Ezekiel 38 5

Ezekiel 38:5 kjv

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:

Ezekiel 38:5 nkjv

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;

Ezekiel 38:5 niv

Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets,

Ezekiel 38:5 esv

Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;

Ezekiel 38:5 nlt

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons.

Ezekiel 38 verses

Ezekiel 38 5 Meaning

The verse describes the military might of several nations, led by a northern confederation. These nations are identified as being equipped with great weaponry, indicating their formidable and organized strength. This alliance of diverse peoples signifies a widespread challenge.

Ezekiel 38 5 Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's prophecy concerning a future invasion of Israel by a powerful confederation of nations led by Gog. The specific context here is a description of the composition and characteristics of this invading force, highlighting their diverse origins and unified military purpose. Historically, Ezekiel was prophesying to the exiled Jewish people, offering both judgment against surrounding nations and hope for Israel’s future restoration and God's ultimate vindication. This particular prophecy is understood by many to have a significant future, eschatological fulfillment.

Ezekiel 38 5 Word analysis

• וְהָיוּ (və·hā·yū): And they shall be. Future tense, indicating a future state or condition.

• גַּם (gam): Also, even. Emphasizes the inclusion of these nations in the described alliance.

• עִמָּם (ʿim·mām): With them. Denotes association or companionship within this group.

• כָּל (kol): All. Signifies totality or completeness of the listed allies.

• יַמָּסִים (yam·mā·sîm): The Mediterranean Sea, or large bodies of water. In context, it can refer to nations located on or associated with the sea, or perhaps encompassing vast regions. Some interpretations see it as referring to those who dwell by the great seas, suggesting coastal powers or maritime nations.

• הַנִּסְבָּבִים (han·nis·bā·ḇîm): That are circuitous, encompassing, surrounding. Describes those who inhabit lands around the periphery, suggesting a broad territorial reach. This word conveys the idea of surrounding, encircling, or bordering. It speaks to a diverse group that encompasses many different peoples.

• כִּסְלָם (kis·lām): Your splendor, your strength, your rear guard. This is a complex word. It can mean the thigh, loins, or hips, symbolizing strength or power. It can also refer to the rear of an army, indicating their defensive or expansive capability. Some scholars suggest it points to a reliance on external strength or even pagan reliance.

• וּבְכֻלָּם (ū·ḇə·ḵul·lām): And with all of them. Reaffirms the universality of the coalition.

• מַמְלָכוֹת (maml·ā·ḵōṯ): Kingdoms. Indicates sovereign political entities.

• גְּדוֹלוֹת (gə·ḏō·lōṯ): Great, large. Emphasizes the significant power and scope of these kingdoms.

• Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya in their company: This trio represents a formidable array of geographically dispersed allies, from the east (Persia) to the south (Ethiopia, Libya). This demonstrates the global reach of this opposition. Persia (Paras) is modern-day Iran. Ethiopia (Kush) refers to lands south of Egypt, likely Sudan and possibly extending further. Libya (Put) often refers to north African territories, west of Egypt.

• Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the remote quarters of the north: Gomer is generally identified with descendants of Japheth, often associated with the Cimmerians or tribes in Asia Minor. Beth-Togarmah is also linked to peoples in Asia Minor or Anatolia, particularly Armenia and regions to the north. The phrase "remote quarters of the north" emphasizes their origin far from Israel.

Ezekiel 38 5 Bonus section

The list of nations in Ezekiel 38 is interpreted by scholars in various ways. Some view it as representing specific historical kingdoms contemporary to Ezekiel, while a more prevalent view, particularly in eschatological interpretation, sees these names as representative of future nations or confederations that will ally against Israel in the end times. The specific combination and locations suggested are key to identifying the geopolitical landscape of this prophesied future conflict. The detailed military equipment mentioned in the following verses further illustrates the nature of this alliance's power. The prophet uses these specific names to provide a tangible picture of the widespread opposition to God's people.

Ezekiel 38 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 38:5 outlines a significant aspect of the formidable invading force assembled against Israel. It highlights the coalition's diverse geographic origins, explicitly naming Persia (modern Iran), Ethiopia (Kush, south of Egypt), and Libya (Put, north Africa) as allies. These are joined by "all his hordes" from Gomer (often linked to early European tribes or those in Asia Minor) and Beth-Togarmah, explicitly described as coming "from the remote quarters of the north." This diverse composition signifies a broad, international front. The inclusion of numerous "great kingdoms" emphasizes the sheer military and political power of this assembled force, equipped with substantial weaponry. The verse serves to underscore the magnitude of the threat and the overwhelming odds against Israel in this prophetic scenario, depicting a confederation driven by a singular, aggressive purpose.