Ezekiel 21:14

KJV

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite [thine] hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it [is] the sword of the great [men that are] slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou therefore, son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012}, and smite {H5221} thine hands {H3709}{H3709} together {H5221}, and let the sword {H2719} be doubled {H3717} the third {H7992} time, the sword {H2719} of the slain {H2491}: it is the sword {H2719} of the great {H1419} men that are slain {H2491}, which entereth into their privy chambers {H2314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, human being, prophesy and clap your hands together. Then the sword will strike twice, three times, the sword for victims, the sword for a great slaughter, coming from every direction.

Berean Standard Bible

‘So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike two times, even three. It is a sword that slays, a sword of great slaughter closing in on every side!

American Standard Version

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thy hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one that is deadly wounded, which entereth into their chambers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:14 intensifies the prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and Judah, commanding the prophet to perform a symbolic act of striking his hands together. This action, coupled with the imagery of a sword "doubled the third time," underscores the absolute certainty, severity, and pervasive nature of the divine wrath. The verse specifically highlights that this judgment, personified by the relentless sword, will not spare the "great men" or those in positions of power, penetrating even their most private and secure "privy chambers," signifying the inescapable reach of God's justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is often called "The Song of the Sword," a vivid and terrifying oracle delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the imminent Babylonian invasion and the divine judgment it represents. Preceding verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 21:3-5](/ezekiel/21-3 "Ezekiel 21:3-5 - God's Sword Drawn Against Israel") and [Ezekiel 21:9-11](/ezekiel/21-9 "Ezekiel 21:9-11 - A Sharpened Sword for Slaughter")) establish the metaphor of God's sword drawn and sharpened for slaughter, ready to execute divine wrath. Verse 14 builds upon this by commanding Ezekiel to perform a dramatic, public gesture—striking his hands together—which serves to amplify the message of inevitable destruction. This performative prophecy ensures the audience grasps the gravity and certainty of the impending doom, reinforcing that the "sword" is not merely a human army but an instrument of God's righteous indignation. The subsequent verses continue to detail the path and targets of this destructive sword, emphasizing its comprehensive reach.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national trauma for Judah. The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had already been taken to Babylon in 597 BC, but Jerusalem itself had not yet fallen. The people back in Jerusalem, and even some exiles, clung to false hopes of a quick return or divine intervention that would prevent the city's destruction. Ezekiel's ministry, therefore, was largely one of dismantling these false hopes and preparing the people for the full extent of God's judgment, which would culminate in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC. The imagery of a "sword" was a common and terrifying symbol of warfare and conquest in the ancient Near East, readily understood by the audience as a harbinger of violence, death, and national subjugation. The "great men" refers to the political and religious leaders, nobles, and wealthy elite who were often seen as responsible for the nation's spiritual decline and who typically felt most secure in their positions and possessions. "Privy chambers" would have evoked images of secure, private rooms within homes or palaces, emphasizing that no place, however hidden or fortified, would offer refuge from the coming calamity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The primary theme is **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, where God, as the sovereign Lord, actively intervenes in history to punish sin and idolatry. The "sword" is a direct manifestation of this righteous anger, not random violence but a deliberate act of justice against a rebellious people. Closely related is the theme of **Inevitability and Pervasiveness of Judgment**. The command to "double the sword the third time" and its penetration into "privy chambers" signifies that the judgment will be absolute, inescapable, and comprehensive, reaching every segment of society and every hidden corner. The verse also underscores **Prophetic Action and Emphasis**, as Ezekiel's physical gesture of striking his hands together serves as a powerful, non-verbal reinforcement of the spoken oracle, ensuring the message's impact. Finally, the specific targeting of "great men" highlights **Accountability of Leadership**, emphasizing that those in positions of power bear a greater responsibility and will face severe consequences for their unfaithfulness, a theme echoed in other prophetic warnings against corrupt leaders (e.g., [Jeremiah 22:1-5](/jeremiah/22-1 "Jeremiah 22:1-5 - Warning to the House of Judah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This recurring address to Ezekiel (H1121, H120) emphasizes his humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty of God who commissions him. It grounds the prophet in his earthly nature, highlighting that he is merely a human messenger delivering a divine, weighty word, rather than speaking from his own authority.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This word (H2719) refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, but also encompasses other sharp implements. In this context, it is a potent symbol of divine judgment, destruction, and warfare. It is not merely a physical weapon but the instrument through which God's righteous wrath is executed, bringing about death and desolation.
* **Doubled (Hebrew, _kâphal'_):** The root (H3717) means "to fold together" or "to repeat." Here, "doubled the third time" signifies an intensified, repeated, and overwhelming blow. It is an idiom for extreme severity and completeness of the judgment, rather than a literal count, indicating that the destructive power of the sword will be amplified and relentless.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** This term (H2491) denotes someone pierced, especially to death, or wounded. It emphasizes the violent and fatal outcome of the sword's work, specifically targeting those who will fall as casualties of God's judgment. The repetition of "sword of the slain" underscores the pervasive death that will ensue.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective (H1419) means "great" in any sense, including size, importance, or influence. When applied to "men," it refers to the prominent, powerful, noble, or influential individuals in society. The specific mention of "great men that are slain" highlights that no one, regardless of status, will be exempt from the impending judgment.
* **Privy chambers (Hebrew, _châdar'_):** The root (H2314) means "to inclose" or "to beset," referring to a private or secret room. The phrase "privy chambers" signifies the most hidden, secure, and personal spaces. Its inclusion emphasizes the utter inescapability and thoroughness of God's judgment, which will penetrate even the most guarded and intimate areas, leaving no refuge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together":** God commands Ezekiel, addressing him by his characteristic title emphasizing his humanity, to deliver this prophecy. The command to "smite thine hands together" (Hebrew: _saphaq kaf_) is a dramatic, public gesture signifying astonishment, dismay, grief, or intense indignation. It serves as a visual and auditory exclamation mark, underscoring the gravity and certainty of the impending calamity for the prophet's audience.
* **"and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain":** This clause intensifies the imagery of the divine sword. "Doubled the third time" is an idiom for extreme emphasis, completeness, and relentless repetition, indicating that the judgment will be overwhelmingly severe and continuous. The phrase "the sword of the slain" explicitly links the instrument of judgment to its devastating outcome—widespread death and destruction.
* **"it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers":** This final part clarifies the specific targets and the thoroughness of the judgment. The "great men" refers to the leaders, nobles, and influential figures, indicating that their status will offer no protection. The chilling detail that the sword "entereth into their privy chambers" signifies that no place, however secret, private, or secure, will offer refuge. God's judgment will penetrate every hidden corner, leaving no one untouched and no escape from its reach.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:14 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through the recurring image of the **sword**. The sword is not merely a literal weapon but a powerful symbol of divine judgment, wrath, and the instrument of God's justice. Its description as "doubled the third time" employs **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, conveying an overwhelming and inescapable destructive force that goes beyond a literal doubling, emphasizing the extreme severity and completeness of the impending doom. The phrase "smite thine hands together" is an example of **Performative Prophecy** or **Symbolic Action**, where the prophet's physical gesture acts as a visual and auditory sign, reinforcing the spoken word and impressing its gravity upon the audience. The contrast between the "great men" and the penetration of the sword into their "privy chambers" highlights **Irony** and **Inescapability**, as those who felt most secure and powerful will find no sanctuary from God's reach, even in their most private and guarded spaces.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:14 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of persistent rebellion. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not mocked, and His righteous judgment will inevitably fall upon sin, particularly when warnings are ignored and leadership fails to uphold divine standards. The "sword" represents the active, deliberate execution of God's will in history, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and individuals. This passage challenges any notion of security based on human power, wealth, or hiddenness, asserting that God's reach is absolute and His judgment impartial. It compels a sober reflection on the seriousness of sin and the futility of attempting to evade divine accountability.

* [Jeremiah 25:29](/jeremiah/25-29 "Jeremiah 25:29 - Judgment Begins with God's House")
* [Amos 9:2-4](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2-4 - No Escape from God's Presence")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:14 is a sobering passage that confronts us with the reality of divine judgment and the inescapable consequences of rebellion against God. It forces us to acknowledge that God's justice is not a distant concept but a powerful force that actively intervenes in human history, piercing through all pretense and privilege. The imagery of the sword reaching into "privy chambers" is a profound reminder that no aspect of our lives, no secret sin, no hidden motive, is concealed from God's all-seeing eye. This should not primarily evoke fear, but rather a profound sense of awe for God's holiness and an urgent call to self-examination and repentance. True security and peace are found not in attempting to hide from God or His decrees, but in humbly acknowledging His sovereignty, seeking His mercy, and aligning our lives with His righteous will. It challenges us to consider whether our trust is placed in fleeting human power or in the enduring, just character of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the imagery of the "sword doubled the third time" reveal about the nature of God's judgment, and how does this challenge our contemporary understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways might we, like the "great men" of Judah, mistakenly believe ourselves to be secure or exempt from accountability, whether spiritually or practically?**
* **How does the idea that God's judgment "entereth into their privy chambers" encourage us to live lives of integrity, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Ezekiel being commanded to "smite thine hands together"?**

Answer: The command for Ezekiel to "smite thine hands together" (Hebrew: *saphaq kaf*) is a significant performative act. This gesture, found in other biblical contexts (e.g., [Numbers 24:10](/numbers/24-10 "Numbers 24:10 - Balaam's Hands Smitten") or [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - People Clap Hands at Jerusalem's Fall")), typically denotes strong emotional reactions such as astonishment, dismay, grief, or intense indignation. In Ezekiel 21:14, it serves to visually and audibly underscore the gravity and certainty of the impending divine judgment. It is a prophetic sign that amplifies the spoken word, ensuring that the audience understands the profound and unavoidable nature of the calamity about to befall Jerusalem and its leaders. It conveys God's own lament and anger over the necessity of such severe judgment.

**Does "doubled the third time" imply a literal sequence of three attacks?**

Answer: No, "doubled the third time" (or "third time doubled") is generally understood as a Hebrew idiom for extreme intensity, completeness, and relentless repetition, rather than a literal count of three distinct attacks. It emphasizes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the impending destruction. The sword's power and destructive capacity are amplified to the highest degree, signifying that the judgment will be comprehensive and leave nothing untouched. It highlights the severity and thoroughness of God's righteous wrath, ensuring that the message of inevitable doom is fully conveyed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 21:14 vividly portrays the severity of God's judgment against sin, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in the *avoidance* of judgment, but in its *redemptive redirection* through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" of God's wrath, which justly falls upon sin, ultimately found its target in the Son of Man, Jesus, who willingly became the "slain" one for the "great men" and all humanity. The inescapable judgment that penetrates "privy chambers" is met by Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death, where He bore the full weight of divine wrath on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering")). Rather than the sword of judgment entering *our* private spaces to condemn, the Spirit of Christ now enters the "privy chambers" of our hearts to cleanse, transform, and indwell those who believe ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The ultimate "great man" is Christ, who, though innocent, was slain so that those who are truly great in God's eyes—His redeemed children—might escape the eternal judgment symbolized by the sword. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a refuge from divine wrath that no human "privy chamber" could ever provide ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")).

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

Numbers 24:10

¶ And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times.

2 Kings 24:1

¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Leviticus 26:24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Ezekiel 6:11

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

2 Kings 24:10

At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.

2 Kings 24:16

And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.