Ezekiel 38 23

Ezekiel 38:23 kjv

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 38:23 nkjv

Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD." '

Ezekiel 38:23 niv

And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'

Ezekiel 38:23 esv

So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 38:23 nlt

In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 38 verses

Ezekiel 38 23 Meaning

This verse signifies God's public and definitive intervention. He will manifest His presence and power, causing nations to witness His holiness and justice. The outcome will be universal recognition of His sovereignty and might, establishing His name as holy and supreme in the eyes of all peoples. This divine demonstration leads to a restored and acknowledged divine rule.

Ezekiel 38 23 Context

Ezekiel 38 describes a future invasion of Israel by a confederation of nations led by Gog from the land of Magog. This invasion is depicted as an unprovoked act of aggression against a seemingly vulnerable people (Ezekiel 38:11-13). However, God intervenes supernaturally to protect His people and defeat the invading forces (Ezekiel 38:18-23). Verse 23, specifically, explains the overarching divine purpose behind this intervention: God will demonstrate His supreme power and holiness to the entire world through this decisive action. It is not just about the deliverance of Israel, but about the global recognition of God's sovereign might and sanctification. This event serves as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, showcasing God's faithfulness and ultimately establishing His universal dominion.

Ezekiel 38 23 Word Analysis

• כִּי־ (ki-): "For," "because." Introduces the reason or purpose for God's action.
• כֵּן (ken): "So," "thus," "in this way." Indicates the manner in which God will act.
• אֶגְדַּל (egdall): "I will magnify myself." From the root gadal (גָּדַל), meaning "to be great," "to grow," "to become large." Implies an increase in greatness, stature, and recognition.
• וְאֶתְקַדָּשׁ (w'etqaddash): "and I will sanctify myself." From the root qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to be holy," "to be set apart," "to be consecrated." Signifies making oneself holy, or demonstrating one's holiness and setting oneself apart from impurity.
• וְנוֹדַעְתִּי (wnod'ti): "and I will be known." From the root yada (יָדַע), meaning "to know," "to recognize." Indicates making oneself known or evident.
• בְּעֵינֵי (b'einei): "in the eyes of," "before the sight of." Refers to public perception and recognition.
• גּוֹיִם (goyim): "nations," "peoples." Refers to the collective body of non-Israelite nations.
• רַבִּים (rabbim): "many," "great." Modifies "nations," emphasizing the extensive scope of this revelation.
• וְיָדְעוּ (wyadu): "and they shall know." A further emphasis on the recognition that will occur.
• כָּל־ (kol-): "all." Reinforces the universal extent of this knowledge.
• הָאֲדֹנָי (ha'adonai): "the LORD" (Jehovah). The covenant name of God, highlighting His personal and covenantal involvement.
• אֱלֹהֵי (elokei): "God."
• קָדְשִׁי (qadshi): "of my holiness," "my holy one." This could be read as "my holy God" or referring to God as "my holy one." In this context, it points to the essence of God's set-apart nature, which will be revealed.

Word Group Analysis

• "I will magnify myself and sanctify myself": This phrase emphasizes a dual action of God. He will elevate His own status and demonstrably exhibit His inherent holiness and separateness from sin and imperfection. This isn't God becoming great or holy, but rather making His existing attributes evident and acknowledged.
• "and I will be known in the eyes of many nations": This clause underscores the global scope of God's self-revelation. His power and nature will be undeniable to vast populations worldwide. The emphasis is on a public, visible demonstration of His divinity.
• "and they shall know that I am the LORD, the God of my holiness": This final part provides the core of the divine purpose: ultimate recognition of God's unique identity and holy character. The term "my holiness" emphasizes the intrinsic purity and separate nature of God which will be indisputably revealed.

Ezekiel 38 23 Bonus Section

The "God of my holiness" is a unique formulation in Ezekiel. While God is consistently referred to as the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:14, 43:3, 47:4, 48:17, 54:5), this verse directly links God's covenant name, Yahweh (the LORD), with His intrinsic holiness as something that belongs to Him in a possessive or defining way. This emphasizes that His holiness is not just an attribute, but is intimately tied to His very being and identity. This declaration foreshadows the ultimate hallowing of God's name in the New Testament, as seen in Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:9 ("Hallowed be thy name") and His own prayer for glory in John 12:28 ("Father, glorify your name"). The ultimate sanctification of God's name will be complete when His reign is fully established, and all creation acknowledges His perfect holiness.

Ezekiel 38 23 Commentary

Ezekiel 38:23 reveals that the divine intervention against the final coalition of nations hostile to Israel is primarily for God's own glory and the vindication of His holy name. The outcome of the supernatural defeat of Gog and his armies will not be a hidden event; rather, it will be a public spectacle for "many nations." This universal witnessing of God's power is intended to lead to a profound and undeniable recognition: "that I am the LORD." The phrase "God of my holiness" highlights the specific attribute that will be magnified—God's perfect, unchanging, and sovereign holiness, which sets Him apart from all others. This is consistent with other prophetic pronouncements where God declares He will sanctify His name (e.g., Ezekiel 36:23). This event serves as a powerful demonstration that God's faithfulness to His people is inseparable from His commitment to demonstrating His supreme holiness and authority to all of creation, proving He is indeed the one true God. It serves as a powerful deterrent against future rebellion and establishes His holy name among all peoples.