Old Testament
Ezekiel 17:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God is declaring the fate of those who have fled from their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
All his fugitives with all his troops will fall by the sword, and those who remain will be scattered to all the winds. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.
And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is declaring the fate of those who have fled from their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions. The imagery of falling by the sword suggests a violent end, while being scattered to the winds indicates a complete disbandment and loss of unity. This serves as a warning that when people turn away from their commitments, they face dire consequences. God emphasizes that this is not just a prediction but a certainty, affirming His authority. The phrase 'you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken' highlights the importance of recognizing God's power and the truth of His words. It reminds us that divine justice will prevail, and those who disregard their duties will ultimately face the repercussions. This message is a call to reflect on our own lives and the commitments we make, urging us to stay true to our paths and responsibilities, lest we find ourselves lost and scattered like the fugitives described here. God’s words are a reminder of His sovereignty and the importance of accountability in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 17:21 to your life
Consider the commitments you have in your life. Are you staying true to them, or are you allowing distractions to lead you astray? Reflect on the importance of accountability and the potential consequences of neglecting your responsibilities. Stay focused and committed to your path to avoid being lost or scattered in life’s challenges. Remember, your choices matter greatly in shaping your future and relationships with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 17:21 mean?
Ezekiel 17:21 describes the fate of those who abandon their responsibilities, indicating that they will face violent consequences and be scattered. It emphasizes that God’s words are certain and serve as a warning about the importance of commitment.
What is the significance of 'fall by the sword' in Ezekiel 17:21?
The phrase 'fall by the sword' in Ezekiel 17:21 symbolizes a violent end for those who flee from their duties. It highlights the serious consequences of neglecting responsibilities and the inevitability of divine justice.
What does 'scattered to all the winds' mean in Ezekiel 17:21?
'Scattered to all the winds' in Ezekiel 17:21 signifies a complete disbandment and loss of unity among those who remain. It illustrates the chaos and disarray that follows when individuals abandon their commitments.
What is the main message of Ezekiel 17:21?
The main message of Ezekiel 17:21 is a warning about the consequences of abandoning responsibilities. It stresses the importance of accountability and the certainty of God's judgment on those who disregard their commitments.
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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