Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

EZEKIEL 17:19KJV
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Ezekiel 17:19 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 17:19 mean?

Ezekiel 17:19 says that God holds Judah’s king responsible for breaking a sworn agreement with Babylon. Although the agreement was made with a foreign ruler, God calls the oath and agreement his own. He declares that the king will face the consequences of breaking them.

The words “As I live” introduce a solemn declaration by God. The phrase “upon his own head” pictures the consequences falling on the king who broke the agreement.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 17:19

  • “oath” — אָלָה (alah): This word can mean a solemn sworn pledge, including a pledge made with a curse attached. Here it points to the serious promise by which the king bound himself.

  • “covenant” — בְּרִית (berit): This word means a binding agreement between parties. Here it refers to the agreement connected with the king’s sworn pledge.

  • “recompense” — נָתַן (natan): This word commonly means “give” or “put.” Together with “upon his own head,” it presents the consequence as something God will place upon the king himself.

Why Ezekiel 17:19 matters

  • The king’s dealings with Babylon are also presented as a matter of loyalty to God. Verse 18 says the king “gave his hand,” a sign of agreement, yet broke his promise; verse 19 calls that promise God’s oath.

  • The judgment follows a specific act, not merely a change in political alliances. Earlier in the passage, the king sends to Egypt for horses and soldiers after entering the agreement with Babylon (verse 15).

  • Ezekiel 17:19 addresses the ruler personally. The words “he” and “his own head” focus attention on the king, even though the wider passage also describes consequences for his people.

Where else these words appear

“broken” Hebrew H6331 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 33:10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
  • Psalms 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

“oath” Hebrew H423 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Deuteronomy 29:21 And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
  • Isaiah 24:6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

“despised” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
  • Isaiah 37:22 This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.