Old Testament
Ezekiel 38:21
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 a time of conflict and chaos.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains," declares the Lord GOD. "Every man's sword will be against his brother.
And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is declaring a time of conflict and chaos. He is saying that He will summon a sword, symbolizing war, against those who oppose Him. This will happen across all His mountains, representing the entirety of His domain. The phrase 'every man's sword will be against his brother' highlights the internal strife and betrayal that will occur among people. It suggests that in times of turmoil, even those who are close to each other can turn against one another. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting discord. The imagery of swords emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, indicating that conflict will be widespread and devastating. Ultimately, this passage reminds us of the importance of unity and the dangers of division, especially in challenging times. It calls us to reflect on our relationships and the impact of our choices on those around us, urging us to seek peace rather than conflict in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 38:21 to your life
In our lives, we can learn from this message about the importance of maintaining harmony with others. When faced with disagreements, it's crucial to seek understanding rather than letting anger drive us apart. Choosing peace over conflict can strengthen our relationships and create a supportive community. Let's strive to be peacemakers in our daily interactions, fostering unity instead of division. This approach can transform our environments for the better.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 38:21 mean?
Ezekiel 38:21 conveys God's declaration of impending conflict, indicating that He will summon war against those who oppose Him. It emphasizes that during this turmoil, even close relationships can turn hostile, highlighting the dangers of division and betrayal.
What is the meaning of 'every man's sword will be against his brother' in Ezekiel 38:21?
The phrase 'every man's sword will be against his brother' illustrates the internal strife and betrayal that can occur among people during times of chaos. It signifies that conflict can arise even among those who are usually close, serving as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
How does Ezekiel 38:21 relate to conflict in our lives?
Ezekiel 38:21 highlights the reality of conflict and betrayal, reminding us that disagreements can escalate into serious strife. It encourages us to seek peace and understanding in our relationships to avoid the destructive consequences of division.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 38:21?
The main themes in Ezekiel 38:21 include conflict, betrayal, divine warning, unity, and internal strife. These themes reflect the serious nature of turning away from God and the resulting turmoil that can affect personal 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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