Old Testament

Ezekiel 17:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending ambassadors to Egypt, asking for horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Can anyone do something like this and get away with it? Can he break a covenant and still escape?

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

What Ezekiel 17:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, we see a king who decides to go against Babylon by reaching out to Egypt for help. He hopes to gather horses and a strong army to support his rebellion. The text questions whether this king will be successful in his plans. It challenges the idea that someone can break a promise or a covenant and still come out unscathed. This situation reflects a deeper truth about trust and loyalty. When we make commitments, we should honor them, as breaking them can lead to serious consequences. The king's actions serve as a warning about the dangers of betrayal and the importance of staying true to our word. Ultimately, the passage invites us to consider the weight of our decisions and the impact they have on our lives and relationships. It reminds us that seeking help in the wrong places can lead to downfall rather than success. The king's rebellion is a cautionary tale about the choices we make and their lasting effects on our future and integrity. It encourages us to think carefully before acting.

How to apply Ezekiel 17:15 to your life

Consider the commitments you have made in your life. Are you honoring them, or are you tempted to break them for immediate gain? Reflect on the long-term impact of your choices and seek support from trustworthy sources. Remember, true strength lies in loyalty and integrity, not in betrayal or shortcuts to power. Choose wisely in your relationships and decisions, as they shape your future significantly. “Be true to your word.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 17:15

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 17:15

At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel

Author
Ezekiel the prophet
Written
Around 590 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 17:15 mean?

Ezekiel 17:15 describes a king who rebels against Babylon by seeking help from Egypt for military support. The verse questions whether he will succeed in his rebellion and highlights the consequences of breaking a covenant.

What is the meaning of rebellion in Ezekiel 17:15?

In Ezekiel 17:15, rebellion refers to the king's decision to defy Babylon's authority by reaching out to Egypt for assistance. This act of defiance raises questions about loyalty and the repercussions of breaking agreements.

What does breaking a covenant mean in Ezekiel 17:15?

Breaking a covenant in Ezekiel 17:15 means violating an agreement or promise made, which can lead to serious consequences. The verse emphasizes that such actions may not go unpunished.

How does Ezekiel 17:15 relate to loyalty?

Ezekiel 17:15 highlights the importance of loyalty by showing the negative outcomes of betrayal. The king's rebellion serves as a warning about the risks of abandoning commitments and seeking power through untrustworthy means.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.