In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

EZEKIEL 29:21KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 29:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 29:21 mean?

Ezekiel 29:21 promises that God will restore strength and honor to the people of Israel, symbolized by the "horn" budding forth, and that Ezekiel will be able to speak openly among them as a recognized prophet. This will lead the people to recognize that the LORD is truly God.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the exiled Israelites. The context is a series of prophecies against Egypt, but here God shifts to a word of hope for Israel. The "horn" often represents power or strength in the Bible, so the verse points to a future time when Israel's fortunes will rise again, and Ezekiel's role as God's messenger will be fully acknowledged.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 29:21

  • "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren): In Hebrew, this word often stands for strength, power, or dignity. The image of a horn "budding" suggests new growth or a fresh start for Israel's strength.
  • "cause...to bud forth" (פָּרַח, parach): This verb means to sprout or blossom. It highlights that the renewal of Israel's strength is something God will actively bring about, not something Israel does on its own.
  • "opening" (פֶּתַח, pethach) and "mouth" (פֶּה, peh): Together, these words refer to God giving Ezekiel the ability or permission to speak. This suggests a time when Ezekiel's voice will be heard and respected among his people.

Why Ezekiel 29:21 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point from judgment to hope, showing that God's plans for Israel include restoration, not just punishment.
  • The promise that Ezekiel's "mouth" will be opened suggests that his authority as a prophet will be vindicated, after a long period when his warnings were ignored.
  • The connection to the wider passage shows that God's dealings with other nations (like Egypt) are ultimately tied to his commitment to Israel's future.

Where else these words appear

“opening” Hebrew H6610 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 16:63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

“cause” Hebrew H6779 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • 2 Samuel 23:5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
  • Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

“horn” Hebrew H7161 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
  • Jeremiah 17:1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;