Ezekiel 38:23

KJV

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus will I magnify {H1431} myself, and sanctify {H6942} myself; and I will be known {H3045} in the eyes {H5869} of many {H7227} nations {H1471}, and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will show my greatness and holiness, making myself known in the sight of many nations; then they will know that I am ADONAI.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:23 serves as the climactic declaration of God's ultimate purpose behind the dramatic judgment upon Gog and his confederacy, as prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39. It reveals that the divine intervention, which decisively defeats this formidable global alliance, is orchestrated not merely for the protection of Israel, but fundamentally to showcase God's absolute sovereignty, immense power, and unblemished holiness to the entire world. Through this unparalleled display of divine might and righteous judgment, God intends to reveal His true identity as the one and only LORD, ensuring that His name is magnified and sanctified in the eyes of all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 38:23 stands as the powerful culmination of the detailed prophecy concerning Gog of Magog found in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"). This passage describes a future, massive invasion of the land of Israel by a vast confederacy of nations, led by Gog, from the "land of Magog." The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 38:1-17](/ezekiel/38-1 "Ezekiel 38:1-17 - God's Summons to Gog")) detail the composition of this invading force and God's sovereign hand in drawing them forth, even putting "hooks in your jaws" ([Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God Draws Gog")). The subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 38:18-22](/ezekiel/38-18 "Ezekiel 38:18-22 - God's Wrath Against Gog")) vividly portray God's furious response, involving a great earthquake, pestilence, bloodshed, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone, leading to the utter destruction of Gog's army. Verse 23, therefore, provides the theological rationale and overarching divine purpose for this cataclysmic event, linking God's actions directly to His self-revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel, including those against Gog, were delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the 6th century BCE. This was a period of national humiliation and spiritual despair for Israel, as they had lost their land, temple, and sovereignty. In this context, God's declarations of future judgment against hostile nations and His ultimate vindication of Israel served as a powerful message of hope, reassurance, and divine faithfulness. The concept of "nations" (Hebrew: *goyim*) was central to Israel's identity, often referring to idolatrous, hostile peoples distinct from God's covenant people. The idea that God would reveal His power to these *goyim* was a significant theological point, emphasizing His universal sovereignty, not just His covenant relationship with Israel. The imagery of divine judgment, including natural disasters, was a common prophetic motif, drawing on ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine warrior imagery and cosmic upheaval to depict God's overwhelming power.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel") is the **restoration of Israel** and the **vindication of God's holy name**. The Gog prophecy, culminating in [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Self-Magnification"), profoundly contributes to these themes. It highlights God's **sovereignty over history and nations**, demonstrating that even the most formidable and hostile forces are mere instruments in His hands to accomplish His divine purposes. A central recurring motif throughout Ezekiel is the phrase "then they will know that I am the LORD," which appears over 70 times, emphasizing God's commitment to self-revelation through His mighty acts, whether in judgment or salvation (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing God Through Judgment"), [Ezekiel 20:42](/ezekiel/20-42 "Ezekiel 20:42 - Knowing God Through Restoration")). This verse specifically underscores **divine self-magnification and sanctification**, showing that God's ultimate aim is the glorification of His own character and name before all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magnify (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** H1431. This primitive root means to be or to make large, great, or prominent. In the context of God, it signifies His intention to demonstrate His immense power, authority, and majesty in an undeniable way. It's not that God becomes greater, but that His inherent greatness is made manifest and acknowledged by others. It speaks to a public display of His transcendent being.
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** H6942. This root means to be clean, ceremonially or morally; to hallow, consecrate, or set apart as holy. When God says He will "sanctify myself," it means He will reveal His absolute purity, distinctness, and moral perfection. His actions will demonstrate His unblemished character and His unique status as the one true, holy God, separate from all defilement and false deities.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This primitive root is broad in meaning, encompassing knowing by observation, experience, recognition, and even intimate relationship. Here, it implies a profound and undeniable understanding of God's identity and nature. It's not merely intellectual assent but a compelled acknowledgment of who He is, brought about by His decisive actions. The repetition ("I will be known... and they shall know") emphasizes the certainty and universality of this recognition.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. This is the Hebrew tetragrammaton, YHWH, God's personal, covenantal name, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness. When God declares, "they shall know that I am the LORD," it is the ultimate statement of His unique identity and sovereign authority over all creation and history. It means they will recognize Him as the one true, living God who acts decisively in history and keeps His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself":** This opening clause sets forth God's primary motivation and purpose for the dramatic events concerning Gog. God explicitly states that His actions are ultimately for His own glory and holiness. He will demonstrate His inherent greatness (magnify) and His absolute purity and distinctness (sanctify) through His decisive intervention. This is a divine self-revelation, where God acts to make His true nature known and honored.
* **"and I will be known in the eyes of many nations":** This clause specifies the audience and the outcome of God's self-magnification and sanctification. The judgment on Gog will be so public and overwhelming that it will capture the attention and understanding of "many nations"—not just Israel, but the broader Gentile world. This signifies a universal, undeniable revelation of God's power and identity, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the ultimate goal: a profound and compelled recognition of God's supreme identity. The phrase "I am the LORD" (YHWH) is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, absolute sovereignty, and faithfulness. Through the defeat of Gog, these nations will come to acknowledge Him as the one true, living God, the ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs, dispelling any doubt or idolatrous misconception.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:23 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "know" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*), which appears twice in quick succession ("I will be known... and they shall know"). This repetition emphasizes the certainty and universality of the divine revelation, underscoring that the outcome of God's judgment on Gog is precisely this profound and widespread recognition of His identity. **Anthropomorphism** is also present in the phrase "in the eyes of many nations," attributing human perception to entire peoples, highlighting the public and observable nature of God's actions. Furthermore, the declaration "Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself" is a form of **Divine Self-Declaration**, where God explicitly states His own purpose and intention, asserting His absolute sovereignty and agency in the unfolding events. This direct, declarative statement serves to remove any ambiguity about the ultimate orchestrator and beneficiary of the prophecy's fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:23 powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth that God's ultimate purpose in all His dealings with humanity and the nations is the glorification of His own name and character. This verse reveals that God's actions, even those involving severe judgment, are not arbitrary but are meticulously designed to unveil His unparalleled power, unblemished holiness, and absolute sovereignty to a watching world. This divine self-revelation serves to dismantle idolatry, expose the futility of human pride, and establish His rightful place as the one true God over all creation. It underscores that history itself is moving towards a climax where all peoples will acknowledge Him.

* [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Exodus 7:5 - God's Name Known Through Plagues")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - God Exalted Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 45:6](/isaiah/45-6 "Isaiah 45:6 - No God Besides Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:23 offers profound reassurance and a vital call to perspective for believers today. In a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil, rising global tensions, and seemingly uncontrollable events, this verse reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign. His ultimate purpose in all things, even in the midst of chaos and conflict, is the revelation of His own glory and character to all nations. This truth provides immense comfort, knowing that no matter how dark or uncertain world events may seem, God is meticulously working His perfect plan, ensuring that His name will be honored and known. It also serves as a powerful impetus for the church's mission: if God's desire is for all nations to know Him, then believers are called to participate in this grand purpose through evangelism, discipleship, and living lives that reflect His holiness and love. We are to trust in His absolute power, knowing that His plans will ultimately prevail, bringing about the universal acknowledgement of His rightful place as the one true God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ultimate purpose to "magnify and sanctify" Himself reframe your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways can your life and actions contribute to God being "known in the eyes of many nations" today?**
* **What specific idols or false securities in your life might prevent you from fully acknowledging God as "the LORD" in all circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God saying "I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself"?**

Answer: This statement highlights God's ultimate motivation for His actions. "Magnify" (Hebrew: *gâdal*) means to make great or show greatness. "Sanctify" (Hebrew: *qâdash*) means to show oneself holy or set apart. God is not becoming greater or holier, but rather, He is revealing His inherent, infinite greatness and absolute purity to the world. His actions are designed to demonstrate His unique, transcendent nature and supreme authority, ensuring that He alone receives the glory and honor He is due. This is a declaration that God's glory is the ultimate end of all His works.

**How will "many nations" come to know that God is the LORD?**

Answer: According to the context of [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"), the nations will come to know God through His spectacular and undeniable judgment on Gog's confederacy. The catastrophic defeat of this massive army, brought about by divine intervention (earthquakes, pestilence, internal strife, fire, and brimstone, as described in [Ezekiel 38:18-22](/ezekiel/38-18 "Ezekiel 38:18-22 - God's Wrath Against Gog")), will be so overwhelming and clearly supernatural that it will leave no doubt about the identity and power of the God of Israel. This public display of divine might will compel even hostile nations to acknowledge His supreme sovereignty and unique identity as the LORD (YHWH).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 38:23 speaks of God's self-magnification through judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's recurring theme of God making Himself "known" culminates in the incarnation, where God fully revealed Himself in human flesh. In Christ, God's glory was uniquely "magnified," not through destructive judgment, but through redemptive love and self-sacrifice. The cross, though seemingly a defeat, was the ultimate demonstration of God's holiness ("sanctify myself") in dealing with sin, and His power in overcoming death. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God was "known" in a way far surpassing any prior revelation, inviting not just compelled acknowledgment but intimate relationship. The Great Commission, to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), is the New Testament extension of God's desire to be "known in the eyes of many nations." It is through the proclamation of Christ's gospel that God's name is truly magnified and sanctified, as people from every tribe and tongue come to "know that I am the LORD" by confessing Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The final, universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, as anticipated in Ezekiel, will ultimately be realized when Christ returns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and "every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")).

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

Psalms 9:16

The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Ezekiel 36:23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Ezekiel 37:28

And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.