condemned. This passage also functions as a polemic against any who might trust in their own strength or believe they are safe from divine accountability.
Ezekiel 21 16 Commentary
God, the ultimate sovereign, actively prepares the instruments of His judgment. The sword isn't just an accidental weapon; it is intentionally sharpened, polished, and made ready for maximum destructive impact. This highlights the certainty and deliberate nature of God's justice against sin and rebellion. The imagery evokes a powerful visual of a honed weapon, gleaming with the intent to execute judgment swiftly and decisively. It's a sobering picture of the consequences of continued wickedness.