Ezekiel 17:19

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; As I live {H2416}, surely mine oath {H423} that he hath despised {H959}, and my covenant {H1285} that he hath broken {H6331}, even it will I recompense {H5414} upon his own head {H7218}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says: 'As I live, I swear that it is my oath he has despised and my covenant he has broken, and I will bring this on his own head.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, I will even bring it upon his own head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:19 delivers a profound and unyielding divine decree from the Lord GOD, affirming the absolute certainty of judgment upon King Zedekiah of Judah. This declaration underscores God's unwavering commitment to His own integrity and the severe, personal consequences awaiting those who, like Zedekiah, despise a sacred oath and brazenly break a covenant, especially when such commitments are made under the divine witness. The verse highlights the profound gravity with which God regards faithfulness and the inevitable recompense for treachery, revealing His righteous character and sovereign control over human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Ezekiel 17, a rich and complex allegory depicting two great eagles, a vine, and a cedar. The first eagle symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had conquered Jerusalem, deposed King Jehoiachin, and exiled a significant portion of Judah's royalty and elite to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar then installed Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, as a vassal king over the remaining kingdom in Jerusalem, binding him with a solemn oath of allegiance. The vine represents the kingdom of Judah, with its branches symbolizing its people and leadership. The second great eagle symbolizes Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, to whom Zedekiah illicitly turned for military assistance, thereby flagrantly violating his oath to Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 17:19 directly addresses this act of covenant betrayal, revealing God's perspective on Zedekiah's actions not merely as a political misstep but as a direct affront to divine honor, given that the oath was sworn in the Lord's name. This divine judgment serves as the climax of the allegorical narrative, underscoring the severity of breaking a divinely witnessed covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths and covenants were indispensable foundations of political, social, and legal order. These agreements were almost invariably solemnized by invoking divine witnesses, thereby imbuing them with sacred authority and ensuring their binding nature. A vassal king's oath to his suzerain was not merely a pragmatic political agreement but a sacred bond, frequently invoked with the names of the gods. Zedekiah's oath to Nebuchadnezzar, though made to a pagan ruler, was understood by God as a covenant made under His divine oversight, particularly given the context of Judah's monotheistic faith and God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the Babylonian conquest as a form of divine discipline. Zedekiah's subsequent rebellion, meticulously documented in historical accounts such as [2 Kings 24:20](/2_kings/24-20 "2 Kings 24:20 - Zedekiah's Rebellion") and [2 Chronicles 36:13](/2_chronicles/36-13 "2 Chronicles 36:13 - Zedekiah's Defiance"), by seeking aid from Egypt, was therefore not just a strategic political blunder but a profound act of spiritual apostasy and a direct challenge to God's authority and integrity. The consequences of such a profound breach were universally understood to be severe and divinely enforced, often resulting in utter devastation for the oath-breaker.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 17:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **The Sanctity of Oaths and Covenants**, revealing God's absolute seriousness regarding promises made, especially those invoked in His name. Zedekiah's violation of his oath to Nebuchadnezzar is treated as a direct offense against God Himself, highlighting a universal principle of integrity and faithfulness in all commitments, as profoundly emphasized in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows") and [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord"). Secondly, the verse asserts **Divine Justice and Inevitable Recompense**. The phrase "even it will I recompense upon his own head" is a clear and unyielding declaration of God's active and personal judgment against sin and treachery, affirming that consequences for disobedience are certain and directly borne by the offender. This aligns with God's righteous character and His commitment to upholding moral order, a theme prevalent throughout prophetic literature and articulated in passages such as [Psalm 62:12](/psalm/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Steadfast Love and Recompense"). Lastly, the opening divine oath, "As I live," reinforces **God's Unwavering Sovereignty and Faithfulness to His Word**. It signifies the absolute certainty of God's pronouncements and His omnipotent capacity to execute His will, ensuring that His justice will prevail despite human rebellion, echoing the divine steadfastness found in [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - God's Oath of Universal Submission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **live (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From the root `chayâh`, meaning "to live." In the phrase "As I live," this word functions as a potent divine oath, one of the strongest affirmations in Scripture. It signifies that the following declaration is as certain and immutable as God's very existence. It underscores the absolute truthfulness and unwavering resolve of the speaker, making the subsequent judgment an undeniable reality, drawing on the very life and being of God as the guarantee.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From a root (בָּרָה) in the sense of cutting, referring to the ancient practice of cutting animals in half when making a compact, symbolizing the fate of the party who breaks the agreement. A `bᵉrîyth` is a compact, confederacy, or league. Here, it refers to the solemn agreement Zedekiah made with Nebuchadnezzar, which, because it was sworn by God's name, became a covenant under divine witness, making its violation a direct offense against God Himself.
* **recompense (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to give," but used with vast latitude of application, including "to put," "to make," "to render," or "to requite." In this context, it carries the strong sense of retribution or repayment. God will "give back" or "render" the consequences of Zedekiah's actions directly upon him, emphasizing the direct, personal, and unavoidable nature of the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase serves as a formal and authoritative prophetic declaration, asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signals that what follows is not merely human opinion or a prophet's interpretation, but the direct, sovereign word of `Adonai Yahweh`, the ultimate ruler of all creation.
* **"As I live,":** This is a solemn divine oath, God swearing by His own eternal existence and immutable character. It underscores the absolute certainty, irrevocability, and infallibility of the pronouncement that follows, emphasizing the profound gravity and unchangeable nature of His word and impending judgment.
* **"surely mine oath that he hath despised,":** This clause identifies the primary offense: Zedekiah's contemptuous disregard and disdain for the oath he swore to Nebuchadnezzar. Crucially, because this oath was made in the name of the Lord, God considers it "mine oath," viewing Zedekiah's contempt for it as a direct and personal affront to His own divine honor, authority, and the sanctity of His name.
* **"and my covenant that he hath broken,":** This reiterates and reinforces the previous clause, specifying the nature of the offense as a deliberate and active breach of a sacred covenant. The repetition emphasizes the dual nature of Zedekiah's sin – despising the oath and actively breaking the covenant – both of which are seen as direct violations against God Himself, who witnessed and, in a sense, ordained the covenant for disciplinary purposes.
* **"even it will I recompense upon his own head.":** This declares the inevitable, direct, and personal consequence of Zedekiah's actions. The phrase "recompense upon his own head" is a vivid idiom signifying that the punishment or consequences will fall directly and exclusively upon the one who committed the offense, indicating a just, precise, and inescapable retribution for his treachery, disobedience, and affront to divine integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:19 is powerfully crafted through its use of several literary devices that amplify the gravity and certainty of God's message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, "As I live," which acts as a profound rhetorical device. By swearing by His very existence, God imbues His declaration with absolute certainty and solemnity, leaving no doubt about the inevitability of His judgment. This oath elevates the pronouncement from a mere statement to an unalterable, divinely guaranteed decree. Another significant device is the **Idiom** "recompense upon his own head." This vivid and common biblical expression clearly communicates the principle of personal accountability and direct retribution, emphasizing that the consequences of Zedekiah's actions will fall squarely and exclusively upon him, without possibility of evasion or substitution. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Anthropomorphism** in God speaking of "mine oath" and "my covenant." While the agreement was between human parties (Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar), God attributes to Himself a direct ownership and personal affront regarding its violation, thereby highlighting His intimate involvement in human affairs and His profound concern for integrity, justice, and the sanctity of His name when invoked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:19 profoundly reveals God's character as a God of absolute integrity, unwavering justice, and steadfast faithfulness. His declaration, sworn by His own life, underscores that His word is immutable and His covenants are inviolable. Zedekiah's treachery against a human covenant, when sworn in God's name, becomes a direct assault on divine honor and a contemptuous disregard for the Lord's authority. This passage teaches us that God holds all oaths and agreements, whether secular or sacred, with utmost seriousness, especially when His name is invoked as a witness. The principle of "recompense upon his own head" highlights God's commitment to righteous judgment, ensuring that sin and rebellion do not go unpunished. This divine justice is not arbitrary but a direct and proportionate consequence of actions, reflecting God's perfect moral order and His unwavering commitment to upholding truth and righteousness in His creation. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not mocked and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Psalm 7:16](/psalm/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - Consequences of Wickedness")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pitfall of Deceit")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:19 stands as a timeless and potent reminder of the profound gravity with which God views integrity, promises, and covenants. For believers today, this verse issues a compelling call to a life characterized by unwavering truthfulness and faithfulness in all our dealings, whether with God or with fellow human beings. It challenges us to deeply consider the seriousness of our own vows—in marriage, baptism, church membership, or even simple promises made in daily life. God is a covenant-keeping God, perfectly faithful to His word, and He expects His people to reflect His character by being people of their word, living with impeccable integrity. Furthermore, this passage offers a powerful assurance of divine justice. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, and those who break their word appear to escape consequences, Ezekiel 17:19 unequivocally declares that God is actively involved in upholding righteousness. He will ultimately "recompense upon his own head" every act of treachery, rebellion, and unfaithfulness. This profound truth should inspire us to live with unwavering integrity, to trust implicitly in God's perfect and timely judgment, and to rest assured that His divine order will ultimately bring about perfect justice, even when we cannot perceive it immediately.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, both to God and to others, knowing that God views them with such gravity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my integrity, and how can I lean on God's strength to remain faithful and true to my word?**
* **How does the certainty of God's recompense for broken covenants encourage or challenge my trust in His justice in the world today, especially when I witness apparent injustice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper and more consistent commitment to truthfulness and faithfulness in my daily interactions and relationships?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zedekiah's oath to a pagan king considered a breach against God?**

Answer: Zedekiah's oath to Nebuchadnezzar, though made to a pagan ruler, was sworn in the name of the Lord (YHWH), the God of Israel. In the ancient Near East, oaths were often invoked with divine witnesses to ensure their binding nature and sacred character. For Zedekiah, a king of Judah, to swear by YHWH meant that God Himself was called upon as the guarantor and witness of the covenant. Therefore, when Zedekiah broke this oath by seeking aid from Egypt, he was not merely betraying Nebuchadnezzar; he was directly despising the name of the Lord by which he had sworn and breaking a covenant that God Himself had witnessed and, in a sense, sanctioned as a means of divine discipline (cf. [Ezekiel 17:16](/ezekiel/17-16 "Ezekiel 17:16 - Zedekiah's Fate")). God views the violation of such an oath as a direct affront to His own integrity, holiness, and sovereign plan.

**What does the phrase "As I live" signify when God uses it?**

Answer: "As I live" (Hebrew: `chay 'ani`) is a powerful and solemn divine oath, one of the strongest affirmations God uses throughout Scripture. When God declares "As I live," He is swearing by His very existence, His eternal and unchangeable nature. It signifies the absolute certainty, truthfulness, and irrevocability of the pronouncement that follows. It is God putting His entire being and character on the line, emphasizing that what He states will undoubtedly come to pass. This phrase is used to underscore the gravity of divine promises and judgments, making them as sure as God's own life (e.g., [Numbers 14:28](/numbers/14-28 "Numbers 14:28 - God's Oath to Israel") or [Jeremiah 22:24](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24 - God's Oath to Coniah")). It conveys an ultimate, unchallengeable guarantee.

**What does "recompense upon his own head" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Recompense upon his own head" is a common biblical idiom meaning that the consequences, punishment, or retribution for one's actions will fall directly and personally upon the individual who committed the offense. It emphasizes direct accountability and the principle of just deserts, where the punishment fits the crime. In Ezekiel 17:19, it signifies that Zedekiah, and no one else, will bear the full weight of the divine judgment for his treachery and covenant-breaking. It implies a precise, inescapable, and personal retribution, ensuring that the consequences are meted out directly to the source of the offense (cf. [Psalm 7:16](/psalm/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Own Trap") or [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord and Recompense")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:19, with its stark declaration of divine judgment for a broken covenant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the just recompense for human sin but profoundly in the perfect covenant-keeping of Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's treachery highlights humanity's pervasive failure to uphold divine and human covenants, inevitably leading to judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the faithful Son who perfectly kept every command of God and fulfilled every covenant promise, even to the point of obedient death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the mediator of a new and better covenant, established not on fragile human faithfulness, but on His own shed blood, a covenant that cannot be broken by human sin because its efficacy rests solely on His perfect, once-for-all work (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant") and [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). The "recompense upon his own head" for Zedekiah's sin foreshadows the ultimate divine justice, which was fully poured out upon Christ. He, the innocent Lamb of God, willingly took upon His own head the recompense for the broken covenants and despised oaths of all humanity, bearing the full wrath of God so that those who believe might be reconciled and receive eternal life (cf. [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All Our Iniquities Laid on Him") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Ezekiel 17:19 not only warns of judgment for covenant-breaking but also powerfully points to the one who, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, became the means of escape from that judgment and the unbreakable foundation of an eternal covenant of grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 5:9

Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

Deuteronomy 5:11

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Jeremiah 7:9

Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

Jeremiah 7:15

And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, [even] the whole seed of Ephraim.

Ezekiel 21:23

And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

Ezekiel 21:27

I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no [more], until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [him].