And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

EZEKIEL 12:14KJV
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Ezekiel 12:14 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 12:14 mean?

Ezekiel 12:14 says that God will scatter all the people who are close to the leader of Jerusalem, including his helpers and soldiers, in every direction, and He will pursue them with the sword. This verse describes a total defeat and scattering of those who tried to support or defend the city’s ruler during its downfall.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah, warning them about the coming destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. The verse emphasizes that not only the leader but also everyone around him—his supporters and military groups—will be forced to flee, and even then, they will not escape violence or danger.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 12:14

  • "scatter" (זָרָה, zarah): This word means to disperse or spread out, often used for scattering people so they lose unity and strength. Here, it shows that the defeat will be so complete that no group will stay together.
  • "wind" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "wind" or "spirit." In this verse, it paints a picture of being blown in every direction, highlighting the total loss of control and direction for those fleeing.
  • "bands" (אֵגֶד, eged): This refers to groups or companies, likely military units or organized supporters. The use of this word shows that even organized resistance will be broken apart.

Why Ezekiel 12:14 matters

  • Ezekiel 12:14 makes clear that judgment is not just on the king or leader but on everyone who stands with him, including his closest supporters and organized groups.
  • The verse stresses that escape is impossible; even those who flee will be pursued, showing the seriousness of the coming judgment.
  • This verse connects to Ezekiel’s larger message that trust in political alliances or military strength will not save Jerusalem from the consequences of its actions.

Where else these words appear

“bands” Hebrew H102 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezekiel 17:21 And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.
  • Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
  • Ezekiel 38:22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

“out” Hebrew H7324 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
  • Ezekiel 5:12 A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

“help” Hebrew H5828 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
  • Psalms 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
  • Psalms 121:1 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

“scatter” Hebrew H2219 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 32:20 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.
  • Proverbs 20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
  • Ezekiel 5:12 A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.