Ezekiel 21:4

KJV

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing {H3282} then that I will cut off {H3772} from thee the righteous {H6662} and the wicked {H7563}, therefore shall my sword {H2719} go forth {H3318} out of his sheath {H8593} against all flesh {H1320} from the south {H5045} to the north {H6828}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Since I am going to rid you of both righteous and evildoers, my sword will also go out of its scabbard against everyone, from the Negev to the north.

Berean Standard Bible

Because I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked, My sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.

American Standard Version

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:4 unveils a terrifying pronouncement of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, revealing God's unwavering resolve to execute a comprehensive and devastating calamity. Through the powerful metaphor of a drawn sword, the Lord declares that His judgment will sweep across the entire land, affecting both the righteous and the wicked in its immediate, temporal impact. This stark declaration underscores the severity of the nation's pervasive rebellion and the imminence of its destruction by the Babylonian forces, leaving no corner of the land untouched.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21 is a pivotal chapter within the larger prophetic book, often referred to as the "Sword Song" or "Sword of the Lord." It immediately follows a series of oracles concerning Jerusalem's impending destruction and the defilement of the Temple, as seen in [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Abominations in the Temple and God's Departure"), and a parable of the two eagles and the vine in [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Parable of the Eagles and the Vine") depicting the treachery of Judah's kings. This chapter specifically amplifies the theme of judgment, using the vivid imagery of a sharpened, unsheathed sword to symbolize God's instrument of wrath. Verse 4 is a direct and chilling declaration within this extended oracle, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the coming devastation that will spare no one within the land, setting the stage for the detailed description of the sword's path and purpose in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 21](/ezekiel/21 "Ezekiel 21 - The Sword of the Lord"). The oracle continues to build in intensity, with God commanding Ezekiel to prophesy against Jerusalem and the land of Israel, preparing the people for the inevitable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, which began with the first deportation in 597 BC. His primary audience included both the exiles in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. At this time, Jerusalem was either under siege or facing imminent destruction by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, with the final fall occurring in 586 BC. Despite repeated warnings and previous deportations, the people in Judah, particularly the leadership and false prophets, clung to a false sense of security, believing Jerusalem and its Temple were inviolable due to God's presence there. This belief was rooted in a misinterpretation of God's covenant promises and a failure to acknowledge their persistent idolatry, injustice, and moral decay, as detailed in passages like [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple"). Ezekiel's prophecies, including this verse, were designed to shatter this delusion, demonstrating that God's judgment was not merely a foreign invasion but a divine act against a rebellious people. The geographical markers "from the south to the north" would resonate deeply with the audience, signifying the full extent of their land, from the Negeb desert to the northern reaches of their territory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, as God explicitly states, "I will cut off" and "my sword shall go forth," asserting His direct agency and ultimate control over the unfolding historical events. The startling declaration that "I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked" highlights the theme of **Corporate Judgment**, where the physical consequences of national sin affect all within the community, regardless of individual moral standing. This does not negate God's ultimate spiritual distinction between individuals, as clearly articulated in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"), but emphasizes the shared temporal suffering of a nation under judgment. The "sword" itself is a potent **Metaphor for Divine Wrath and War**, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, signifying the inevitable and destructive consequences of unrepentant rebellion against God. This passage shatters any illusion of immunity, emphasizing the **Holiness of God** and His unwavering commitment to justice, even against His own covenant people, demonstrating that His covenant does not preclude righteous discipline for persistent sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root (H3772) means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." By implication, it can mean to destroy or consume. Significantly, it is also used to describe the act of covenant-making (originally by cutting flesh and passing between pieces), which ironically underscores the breaking of the covenant by Judah. In Ezekiel 21:4, its use emphasizes a decisive, irreversible removal or severance, signifying the complete destruction and removal of the people from their land, whether through death or exile. It underscores the finality and severity of God's judgment, a complete and utter termination of their presence in the promised land.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drought" (H2719), this noun refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement, from its destructive effect. In prophetic literature, the "sword" is a powerful and frequent symbol of divine judgment, war, and devastation. Here, it is not merely a human weapon but "my sword," belonging to God, indicating that the impending destruction is directly orchestrated by Him as an instrument of His righteous wrath. Its destructive power is directly linked to its capacity for "cutting," reinforcing the action implied by _kârath_.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_), wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** These two terms (H6662 and H7563, respectively) represent the moral poles of humanity. _Tsaddîyq_ denotes someone who is just, lawful, or righteous, adhering to God's standards. _Râshâʻ_ describes someone morally wrong, an actively bad person, guilty, or ungodly. The shocking juxtaposition in this verse—that God will cut off both—highlights the indiscriminate nature of the *temporal* national judgment. While God always distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked in terms of eternal destiny and spiritual standing, the physical calamities of war and exile would sweep across the entire population, affecting all who resided in the land. This emphasizes the pervasive nature of the national sin that necessitated such a comprehensive judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine decree and its astonishing scope. The phrase "Seeing then that" (Hebrew: `yaʻan`) indicates the reason or cause for the action, linking it to the nation's pervasive sin and rebellion, though the specific offenses are not enumerated in this verse. The direct declaration "I will cut off" (Hebrew: `kârath`) emphasizes God's active agency and sovereign initiation of the impending judgment. The most jarring and unsettling aspect is the inclusion of "the righteous and the wicked," signaling that the immediate, physical consequences of the national catastrophe—war, famine, exile, and death—would be so pervasive that no inhabitant of the land, regardless of their individual moral standing, would be exempt from the temporal suffering. This does not negate God's ultimate justice or His ability to preserve individuals spiritually, but it underscores the corporate nature of the judgment on the land for its collective apostasy.
* **"therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath"**: This clause reveals the instrument and the unyielding resolve of God's judgment. "Therefore" links the preceding statement to the action, showing the direct consequence of the nation's state. "My sword" explicitly identifies the instrument of destruction as belonging to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and direct involvement in orchestrating the impending invasion. The vivid imagery of the sword "going forth out of his sheath" (Hebrew: `yâtsâʼ` from `taʻar`) signifies that it is fully drawn, ready for battle, and unstoppable. It conveys a sense of finality, an unyielding commitment to execute judgment without hesitation or retreat, implying that the time for repentance has passed and the decree is immutable.
* **"against all flesh from the south to the north:"**: This concluding phrase defines the comprehensive reach of the impending devastation. "Against all flesh" (Hebrew: `bâsâr`) signifies every person, every living being within the land, emphasizing the totality and universality of the judgment. This is not a partial or limited punishment but one that encompasses the entire population. The geographical markers "from the south to the north" (Hebrew: `negeb` to `tsâphôwn`) represent the entire expanse of Judah, from its southernmost borders to its northernmost points. This merism underscores that no part of the land, and no one within it, would escape the sweeping judgment, reinforcing the idea of a complete and inescapable divine reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:4 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom and divine resolve. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "my sword" is a powerful representation of God's divine wrath and the instrument of His judgment, specifically the Babylonian army. This sword is further enhanced by **Personification**, as it is depicted as actively "going forth out of his sheath," suggesting an almost sentient, unstoppable force unleashed by God, imbued with His purpose and power. The phrase "from the south to the north" employs **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole, effectively conveying the idea of a total, comprehensive judgment across the entire land of Judah, leaving no region untouched. The startling declaration that God will "cut off... the righteous and the wicked" contains an element of **Paradox** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of the national calamity, which would sweep up all inhabitants in its immediate temporal consequences, even if individual spiritual distinctions remained in God's ultimate reckoning. This shock factor serves to underscore the profound depth of the nation's sin and the severity of God's response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:4 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to justice and holiness, even when it involves severe judgment upon His own covenant people. It challenges the simplistic notion that righteousness guarantees temporal immunity from national calamity. While God ultimately distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked in terms of eternal destiny and individual accountability, this verse highlights the corporate nature of judgment for widespread national sin. The suffering of the righteous alongside the wicked in such a context serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of a community and the pervasive consequences of societal rebellion against God. It underscores that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of history, using even pagan nations as instruments of His righteous indignation against sin, demonstrating that His justice will prevail over all unrighteousness.

* [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "Malachi 3:18 - God Distinguishes the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the Lord as Darkness")
* [Jeremiah 15:1-4](/jeremiah/15-1-4 "Jeremiah 15:1-4 - God's Unwavering Judgment on Judah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:4 serves as a potent reminder of the gravity of sin and the unwavering justice of God. While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, the principles of God's character revealed here remain eternally true: He is holy, just, and will not tolerate unrepentant rebellion indefinitely. This passage calls us to a profound humility and a serious examination of our own lives and the societies in which we live. It urges us not to presume upon God's grace or to believe that our individual piety will always shield us from the temporal consequences of a fallen world or the collective sins of our communities. Instead, it compels us to cultivate true righteousness, to intercede fervently for our nations, and to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when His ways are mysterious or painful. It reminds us that true security is found not in earthly structures or perceived immunity, but in a steadfast relationship with the sovereign Lord who holds all things in His hand, and whose justice is as sure as His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "the righteous and the wicked" being cut off challenge my understanding of divine justice and individual accountability in a corporate context?**
* **What does the imagery of God's "sword" reveal about His character and His unyielding response to pervasive sin?**
* **In what ways might a community's collective sin bring about consequences that affect everyone, even those striving for righteousness within it?**
* **How should this passage shape my prayers for my nation and my commitment to living righteously and advocating for justice within it?**

### FAQ
**Why would God cut off the righteous with the wicked?**

Answer: This verse highlights the corporate nature of judgment for widespread national sin. While God always distinguishes between individuals in terms of their eternal destiny and spiritual standing (as seen in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility")), the physical consequences of a national catastrophe like war, famine, or exile often affect all inhabitants of a land, regardless of their personal piety. The righteous may suffer temporally alongside the wicked, not as a sign of God's injustice, but as an unavoidable consequence of living within a rebellious society under divine judgment. It underscores the severity of the nation's sin and the pervasive nature of its consequences, demonstrating that the land itself becomes "unclean" and must be purged.

**What does 'the sword of the Lord' symbolize in this context?**

Answer: The "sword of the Lord" is a powerful and recurring metaphor in prophetic literature. In Ezekiel 21:4, it symbolizes God's divine wrath, judgment, and the instrument He uses to execute His justice. While it literally refers to the invading Babylonian army, it emphasizes that this invasion is not merely a geopolitical event but a direct act orchestrated by God Himself. It conveys the idea of an unstoppable, devastating force unleashed by God against a rebellious people, signifying the finality and severity of His judgment. It represents the active, decisive, and inescapable nature of God's retribution for unrepentant sin.

**How does this prophecy relate to the New Covenant or Christian understanding?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 21:4 describes a specific historical judgment under the Old Covenant, its underlying principles remain relevant. It underscores God's unchanging holiness, His justice, and the seriousness of sin. Under the New Covenant, the ultimate "cutting off" or separation is spiritual, between those who are in Christ and those who are not. Believers are saved from the wrath to come through Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). However, the passage reminds us that even in a fallen world, nations and individuals can still experience temporal consequences for widespread unrighteousness, and that God remains sovereign over all history, working out His purposes, even through difficult circumstances. It also foreshadows the ultimate, perfect judgment Christ will execute at the end of time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:4, with its terrifying imagery of God's sword cutting off both righteous and wicked, finds its ultimate theological resolution and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament judgment on Judah was indiscriminate in its temporal sweep, Christ's work on the cross provided the definitive means by which the righteous are eternally distinguished and preserved from divine wrath. The "sword" of God's judgment, which threatened to consume all, was ultimately sheathed in the sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who bore the full weight of sin for humanity. Jesus, the truly righteous One, was "cut off" from the land of the living ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Jesus Cut Off for Our Sins")) so that all who believe in Him might not perish but have eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation")). He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Ultimately, while Ezekiel's sword brought temporal devastation to a nation, Christ's return will wield a different kind of sword—the "sharp sword" of His mouth ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Judgment"))—to execute a final, perfect, and eternally discriminate judgment, separating the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")), ensuring that true righteousness is eternally vindicated and wickedness finally condemned.

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

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 7:2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

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.

Ezekiel 6:14

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.