Ezekiel 6:10

KJV

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, [and that] I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, and that I have not said {H1696} in vain {H2600} that I would do {H6213} this evil {H7451} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they will know that I am ADONAI; it isn't for nothing that I said I would bring this calamity upon them."'

Berean Standard Bible

And they will know that I am the LORD; I did not declare in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them.

American Standard Version

And they shall know that I am Jehovah: I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 6:10 serves as a climactic declaration within a prophecy of judgment against Israel's pervasive idolatry, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and the unfailing certainty of His spoken word. It reveals that the severe calamities brought upon the nation are not arbitrary acts but precisely the fulfillment of divine warnings, designed to compel a profound recognition of Yahweh as the one true God, whose declarations, whether of promise or judgment, are never uttered in vain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 6:10 concludes a powerful prophetic oracle delivered by God through Ezekiel, primarily directed against the "mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 6:2), which were defiled by rampant idolatrous worship on high places. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 6:3-7) vividly describe the impending desolation: altars will be broken, idols shattered, and the slain will fall before their detestable images. This graphic imagery emphasizes the total destruction of Israel's pagan religious infrastructure and the severe consequences for those who worshipped false gods. While verse 8 offers a slight glimmer of hope for a remnant that would escape, the immediate context of verse 10 powerfully reinforces the certainty and purpose of the impending judgment. The "evil" mentioned here is the very calamity detailed in the preceding verses, underscoring the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's persistent sin and God's righteous judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian exile. The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel himself, had already been deported to Babylon in 597 BC, with Jerusalem still standing but under Babylonian suzerainty. The people, both in exile and still in Judah, clung to false hopes of a quick return or believed that their idols would protect them, or that God would not truly bring such devastation upon His chosen people. Idolatry was rampant, with syncretism blending Yahweh worship with Canaanite Baal worship and other pagan practices, often occurring on "high places" (Ezekiel 6:3), which were traditional sites for pagan rituals and child sacrifice. The "evil" (calamity) refers to the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent prolonged exile, which would be an unprecedented national catastrophe. This judgment was a stark lesson to a people who had repeatedly broken their covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating that He was not merely one god among many, but the sovereign Lord over all nations and events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. It highlights God's **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that He is not merely observing human affairs but actively orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous decrees. The "evil" is a clear manifestation of the **Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant breaking would inevitably lead to severe divine judgment, as warned throughout the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Crucially, the phrase "I have not said in vain" underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Word**, whether in warning or promise. This theme resonates with other prophetic declarations that God's word is efficacious and will accomplish its purpose (e.g., [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")). Finally, the core purpose of this judgment is the **Revelation of God's Identity and Glory**. The repeated refrain "they shall know that I am the LORD" (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - The purpose of judgment") and [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Hallowed Among the Nations")) signifies that through both judgment and eventual restoration, God's unique identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, will be undeniably revealed to Israel and the nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This word signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, often implying recognition, acknowledgment, and relationship. In this context, it means to come to a profound, undeniable understanding of God's true nature and sovereignty through the direct experience of His judgment. It's a knowing that transforms and compels submission.
* **said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696. This primitive root refers to speaking, declaring, or arranging. Here, it emphasizes the authoritative and intentional nature of God's pronouncements. His words are not idle or casual; they are deliberate decrees that carry the power to bring about what they declare, demonstrating His active will in history.
* **in vain (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** H2600. Derived from the word for "grace" or "favor," this term means "gratis," "without cause," "without reason," or "for nothing." When applied to God's words, it powerfully asserts that His declarations are never empty, baseless, or without effect. They are always purposeful, fully justified, and will inevitably come to pass.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451. While often translated as "evil" in a moral sense, in this context, _raʻ_ primarily refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune. It describes the destructive consequences of God's righteous judgment, the severe suffering and desolation that would befall Israel as a direct result of their sin, not moral wickedness on God's part. It is the just and necessary outcome of their rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall know that I [am] the LORD":** This clause states the ultimate, overarching purpose of the impending judgment. The suffering and destruction Israel experiences will serve as a stark, undeniable revelation of God's true identity and authority. The phrase "I am the LORD" (YHWH) is a declaration of His absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and His unique, self-existent nature. Through the fulfillment of His warnings, Israel will be forced to acknowledge Him as the one true God, distinct from the powerless idols they worshipped.
* **"[and that] I have not said in vain":** This segment emphasizes the absolute certainty and efficacy of God's word. His pronouncements are not empty threats or idle boasts; they are authoritative decrees that will inevitably come to pass. The phrase "in vain" (Hebrew _chinnâm_) highlights that His words are never without purpose, effect, or justification. Every warning, every prophecy, carries the weight of His divine will and power, demonstrating His perfect integrity.
* **"that I would do this evil unto them":** This final clause specifies the content of God's unfailing word: the "evil" (calamity/disaster) that He had previously declared He would bring upon them. This refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the prolonged Babylonian exile, which were direct consequences of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. God is not acting capriciously but is executing a righteous judgment that He had clearly articulated through His prophets, demonstrating His perfect justice and faithfulness to His covenant warnings.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 6:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine certainty and judgment. The most prominent is **Irony**, where the very acts of judgment, intended to be calamitous, serve a redemptive purpose by forcing Israel to "know that I am the LORD." What appears to be God's "evil" (calamity) is paradoxically an act of profound self-revelation. There is also strong **Emphasis** through repetition, particularly the recurring phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" found throughout Ezekiel, which underscores the central theological purpose of God's actions. The phrase "not said in vain" employs **Litotes**, a form of understatement where an affirmative is expressed by the negation of its contrary. Instead of directly stating "My word is absolutely effective," it says "I have not said in vain," thereby powerfully affirming the absolute certainty and efficacy of God's declarations. This verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the theological rationale behind the detailed judgments described in the preceding verses of the chapter, providing a climactic theological conclusion to the oracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 6:10 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His declared word, whether in warning or promise. It underscores that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just and certain consequence of persistent sin, serving the ultimate purpose of revealing God's true identity and sovereignty. This revelation is not merely intellectual assent but an experiential knowledge forged in the crucible of calamity, compelling humanity to acknowledge Yahweh as the one true, covenant-keeping God whose every utterance is efficacious. This principle of divine certainty and the revelatory nature of judgment connect deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's justice and His self-disclosure through history, demonstrating that His character is consistent and His plans immutable.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie")
* [Isaiah 46:10-11](/isaiah/46-10-11 "Isaiah 46:10-11 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "Jeremiah 1:12 - God watches over His word to perform it")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 6:10 stands as a potent reminder of the unyielding character of God and the profound seriousness with which He regards His own word. For us today, this verse calls for a deep reverence for Scripture, recognizing that every warning, every promise, and every declaration within its pages is backed by the omnipotent and faithful God. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of disobedience or idolatry, understanding that while God is rich in mercy, He is also perfectly just and will not allow sin to go unaddressed indefinitely. This verse encourages a profound trust in God's sovereignty, even when His ways are difficult or involve hardship, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always to reveal more of Himself and draw us into a deeper, more authentic knowledge of His character. It compels us to live in light of His absolute authority, trusting that what He has spoken, He will surely bring to pass, whether in our personal lives or in the grand sweep of history, urging us to respond with repentance and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's word "not said in vain" impact your trust in His promises and warnings today?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, be tempted to minimize the seriousness of God's warnings or assume He will not act on His word?**
* **How can experiencing "calamity" or difficult circumstances in life lead to a deeper, more experiential "knowing" of God's character and sovereignty?**
* **What idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for God's rightful place in your life, and how does this verse challenge you to confront them?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil" mean in this context, given that God is good?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 6:10, the Hebrew word for "evil" (raʻ, H7451) primarily refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune, rather than moral wickedness on God's part. It describes the destructive consequences and severe suffering that God would bring upon Israel as a righteous judgment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. God, being perfectly holy and just, does not commit moral evil. Instead, He executes righteous judgment, which, from the perspective of those experiencing it, is a profound and devastating "evil" or calamity. This distinction is crucial for understanding God's character and actions in the Old Testament, where His judgments are always a response to sin and a demonstration of His justice (e.g., [Amos 3:6](/amos/3-6 "Amos 3:6 - Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has allowed it?")).

**How does this verse relate to God's faithfulness?**

Answer: This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute faithfulness, particularly through the phrase "I have not said in vain." It means that every word God speaks, every warning He issues, and every promise He makes, will inevitably come to pass. His declarations are not empty threats or idle words; they are backed by His divine power and unwavering commitment. The very act of bringing judgment upon Israel, as prophesied, served as undeniable proof of His faithfulness to His word. This divine reliability is a foundational truth throughout Scripture, assuring us that God "is not a man, that he should lie" ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 6:10 speaks directly of God's judgment on Israel for their idolatry, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The verse declares that God's word is never "in vain" and that His actions lead to people "knowing" Him. This foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. In Christ, God's promises of salvation, which were spoken throughout the Old Testament, are not "in vain" but are definitively "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Jesus Himself is the living Word, through whom God speaks and acts with ultimate efficacy ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "evil" or calamity that God brought upon Israel for their sin points forward to the ultimate consequence of sin for all humanity: spiritual death and separation from God. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and love, God "did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God gave up His Son for us")), allowing the "evil" of judgment for sin to fall upon Christ on the cross. Through Christ's sacrifice, humanity can truly "know" God, not experientially through judgment for their own sin, but through a saving relationship, experiencing His grace and forgiveness rather than His wrath ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - This is eternal life, that they know You")). Thus, the certainty of God's word and His purpose to be known are perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, who bore the "evil" of sin so that we might experience the "good" of salvation and eternal life.

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 5:12

They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Jeremiah 5:14

Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

Jeremiah 44:28

Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Ezekiel 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 14:22

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.