Old Testament
Ezekiel 17:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a person who made a promise but then disregarded it completely.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
He treated the oath with contempt and broke the covenant. He shook hands on the deal and then did all these things anyway. He will not escape.
Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a person who made a promise but then disregarded it completely. He shook hands, symbolizing an agreement, but later chose to act against it. This shows a lack of respect for commitments and the seriousness of promises. When we make agreements, whether in business or personal relationships, we should honor them. Breaking trust can lead to serious consequences, and this person will not escape the repercussions of his actions. It’s a reminder that our choices matter, and dishonoring our word can lead to loss and regret. Integrity is crucial in all aspects of life, and we should strive to keep our promises, as they reflect our character and values. Ultimately, this verse warns us that actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of how we treat our commitments to others. It’s about being true to our word and understanding the weight of our decisions in life, as they shape our relationships and reputation in the long run. We should always aim to be trustworthy and reliable.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 17:18 to your life
Consider the promises you make in your daily life. Are you following through on them? Reflect on how breaking commitments affects your relationships. Strive to be a person of your word, as this builds trust and strengthens connections with others. Remember, integrity matters in every interaction you have with people around you. Keep your promises, big or small, to foster respect and reliability in your life. Be mindful of the impact your actions have on
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 17:18 mean?
Ezekiel 17:18 describes a person who made a promise but then disregarded it. The verse emphasizes the importance of honoring commitments and warns that breaking trust can lead to serious consequences.
What is the meaning of breaking the covenant in Ezekiel 17:18?
Breaking the covenant in Ezekiel 17:18 refers to failing to uphold an agreement or promise. It highlights the seriousness of commitments and the repercussions that come from treating them lightly.
How does Ezekiel 17:18 relate to trust?
Ezekiel 17:18 relates to trust by showing that breaking promises undermines relationships. It serves as a reminder that maintaining trust requires honoring one's word and commitments.
What lesson can we learn from Ezekiel 17:18?
The lesson from Ezekiel 17:18 is to value integrity and keep promises. It teaches that our actions have consequences, and being reliable in our commitments is essential for healthy relationships.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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