Ezekiel 7:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

All hands {H3027} shall be feeble {H7503}, and all knees {H1290} shall be weak {H3212} as water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All hands will droop, all knees turn to water.

Berean Standard Bible

Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:17 delivers a chilling prophetic declaration, forming an integral part of God's comprehensive and inescapable judgment upon the land of Israel for its pervasive sin and idolatry. This verse powerfully depicts the profound physical and psychological paralysis that will grip the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem as divine wrath unfolds. Through the vivid imagery of hands rendered useless and knees trembling like water, it underscores the utter despair, incapacitation, and complete inability to resist or flee that will overwhelm everyone in the face of the impending catastrophe, signaling the total collapse of human strength, resolve, and self-reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 marks a dramatic and unyielding shift in the prophet's early ministry, moving from general warnings to an explicit and emphatic declaration that "the end has come" upon Israel. This chapter is a stark pronouncement of imminent judgment, notably devoid of the usual calls to repentance or promises of future restoration that often punctuate Ezekiel's prophecies. The preceding verses (7:1-16) establish the finality and universality of this divine reckoning, emphasizing that God's patience has reached its limit and His wrath will be poured out without mitigation. The specific imagery of "feeble hands" and "weak knees" in verse 17 serves as a visceral depiction of the immediate emotional and physical state of the people. This imagery is then immediately elaborated upon by descriptions of widespread mourning, shaven heads, sackcloth, and the complete devaluation of silver and gold (Ezekiel 7:18-19), reinforcing the pervasive terror, material ruin, and societal breakdown that will accompany the Babylonian invasion. Thus, verse 17 acts as a powerful visual and emotional anchor for the unfolding catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 7:17 is deeply rooted in the historical reality of the impending Babylonian siege and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem, which culminated in 586 BCE. Ezekiel, prophesying from exile in Babylon, addressed a people—both among the exiles and those remaining in Judah—who stubbornly clung to false hopes. They believed in the impregnability of Jerusalem and the Temple, viewing them as guarantees of divine protection, or they placed their trust in unreliable political alliances. However, their persistent idolatry, rampant social injustice, and flagrant covenant-breaking had provoked God's righteous anger. Culturally, "hands" were potent symbols of strength, capability, action, and military prowess (e.g., the Lord's "strong hand" in delivering Israel, or human hands working and fighting). "Knees" represented stability, physical support, the ability to stand firm, to run, or to engage in battle. Therefore, the imagery of hands becoming feeble and knees weakening "as water" would have been immediately understood by Ezekiel's audience as a complete and devastating loss of all human capacity—military, economic, and personal—in the face of an overwhelming and divinely ordained calamity. It signified utter helplessness and the collapse of all human systems of security.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 7:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical literature. Foremost, it underscores the **Inevitable and Comprehensive Nature of Divine Judgment**. The repeated use of "all" ("All hands," "all knees") emphasizes the universality of this debilitating terror, signifying that no one will be exempt from the consequences of God's decree. This highlights the absolute futility of human strength, military might, or personal resolve when confronted with divine wrath. This aligns seamlessly with the theme of God's **Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to punish sin and uphold His covenant, even if it means bringing severe discipline upon His own people. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of physical collapse vividly portrays the theme of **Utter Despair and Incapacitation** that results from persistent rebellion against God. The people's spiritual feebleness in obeying God's laws is directly manifested in their physical feebleness in the face of judgment, leading to a state where they cannot fight, flee, or even stand. This profound sense of terror and loss of strength is echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as when Jeremiah describes the anguish that causes "every face to turn pale" and "all hands to go limp" in [Jeremiah 30:6](/jeremiah/30-6 "Jeremiah 30:6 - Every Face Turns Pale"). The verse thus serves as a stark warning about the dire consequences of unfaithfulness and the ultimate futility of relying on anything other than God for true security and strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))". In Ezekiel 7:17, "hands" symbolize human agency, capability, strength, and the ability to act, work, or fight. When hands become "feeble," it signifies a complete loss of power and initiative, rendering individuals utterly helpless and unable to defend themselves or their possessions. It speaks to a profound inability to carry out any effective action.
* **Knees (Hebrew, _berek'_):** From H1290, derived from the verb "to bless," this noun refers to "a knee." Knees are fundamental for standing, walking, running, and kneeling (whether in submission, worship, or simply to rest). In this verse, "knees" represent stability, physical support, and the capacity for movement and resistance. Their becoming "weak as water" vividly portrays a collapse of all physical and psychological fortitude, leading to an inability to stand firm, flee, or offer any resistance.
* **Feeble (Hebrew, _râphâh'_):** From H7503, a primitive root meaning "to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)." It conveys a sense of letting go, being disheartened, failing, or becoming weak. Here, it describes the state of the hands, indicating not just a lack of physical strength but a complete loss of firmness, resolve, and courage, as if all energy and will have drained away, leaving one utterly disheartened and without power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All hands shall be feeble":** This clause emphatically declares the universality of the impending paralysis and despair. The word "All" signifies that no one, regardless of their social standing, physical strength, or perceived security, will be exempt from this debilitating fear and incapacitation. "Hands," as the instruments of human action, labor, and military engagement, becoming "feeble" (meaning slackened, disheartened, or weakened) illustrates a profound and comprehensive loss of human capacity to resist, defend, or even function. It speaks to a deep psychological and physical collapse, where the very will to act is drained away, leaving individuals utterly helpless.
* **"and all knees shall be weak as water":** This parallel clause powerfully reinforces the theme of universal incapacitation and terror. "All knees" again stresses the comprehensive nature of the affliction, indicating that every person will be affected. The vivid simile "weak as water" is a potent biblical idiom, found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 22:14](/psalm/22-14 "Psalm 22:14 - My Heart is Like Wax")), used to describe extreme terror, fear, and a complete loss of physical and psychological control. It evokes the image of a body so overcome by dread that its joints lose all firmness and stability, becoming fluid and unable to bear weight, leading to an inevitable collapse. This signifies an absolute inability to stand firm, flee, or offer any resistance in the face of overwhelming and inescapable divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its chilling message of impending doom and universal despair. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the phrases "all hands" and "all knees" exaggerate the universality of the terror, emphasizing that the judgment will affect every single person without exception, leaving no one untouched. This hyperbole is powerfully coupled with vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear and visceral picture of physical collapse and profound despair. The direct reference to specific body parts—hands and knees—creates a concrete and relatable image of human frailty and vulnerability. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a striking **Simile** in "weak as water." This comparison is highly effective, as water inherently lacks solidity and form, perfectly illustrating the complete loss of firmness, stability, and control in the human body when gripped by extreme fear and terror. This sensory detail evokes a powerful, almost nauseating, visceral response, conveying the profound shock and incapacitation experienced by the people. Finally, the **Parallelism** between "hands shall be feeble" and "knees shall be weak" reinforces the message through a balanced and rhythmic structure, underscoring the totality of the physical and psychological breakdown and making the prophetic declaration more memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:17 serves as a stark and enduring reminder of the severe consequences of sustained rebellion against God and the ultimate futility of human strength when confronted by divine judgment. It profoundly underscores God's unwavering justice and His steadfast commitment to uphold His covenant, even if it necessitates bringing severe discipline upon His own people. The verse highlights the immutable principle that when a nation or an individual persistently rejects divine instruction and pursues idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption, they will inevitably experience a profound loss of peace, security, and inherent strength. This depicted physical and psychological collapse is not merely a consequence but a direct manifestation of their spiritual feebleness and their utter inability to stand before a holy God. It powerfully teaches that true security, lasting resilience, and genuine strength are found not in human might, material possessions, or political alliances, but solely in a right, obedient, and trusting relationship with the Almighty.

* [Isaiah 13:7](/isaiah/13-7 "Isaiah 13:7 - Hands Will Grow Limp in Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 6:24](/jeremiah/6-24 "Jeremiah 6:24 - Terror and Anguish Grips Them")
* [Nahum 2:10](/nahum/2-10 "Nahum 2:10 - Hearts Melt, Knees Tremble, Faces Grow Pale")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:17, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries timeless and profound implications for our lives today. It compels us to confront the stark reality of human fragility and the ultimate inadequacy of self-reliance, especially when facing the overwhelming challenges of life or the inevitable consequences of our choices. The vivid imagery of feeble hands and weak knees should prompt a deep examination of where we truly place our trust and from what source we derive our strength. Do we rely on our own abilities, accumulating worldly resources, or trusting in human systems, all of which can ultimately fail and leave us in utter despair? Or do we anchor our hope, security, and strength in God, who is unchanging, all-powerful, and eternally faithful? This verse serves as a powerful call to humility, reminding us that true security, resilience, and fortitude come only from a vibrant, obedient, and dependent relationship with our Creator. It encourages us to cultivate spiritual strength through unwavering faith, fervent prayer, and diligent adherence to God's word, recognizing that only in Him can we find the unwavering resolve to stand firm amidst the trials and uncertainties of life, and to face any "end" that may come with divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength, wisdom, or worldly resources, rather than seeking and trusting God's provision and power?**
* **What does it truly mean for your "hands" to be strong for the Lord's work and your "knees" to be firm in His presence, rather than feeble and weak from fear or self-reliance?**
* **How does the biblical reality of inevitable judgment, as powerfully depicted in this verse, motivate you towards deeper repentance, greater obedience, and more profound reliance on God's mercy and grace?**
* **What "waters" of fear, anxiety, or despair might be causing your spiritual or emotional "knees" to weaken today, and how can you intentionally seek God's sustaining strength and peace in those moments?**

### FAQ
**What does "weak as water" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "weak as water" is a profoundly vivid biblical idiom used to describe a state of extreme terror, overwhelming fear, and a complete loss of physical and psychological control. It signifies a condition where one's body loses all firmness, stability, and rigidity, becoming fluid and unable to bear weight or maintain composure, leading to an inevitable collapse. It's a powerful image of utter incapacitation, despair, and helplessness, often employed in prophetic literature to describe the debilitating effects of divine judgment or an overwhelming calamity. This imagery is also found in other biblical passages, such as [Psalm 22:14](/psalm/22-14 "Psalm 22:14 - My Heart is Like Wax"), where the psalmist describes his heart as "melted like wax in the midst of my bowels," conveying a similar sense of utter dissolution and despair.

**Is this verse only about physical weakness, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 7:17 employs striking physical imagery ("hands," "knees"), its meaning extends far beyond mere physical weakness. It primarily describes a profound spiritual and psychological collapse that manifests physically. The "feeble hands" symbolize a comprehensive loss of agency, capability, and the very will to act or resist, reflecting a deep spiritual despondency. Simultaneously, "knees weak as water" represent the complete erosion of courage, stability, and the ability to stand firm or flee. This physical manifestation is a direct consequence and reflection of the deeper spiritual brokenness and the overwhelming, terrifying nature of divine wrath. The verse illustrates that spiritual rebellion ultimately leads to a state of utter helplessness and despair in the face of God's righteous judgment.

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

Answer: This verse, situated within the broader context of Ezekiel 7, powerfully highlights God's attributes of **holiness** and **justice**. It unequivocally demonstrates that God is not indifferent to sin; rather, in His perfect righteousness, He will indeed bring judgment upon those who persistently rebel against Him and violate His covenant. While it portrays the terrifying severity of His wrath, it also implicitly underscores His **sovereignty**—that He is in ultimate control of history and human affairs, and His divine decrees will inevitably come to pass. This judgment, though terrifying in its scope and impact, is presented as a just and necessary response to the pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption of His covenant people. It affirms His unwavering commitment to His own righteous standards and the sanctity of His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:17, with its vivid portrayal of universal human feebleness and despair in the face of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the terror of judgment upon believers, but in the profound strength and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The "feeble hands" and "weak knees" of a people facing an inescapable wrath foreshadow the universal human condition of spiritual helplessness and our inherent inability to save ourselves from the devastating consequences of sin. Humanity, in its fallen state, is utterly incapable of standing before a holy God or earning His favor through our own efforts. However, the New Testament triumphantly reveals that what was utterly impossible for us in our weakness, God miraculously accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full, crushing weight of God's wrath and judgment on the cross, becoming weak for us so that we might be made strong in Him. His crucifixion, where His own body was broken and His strength poured out, represents the ultimate act of divine substitution, absorbing the terror and despair that Ezekiel so vividly describes. Through His glorious resurrection, Christ decisively conquered sin, death, and the grave, offering true spiritual strength, unwavering stability, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. No longer do believers face judgment with "feeble hands" and "weak knees," but rather, we stand firm in the imputed righteousness of Christ, empowered by the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit") to live lives of faith and obedience. As [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ") powerfully declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," transforming our inherent human weakness into divine strength, and replacing the terror of judgment with the peace of reconciliation and the hope of 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

Ezekiel 21:7

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.

Hebrews 12:12

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

Ezekiel 22:14

Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it].

Isaiah 13:7

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

Isaiah 13:8

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.