I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the LORD have said it.

EZEKIEL 21:17KJV
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Ezekiel 21:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 21:17 mean?

Ezekiel 21:17 describes God declaring that He will strike His hands together and let His anger come to rest, making it clear that this is a decision He, the LORD, has spoken. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that God's judgment is certain and final.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, warning them of coming judgment because of their actions. The gesture of striking hands together was often a sign of strong emotion or finality in the ancient world. Here, it emphasizes that God's anger (His "fury") will be fully expressed and then settled, leaving no doubt that His word is final.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 21:17

  • "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This word means to strike or hit, often used for decisive or forceful action. Here, it underlines the seriousness of God's intent.
  • "hands" (כַּף, kaph): The word for "hand" is repeated for emphasis, suggesting a deliberate and emphatic gesture.
  • "fury" (חֵמָה, chemah): This word refers to intense anger or wrath. It highlights the depth of God's response to Israel's behavior.
  • "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach): This word means to settle down or come to rest. In this context, it suggests that God's anger will be fully expressed and then will subside.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His authority and the certainty of His declaration.
  • "said" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means "to speak" or "declare." It underscores that what is being said is a direct and authoritative statement from God.

Why Ezekiel 21:17 matters

  • Ezekiel 21:17 clears up any idea that God's warnings are empty threats; the verse stresses that God's judgment is both deliberate and unavoidable.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where God is describing the coming destruction as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness, showing that the judgment is not random but a response to persistent wrongdoing.
  • The use of strong physical imagery ("smite mine hands together") helps the reader sense the seriousness and finality of God's decision, making the warning more vivid and memorable.

Where else these words appear

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:2 And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is confederate with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

“fury” Hebrew H2534 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 27:44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
  • Psalms 106:23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
  • Lamentations 2:4 He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all that were pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.