And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.

EZEKIEL 25:17KJV
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Ezekiel 25:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 25:17 mean?

Ezekiel 25:17 says that God will punish certain people with powerful and angry correction, and when this happens, they will recognize that He is truly the LORD. The verse emphasizes the certainty and seriousness of God's response to those who have acted against Him or His people.

In this part of the book, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to announce judgment against nations that have harmed Israel. The verse uses strong language to show that God's actions will be unmistakable and forceful, making it clear to everyone that He alone is in control and worthy of respect.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 25:17

  • "Vengeance" (נָקָם, naqam): This word means more than just payback; it often carries the sense of setting things right or restoring justice, not just anger or revenge.
  • "Furious" (חֵמָה, chemah): This word means heat or rage, highlighting the intensity of God's response. It shows that the correction is not mild or casual, but deeply felt.
  • "Rebukes" (תוֹכֵחָה, tokhechah): This word means sharp correction or proof, suggesting that God's actions will serve as a clear demonstration or lesson.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada): This word means to recognize or understand deeply, not just to be aware. The verse stresses that people will truly grasp who God is because of what He does.

Why Ezekiel 25:17 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God's vengeance is random or cruel; instead, it is purposeful and meant to reveal His identity and justice.
  • Ezekiel 25:17 is part of a series of judgments against nations surrounding Israel, showing that God holds all peoples accountable, not just His own.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Ezekiel: that God's actions in history are meant to teach people about His true nature and authority.

Where else these words appear

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 50:28 The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

“rebukes” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
  • Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

“furious” 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.