New International Version “’The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped with the hand; it is sharpened and polished, made ready for the hand of the slayer. New Living Translation Yes, the sword is now being sharpened and polished; it is being prepared for the executioner. English Standard Version So the sword is given to be polished, that it may be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished to be given into the hand of the slayer. Berean Standard Bible The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. Berean Literal Bible And He has given it to be polished, to grasp it in the palm; the sword is sharpened and it is polished, to be given it into the hand of the one slaying. King James Bible And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. New King James Version And He has given it to be polished, That it may be handled; This sword is sharpened, and it is polished To be given into the hand of the slayer.’ New American Standard Bible And it is given to be polished, so that it may be handled; the sword is sharpened and polished, to hand it over to the slaughterer. NASB 1995 “It is given to be polished, that it may be handled; the sword is sharpened and polished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. NASB 1977 “And it is given to be polished, that it may be handled; the sword is sharpened and polished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. Legacy Standard Bible It is given to be polished, that it may be seized by the hand; the sword is sharpened and polished, to give it into the hand of the one who kills. Amplified Bible The sword [of Babylon] is ready to be polished so that it may be handled and put to use; the sword is sharpened and polished to be put in the hand of the slayer (Nebuchadnezzar). Berean Annotated Bible The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. Christian Standard Bible The sword is given to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened, and it is polished, to be put in the hand of the slayer.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible The sword is given to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened, and it is polished, to be put in the hand of the slayer. American Standard Version And it is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yea, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. Contemporary English Version My sword has been polished; it's sharp and ready to kill. English Revised Version And it is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yea, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. GOD'S WORD® Translation The sword has been handed over to be polished, to be placed in the hand. The sword is being sharpened and polished to be placed in the hands of killers. Good News Translation The sword is being polished, to make it ready for use. It is sharpened and polished, to be put in the hands of a killer. International Standard Version It's intended to be polished so it can be grasped in the hand. The sword is sharpened. It's polished for placement into the hand of the executioner." NET Bible "'He gave it to be polished, to be grasped in the hand--the sword is sharpened, it is polished--giving it into the hand of the executioner. New Heart English Bible It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer."' Webster's Bible Translation And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. World English Bible It is given to be polished, that it may be handled. The sword is sharpened. Yes, it is polished to give it into the hand of the killer.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He gives it for polishing, "" For laying hold of by the hand. It is sharpened—the sword—and polished, "" To give it into the hand of a slayer. Berean Literal Bible And He has given it to be polished, to grasp it in the palm; the sword is sharpened and it is polished, to be given it into the hand of the one slaying. Young's Literal Translation And he giveth it for polishing, For laying hold of by the hand. It is sharpened -- the sword -- and polished, To give it into the hand of a slayer. Smith's Literal Translation And he will give it to be polished, to be taken in the hand: this sword was sharpened, and it was polished to give it into the hand of him slaying. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I have given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, that it may be in the hand of the slayer. Catholic Public Domain Version And I have sent it to be made smooth, so that it may be handled. This sword has been sharpened, and it has been polished, so that it may be in the hand of the one who kills. New American Bible I have given it over to the burnisher that he might hold it in his hand, A sword sharpened and burnished to be put in the hands of an executioner. New Revised Standard Version The sword is given to be polished, to be grasped in the hand; it is sharpened, the sword is polished, to be placed in the slayer’s hand. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI have given it to be burnished, that it may be handled; the sword is sharpened and polished to deliver it into the hand of the slayer. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he gave it for readiness and to be seized by the hand, because the sword is sharpened and prepared to deliver into the hand of a killer OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it is given to be furbished, That it may be handled; The sword, it is sharpened, Yea, it is furbished, To give it into the hand of the slayer. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he made it ready for his hand to hold: the sword is sharpened, it is ready to put into the hand of the slayer. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The LORD's Sword of Judgment…10it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. 11The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. 12Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.… Cross References The sword is appointed to be polished, Deuteronomy 32:41 when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. Psalm 7:12 If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. Isaiah 34:5 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. to be grasped in the hand. Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” 2 Samuel 24:16 But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Numbers 22:23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path. It is sharpened and polished, Isaiah 49:2 He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Revelation 19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. to be placed in the hand of the slayer. Ezekiel 30:24 I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king and place My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, who will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. Ezekiel 9:2 And I saw six men coming from the direction of the Upper Gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. With them was another man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. And they came in and stood beside the bronze altar. 1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. Jeremiah 47:6-7 ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ / How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.” Isaiah 66:16 For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. Jeremiah 25:31 The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. Treasury of Scripture And he has given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. to give Ezekiel 21:19 Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city. Jeremiah 25:9,33 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations… Jeremiah 51:20-23 Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; … Jump to Previous Appointed Death Furbished Gives Grasped Hand Handled Hold Laying Polished Polishing Ready Sharp Sharpened Slayer SwordJump to Next Appointed Death Furbished Gives Grasped Hand Handled Hold Laying Polished Polishing Ready Sharp Sharpened Slayer SwordEzekiel 21 1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing8. The sharp and bright sword 18. against Jerusalem 25. against the kingdom 28. and against the Ammonites The sword is appointed to be polished, God has prepared the instrument of judgment for its intended work. The sword represents the coming Babylonian invasion, decreed against Jerusalem because of Judah’s persistent rebellion. Deu 32:41 When I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it… to be grasped in the hand. Judgment is no longer distant or symbolic; the weapon is ready for use by the one chosen to wield it. Babylon’s king would act as God’s appointed instrument, though he remained responsible for his own violence and ambition. Jos 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw… It is sharpened and polished, The repeated description stresses the certainty, severity, and completeness of the coming destruction. Nothing could prevent the judgment God had announced through His prophet. Isa 49:2 He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me… to be placed in the hand of the slayer. The sword would be given to those who would carry out the attack against Judah. Babylon would take Jerusalem, destroy the temple, and lead many of the people into exile. Ezk 30:24 I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God, Ezekiel is delivering a message of judgment to the people of Israel. His role is to communicate God's warnings and intentions. 2. The Sword Symbolizes God's impending judgment. It is described as being sharpened and polished, indicating readiness for execution of justice. 3. The Slayer Represents the instrument of God's judgment. This could be a metaphor for the Babylonian army or any force used by God to execute His will. 4. Israel The primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecy, facing judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. 5. Babylon The empire that God uses as an instrument of judgment against Israel, often symbolized by the sword in Ezekiel's prophecies. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is not arbitrary but is a response to persistent disobedience. The polished sword signifies the readiness and inevitability of His justice. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Ezekiel are vital in communicating God's warnings. Their messages, though often difficult, are meant to lead people to repentance. The Consequences of Sin Israel's situation serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Sin leads to judgment, but repentance can lead to restoration. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God uses nations and events as instruments of His will. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust in His ultimate plan, even in times of discipline. Preparation for Spiritual Battle Just as the sword is prepared for battle, believers must be spiritually prepared, equipped with the Word of God to face challenges and temptations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 21:11?2. How does Ezekiel 21:11 emphasize God's judgment and righteousness in our lives? 3. What does the "sword" symbolize in Ezekiel 21:11, and how is it relevant today? 4. How can we prepare our hearts for God's refining, as seen in Ezekiel 21:11? 5. In what ways does Ezekiel 21:11 connect to Hebrews 4:12 about God's word? 6. How should Ezekiel 21:11 influence our understanding of divine justice and mercy? 7. What is the significance of the sword in Ezekiel 21:11 for God's judgment? 8. How does Ezekiel 21:11 reflect God's sovereignty over nations? 9. Why does God use a sword as a metaphor in Ezekiel 21:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21? (11) The slayer is here mentioned indefinitely, but in the next and more circumstantial prophecy (Ezekiel 21:19) is declared to be the king of Babylon.Ezekiel 21:11 paints a vivid, step-by-step picture of God’s imminent judgment: the sword is designated, refined, and transferred to the executioner’s hand. Every phrase tightens the focus on the certainty and swiftness of divine justice. The verse assures us that the LORD both authors and controls history’s sharpest edges, wielding them to uphold His holiness and accomplish His redemptive plan. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The swordחֶ֙רֶב֙ (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword is appointed וַיִּתֵּ֥ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to be polished, לְמָרְטָ֖ה (lə·mā·rə·ṭāh) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 4803: To make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish to be grasped לִתְפֹּ֣שׂ (liṯ·pōś) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably in the hand. בַּכָּ֑ף (bak·kāp̄) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan It הִֽיא־ (hî-) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is sharpened הוּחַ֤דָּה (hū·ḥad·dāh) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2300: To be, sharp, severe and וְהִ֣יא (wə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are polished, מֹרָ֔טָּה (mō·rāṭ·ṭāh) Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 4803: To make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish to be placed לָתֵ֥ת (lā·ṯêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in the hand בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of the slayer. הוֹרֵֽג׃ (hō·w·rêḡ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent Additonal Resources Ezekiel 21:11 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 21:11 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 21:11 Bible.com Ezekiel 21:11 NIV |
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