Ezekiel 35:4 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 35:4 mean?

Ezekiel 35:4 says that God will destroy the cities of Edom, leaving them empty and ruined, so that the people will recognize His power and authority. The verse emphasizes that this devastation will make it clear to everyone that the LORD is truly God.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Edom, a nation neighboring Israel that had been hostile toward them. The warning is part of a prophecy against Edom, describing the consequences of their actions. The verse highlights both the total destruction ("lay thy cities waste") and the purpose behind it: so that Edom will "know that I am the LORD."

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:4

• "Waste" (חָרְבָּה, ḥorbāh) means a place that is ruined or laid in ruins. This word stresses that the destruction will be thorough, not just damaged but completely devastated.
• "Desolate" (שָׁמֵם, shāmēm) carries the sense of being deserted or uninhabited. It adds to the picture of total emptiness, not just physical ruin but also the absence of people.
• "Know" (יָדַע, yādaʿ) often means more than just intellectual knowledge; it suggests a deep recognition or acknowledgment, especially of God's identity and authority.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that this act is not just fate or chance, but the deliberate action of Israel’s God.

Why Ezekiel 35:4 matters

• This verse clarifies that the destruction of Edom is not random or unjustified, but a direct response to their actions and attitudes toward Israel.
• The emphasis on knowing the LORD shows that the goal is not just punishment, but a revelation of who God is—even to those who opposed Him.
• Understanding the original words for "waste" and "desolate" helps readers see the severity of what is being described: a complete and lasting devastation, not just temporary hardship.