And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

EZEKIEL 20:48KJV
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Ezekiel 20:48 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:48 mean?

Ezekiel 20:48 says that everyone will see that the LORD himself has set the fire Ezekiel describes. The fire is an image of coming destruction, and no one will be able to put it out.

Following the description of the fire in verse 47, the LORD declares what people will recognize when they see its effects. The fire’s spread through green and dry trees pictures destruction reaching across the land, rather than touching only one small part.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:48

  • “flesh” — בָּשָׂר (basar): This word can mean human flesh or people. In “all flesh,” the expression points broadly to human beings who will see what happens.
  • “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, represented by “LORD” in the KJV. The speaker identifies himself by name as the one who has kindled the fire.

Why Ezekiel 20:48 matters

  • The fire stands for an act of judgment against people. The next chapter explains the picture in terms of a sword drawn against the land and its inhabitants (Ezekiel 21:2–5).
  • The words “it shall not be quenched” stress that the destruction cannot be stopped by human effort. The phrase completes the earlier picture of a flame that will scorch faces from south to north (Ezekiel 20:47).

Where else these words appear

“quenched” Hebrew H3518 · used in 24 verses

  • Leviticus 6:12 And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.
  • Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

“kindled” Hebrew H1197 · used in 90 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: