Ezekiel 21:7

KJV

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when they say {H559} unto thee, Wherefore sighest {H584} thou? that thou shalt answer {H559}, For the tidings {H8052}; because it cometh {H935}: and every heart {H3820} shall melt {H4549}, and all hands {H3027} shall be feeble {H7503}, and every spirit {H7307} shall faint {H3543}, and all knees {H1290} shall be weak {H3212} as water {H4325}: behold, it cometh {H935}, and shall be brought to pass {H1961}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when they ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' you will answer, 'Because of the news, because it's coming. All hearts will melt, all hands hang limp, all spirits faint and all knees turn to water; here, it's coming, it will happen,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt say, Because of the tidings, for it cometh; and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and it shall be done, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:7 vividly portrays the overwhelming dread and certain arrival of divine judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It captures a moment of profound national despair, where the people, witnessing the prophet Ezekiel's deep sighing, inquire about its cause, only to receive the terrifying confirmation that the long-prophesied destruction is not merely imminent but already at their doorstep. The verse graphically depicts the physical and psychological collapse that will grip every individual as the reality of God's unyielding decree becomes manifest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of prophetic pronouncements in [Ezekiel 21](/ezekiel/21 "Ezekiel 21 - The Prophecy of the Sword"), often termed the "Prophecy of the Sword." Following the symbolic act of shaving his head and beard in [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Siege of Jerusalem"), and the parable of the two sisters in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - Oholah and Oholibah"), Ezekiel 21 focuses on the instrument of God's wrath: a sharpened sword poised to execute judgment. The immediate preceding verse, [Ezekiel 21:6](/ezekiel/21-6 "Ezekiel 21:6 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Sigh"), commands Ezekiel to sigh "with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitter sighing before their eyes." This public, agonizing display is not a personal expression of grief but a divinely ordained prophetic sign, designed to elicit the very question posed in verse 7, thereby setting the stage for the terrifying revelation of God's impending action. The dialogue format of this verse, with the people's question and Ezekiel's answer, serves to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the directness of the divine message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel is set during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically between 597 BCE and 571 BCE. Ezekiel himself was among the first wave of exiles deported to Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem. While Ezekiel ministered to the exiles by the Chebar Canal, his prophecies frequently addressed both the spiritual state of the exiled community and the impending doom of Jerusalem, which was yet to fall. Many in Jerusalem held onto false hopes of a swift deliverance, believing that God would not allow His temple or chosen city to be utterly destroyed. Culturally, the idea of a nation's "heart melting" or "knees weakening" was a common idiom for utter terror and loss of courage in the face of overwhelming military threat, often associated with a divine curse or judgment. The Babylonian army, known for its brutal efficiency, represented the ultimate human instrument of this divine judgment, bringing with it the cultural trauma of siege warfare, famine, and mass deportation.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 21:7 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Imminent and Certain Judgment** of God. The repeated declaration "it cometh" and "behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass" leaves no room for doubt about the inevitability and nearness of the catastrophe. This certainty is a hallmark of prophetic warnings, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"), where God's word is declared to accomplish its purpose. Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **Overwhelming Fear and Despair**. The graphic descriptions of "every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water" illustrate a complete physical and psychological collapse, signifying the total loss of courage and hope in the face of divine wrath. Similar expressions of national terror are found in [Nahum 2:10](/nahum/2-10 "Nahum 2:10 - Nineveh's Despair") and [Isaiah 13:7](/isaiah/13-7 "Isaiah 13:7 - Fear in the Day of the Lord"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Prophetic Burden**. Ezekiel's sighing is a direct, commanded response to "the tidings" – the heavy, dreadful news he is commissioned to deliver. This underscores the often painful and isolating role of a prophet, who must convey God's difficult messages, a burden also evident in [Jeremiah 20:9](/jeremiah/20-9 "Jeremiah 20:9 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Burden"). Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD" powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**. This is not merely a political or military outcome but a divinely orchestrated event, demonstrating God's ultimate control over nations, history, and the consequences of human sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sigh (Hebrew, _ʼânach'_):** (H584) From a primitive root, this word signifies a deep groan or lament, extending beyond a simple sigh to convey profound distress, suffering, or oppression. In Ezekiel's context, it is a divinely commanded, public manifestation of the agonizing burden of the message he carries, reflecting the deep sorrow and terror that will soon grip the people. It is a physical embodiment of the spiritual agony of impending judgment.
* **melt (Hebrew, _mâçaç'_):** (H4549) This primitive root means "to liquefy," but figuratively, it describes a wasting away due to disease, or a fainting due to fatigue, fear, or grief. Here, applied to the "heart," it powerfully conveys utter demoralization, a complete loss of courage and inner strength, as if the very core of one's being is dissolving under the weight of terror.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_ H136 and _Yᵉhôvih'_ H3069):** The combination of these two divine titles is highly significant. **_ʼĂdônây'_** is an emphatic form of "Lord" and is used as a proper name for God, emphasizing His sovereign authority and mastership. **_Yᵉhôvih'_** is a variation of YHWH (the covenant name of God), specifically used after _ʼĂdônây'_ to avoid repeating the same sound and to prevent uttering the sacred name YHWH directly. Together, "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) asserts God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His ultimate power to execute His declared will. This phrase underscores that the impending judgment is not random but is the deliberate, authoritative act of the one true God, who is both Master and Covenant-Keeper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou?"**: This opening clause establishes the prophetic dialogue. Ezekiel's deep, public sighing (commanded in [Ezekiel 21:6](/ezekiel/21-6 "Ezekiel 21:6 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Sigh")) is so profound and unusual that it prompts the people to inquire about its meaning. This indicates that the prophet's actions were effective in drawing attention and curiosity, preparing the audience for the weighty revelation that follows. The question itself highlights the people's initial ignorance or denial regarding the true gravity of their situation.
* **"that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh:"**: Here, Ezekiel provides the divinely ordained answer. His sighing is not for personal sorrow but is a direct response to "the tidings"—the dreadful news of impending judgment. The phrase "because it cometh" is a terse, emphatic declaration of the absolute certainty and immediacy of this judgment. It signifies that the prophesied event is not merely a distant threat but an inevitable reality that is already in motion and about to arrive.
* **"and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water:"**: This is a powerful, cumulative description of the physical and psychological impact of the "tidings." "Every heart shall melt" speaks of utter demoralization and loss of courage. "All hands shall be feeble" refers to the inability to act, fight, or defend, signifying complete powerlessness. "Every spirit shall faint" denotes a collapse of inner resolve and vitality, a profound despair. Finally, "all knees shall be weak [as] water" is a vivid simile indicating a complete loss of physical strength and stability, rendering one unable to stand or resist. Together, these phrases paint a picture of total national collapse, brought on by overwhelming terror.
* **"behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD."**: The verse concludes with a powerful reiteration and divine affirmation. "Behold, it cometh" once again emphasizes the certainty and immediacy, drawing the listener's attention to the undeniable reality. "And shall be brought to pass" underscores the fulfillment and completion of the judgment. The final declaration, "saith the Lord GOD," serves as the ultimate seal of divine authority, emphasizing that this is not a human prediction but the unalterable decree of the sovereign God, Adonai YHWH, who controls all events and brings His word to fruition.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:7 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of impending doom. The initial **Rhetorical Question** posed by the people, "Wherefore sighest thou?", serves to engage the audience directly and set up the dramatic revelation. This is followed by a profound use of **Hyperbole** and **Imagery** to describe the effects of the coming judgment. Phrases like "every heart shall melt," "all hands shall be feeble," and "every spirit shall faint" are not literal descriptions but exaggerated expressions designed to convey the absolute and universal terror that will seize the population. The **Simile** "knees shall be weak [as] water" is particularly vivid, painting a picture of complete physical collapse and loss of control. This imagery evokes a sense of utter helplessness and despair. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "it cometh" (Hebrew: _bôwʼ_) throughout the verse serves as a chilling drumbeat, emphasizing the undeniable certainty and relentless approach of the judgment. This anaphoric repetition builds tension and underscores the futility of resistance or denial. Finally, the concluding **Divine Oracle Formula**, "saith the Lord GOD," acts as an authoritative stamp, transforming the prophecy from a mere human prediction into an unalterable decree from the ultimate sovereign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 21:7 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering justice and sovereignty of God, revealing that His warnings are not idle threats but declarations of certain future events if repentance is not embraced. The profound physical and psychological collapse described in the verse is a direct consequence of persistent rebellion against God's covenant. It highlights the biblical principle that sin, when unaddressed, inevitably leads to devastating consequences, both individually and corporately. This passage underscores that God's patience has limits, and His judgment, though often delayed, is ultimately sure and comprehensive. It also reinforces the theme of God's absolute control over history and nations, demonstrating that even the most formidable human powers (like Babylon) are merely instruments in His divine plan.

* [Deuteronomy 28:65-67](/deuteronomy/28-65 "Deuteronomy 28:65-67 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 4:24](/jeremiah/4-24 "Jeremiah 4:24 - Jeremiah's Anguish over Judah's Ruin")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:7 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the gravity of divine judgment and the absolute certainty of God's word. While the immediate context was ancient Judah's impending destruction, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for all generations. This passage urges us to take seriously the warnings of God, whether they come through Scripture, circumstances, or the prophetic voice within the church. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies for areas of persistent disobedience and to respond with genuine repentance before the consequences become unavoidable. The utter despair depicted in the verse should prompt a deep humility and a renewed appreciation for God's mercy and grace, which offer an alternative to the path of judgment. It calls us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when His ways are severe, knowing that His justice is always perfect and His purposes are always true. Ultimately, it compels us to live in a way that honors Him, understanding that true peace and security are found not in human strength or denial, but in alignment with His righteous will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic description of fear and despair in this verse challenge my own complacency regarding sin and its consequences?**
* **In what ways might God be "sighing" or sending warnings in my life or in the world today that I need to heed more carefully?**
* **How does the phrase "saith the Lord GOD" impact my understanding of God's authority and the certainty of His word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to God's warnings and quick to respond in repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ezekiel commanded to sigh so deeply, and what does it signify?**

Answer: Ezekiel is commanded in [Ezekiel 21:6](/ezekiel/21-6 "Ezekiel 21:6 - Ezekiel's Prophetic Sigh") to sigh "with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitter sighing before their eyes." This is not a personal expression of despair but a divinely ordained prophetic sign, a public performance designed to grab the attention of the people and elicit their question, "Wherefore sighest thou?" (Ezekiel 21:7). His sighing signifies the profound agony and terror that will soon grip the nation of Judah as God's judgment, personified as a sharpened sword, comes upon them. It's a visible, visceral manifestation of the "tidings" of destruction that he is commissioned to deliver, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and immediate for his audience.

**What does the phrase "knees weak as water" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "knees weak as water" is a powerful Hebrew idiom indicating utter loss of strength, courage, and resolve. It describes a complete physical and emotional breakdown in the face of overwhelming terror or despair. When one's knees become like water, they cannot stand, flee, or offer any resistance. In Ezekiel 21:7, it signifies the complete incapacitation and abject fear that will seize the people of Judah when they realize the inescapable reality of God's impending judgment. It portrays a state of total helplessness and paralysis, where all human strength and confidence evaporate.

**How does this prophecy of judgment relate to God's love and mercy?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 21:7 is a stark prophecy of judgment, it paradoxically underscores aspects of God's character, including His love and mercy. The very act of sending a prophet like Ezekiel to deliver such a severe warning is an act of mercy, providing an opportunity for repentance before the judgment falls. God's justice is an extension of His holiness and love; He cannot tolerate sin indefinitely without compromising His character. The judgment, though severe, is a consequence of persistent rebellion and a necessary act to uphold His righteousness. Furthermore, the severity of the judgment highlights the profound value of the covenant relationship that Israel had broken, demonstrating God's deep commitment to justice when His love and warnings are spurned. Ultimately, even in judgment, God's long-term plan is redemptive, as seen in the later prophecies of restoration in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:7, with its vivid portrayal of an impending, inescapable divine judgment causing hearts to melt and knees to weaken, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the execution of judgment upon believers, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who absorbed the full weight of that judgment on behalf of humanity. The "tidings" of impending doom that caused such terror in ancient Judah are the very tidings of sin's consequence that Christ took upon Himself. He became the one upon whom the "sword" of divine wrath fell, as prophesied in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd"). On the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate "melting heart" and "feeble hands" as He bore the sin of the world, fulfilling the terrifying implications of God's justice so that those who believe in Him might never face such a judgment themselves. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a path to peace where there was once only terror. Through His sacrifice, believers are declared righteous, and the condemnation that causes hearts to melt is removed, as articulated in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ"). The certainty of "it cometh" for judgment is transformed into the certainty of salvation for those who are "in Christ Jesus," where the divine wrath against sin was fully satisfied, allowing for a new covenant of grace and peace.

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 7:17

All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak [as] water.

Jeremiah 50:43

The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.

Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:

Nahum 2:10

She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Ezekiel 7:26

Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.

Isaiah 28:19

From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only [to] understand the report.