Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;

EZEKIEL 25:15KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 25:15 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 25:15 mean?

Ezekiel 25:15 says that God is declaring judgment against the Philistines because they acted out of revenge and deep-seated hatred, seeking to destroy out of old animosity. The verse points to the Philistines’ actions as being driven by a spiteful desire for payback rather than justice.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce consequences for the Philistines, an ancient enemy of Israel. The Philistines are singled out for acting with "revenge" and a "despiteful heart," meaning their hostility was fueled by long-standing hatred. The verse highlights that their motivation was not just retaliation, but a destructive grudge that had lasted for generations.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 25:15

  • "revenge" (נָקָם, naqam): This word refers to vengeance or payback, often with a sense of personal retaliation rather than impartial justice. Here, it emphasizes that the Philistines’ actions were motivated by a desire to settle old scores.
  • "despiteful" (שָׁאט, shaat): This word carries the sense of contempt or spite. It shows that the Philistines’ hearts were not just angry, but deeply scornful and hateful.
  • "old" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word often means "everlasting" or "ancient." In this context, it points to a hatred that is not new, but has been festering for a long time—generational animosity.
  • "hatred" (אֵיבָה, eyvah): This word means enmity or hostility. It clarifies that the Philistines’ actions came from a place of deep-rooted opposition, not just a passing anger.

Why Ezekiel 25:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not just about actions, but also about the motives and attitudes behind them—here, revenge and ancient hatred.
  • It highlights the long history of hostility between Israel and the Philistines, showing that these conflicts were not just political, but deeply personal and emotional.
  • Ezekiel 25:15 fits into a larger section where God addresses the nations surrounding Israel, showing that all peoples are accountable for their actions and the spirit in which they act.

Where else these words appear

“despiteful” Hebrew H7589 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezekiel 25:6 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel;
  • Ezekiel 36:5 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

“hatred” Hebrew H342 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Numbers 35:21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
  • Numbers 35:22 But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait,

“destroy” Hebrew H4889 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.
  • Ezekiel 5:16 When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

“vengeance” Hebrew H5359 · used in 17 verses

  • Leviticus 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
  • Psalms 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.