Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.

EZEKIEL 21:16KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 21:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 21:16 mean?

Ezekiel 21:16 is a command for the sword of judgment to move in any direction it chooses—right or left—wherever it is pointed. The verse uses the image of a sword set loose to strike wherever its “face” or edge is aimed, showing that judgment will not be limited or restrained.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet to warn Jerusalem and the surrounding nations of coming destruction. The sword represents God’s judgment, and the instruction for it to go “one way or other” means that no one is safe from what is coming. The language paints a picture of unstoppable, widespread judgment, emphasizing that the consequences will reach wherever God determines.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 21:16

  • “Other” (אַחֵר, ’acher): This word means “another” or “other,” highlighting that the sword can go in any direction, not just one specific path.
  • “On” (שִׂים, sîm): This verb means “to set” or “to place.” Here, it refers to setting the face or direction of the sword, showing intentionality in where judgment is aimed.
  • “Hand” (יָמִין, yamin) and “Left” (שְׂמֹאול, semol): These words mean “right hand” and “left,” making it clear that the sword’s movement is not restricted; it can go to either side.
  • “Face” (פָּנִים, panim): This word means “face” or “front,” and in this context, it refers to the direction the sword is pointed. It emphasizes that the sword will strike wherever it is aimed.

Why Ezekiel 21:16 matters

  • Ezekiel 21:16 makes it clear that God’s judgment is not random but directed and purposeful, striking wherever God chooses.
  • The verse helps the reader understand that no one can escape or hide from this judgment, as it can turn in any direction.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Ezekiel 21 of the sword of the Lord being unsheathed and ready to strike, reinforcing the seriousness of the warning to Jerusalem and its neighbors.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Hebrew H3231 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 2 Samuel 14:19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“left” Hebrew H8041 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 2 Samuel 14:19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“whithersoever” Hebrew H575 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 37:30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
  • 1 Kings 2:36 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and said unto him, Build thee an house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and go not forth thence any whither.
  • 2 Kings 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

“set” Hebrew H3259 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.