New International VersionIt will seem like a false omen to those who have sworn allegiance to him, but he will remind them of their guilt and take them captive.
New Living TranslationThe people of Jerusalem will think it is a false omen, because of their treaty with the Babylonians. But the king of Babylon will remind the people of their rebellion. Then he will attack and capture them.
English Standard VersionBut to them it will seem like a false divination. They have sworn solemn oaths, but he brings their guilt to remembrance, that they may be taken.
Berean Standard BibleIt will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to him, but it will draw attention to their guilt and take them captive.
King James BibleAnd it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.
New King James VersionAnd it will be to them like a false divination in the eyes of those who have sworn oaths with them; but he will bring their iniquity to remembrance, that they may be taken.
New American Standard BibleAnd it will be to them like a false divination in their eyes; they have sworn solemn oaths. But he makes guilt known, so that they may be seized.
NASB 1995“And it will be to them like a false divination in their eyes; they have sworn solemn oaths. But he brings iniquity to remembrance, that they may be seized.
NASB 1977“And it will be to them like a false divination in their eyes; they have sworn solemn oaths. But he brings iniquity to remembrance, that they may be seized.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd it will be to them like a worthless divination in their eyes; they have sworn solemn oaths. But he brings iniquity to remembrance, that they may be seized.
Amplified BibleIt will seem like a false divination in their eyes, those who have sworn solemn oaths [of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar]. But he will remind them of their guilt [by rebelling and violating their oath], that they may be caught.
Christian Standard BibleIt will seem like false divination to those who have sworn an oath to the Babylonians, but it will draw attention to their guilt so that they will be captured.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIt will seem like false divination in the eyes of those who have sworn an oath to the Babylonians, but it will draw attention to their guilt so that they will be captured.”
American Standard VersionAnd it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, who have sworn oaths unto them; but he bringeth iniquity to remembrance, that they may be taken.
Contemporary English VersionEveryone in Jerusalem had promised to be loyal to Babylonia, and so none of them will believe that this could happen to them. But Babylonia's king will remind them of their sinful ways and warn them of their coming captivity.
English Revised VersionAnd it shall be unto them as a vain divination in their sight, which have sworn oaths unto them: but he bringeth iniquity to remembrance, that they may be taken.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe people won't believe this because they have made treaties with other nations. But the king of Babylon will remind them of their sins, and they will be captured.
Good News TranslationThe people of Jerusalem won't believe this because of the treaties they have made. But this prediction is to remind them of their sins and to warn them that they will be captured.
International Standard VersionIn their view, it will seem to be a false prophecy, but because they swore allegiance, he'll make them remember their guilt as he takes them captive."
NET BibleBut those in Jerusalem will view it as a false omen. They have sworn solemn oaths, but the king of Babylon will accuse them of violations in order to seize them.
New Heart English BibleIt shall be to them as a false divination in their sight, who have sworn oaths to them; but he brings iniquity to memory, that they may be taken.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it shall be to them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to him, but it will draw attention to their guilt and take them captive.
World English BibleIt will be to them as a false divination in their sight, who have sworn oaths to them; but he brings iniquity to memory, that they may be taken. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it has been to them as a false divination in their eyes, "" Who have sworn oaths to them, "" But he is causing iniquity to be remembered [so they] are caught.
Young's Literal Translation And it hath been to them as a false divination in their eyes, Who have sworn oaths to them, And he is causing iniquity to be remembered to be caught.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it was to them as a divination of falsehood in their eyes, swearing an oath to them, remembering iniquity to be taken. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he shall be in their eyes as one consulting the oracle in vain, and imitating the leisure of sabbaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity that they may be taken.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he shall be, in their eyes, like someone consulting an oracle in vain, or imitating the leisure of Sabbaths. But he will call to mind iniquities, so that it will be captured.
New American BibleIn the eyes of those bound by oath this seems like a false omen; yet the lot taken in hand exposes the wickedness for which they, still bound by oath, will be taken in hand.
New Revised Standard VersionBut to them it will seem like a false divination; they have sworn solemn oaths; but he brings their guilt to remembrance, bringing about their capture. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd it shall be as a false divination to them; but he will call to remembrance their iniquity, that they may be captured.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd it shall be to them as a worthless oracle before their eyes, and he shall remember the evil, and it shall be taken captive OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, who have weeks upon weeks! but it bringeth iniquity to remembrance, that they may be taken.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he was to them as one using divination before them, and he himself recounting his iniquities, that they might be borne in mind.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The LORD's Sword of Judgment… 22In his right hand appears the portent for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for the slaughter, to lift a battle cry, to direct the battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall. 23It will seemlikea falseomento the eyesof those who have swornallegianceto him,but itwill draw attentionto their guiltand take them captive.24Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have drawn attention to your guilt, exposing your transgressions, so that your sins are revealed in all your deeds—because you have come to remembrance—you shall be taken in hand.…
Cross References Jeremiah 21:2“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”
Isaiah 44:25who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,
Jeremiah 27:9-10But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ / For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.
2 Kings 25:6-7The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. / And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.
Jeremiah 37:7-10“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. / Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down. / This is what the LORD says: Do not deceive yourselves by saying, ‘The Chaldeans will go away for good,’ for they will not! ...
Isaiah 47:12-13So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! / You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.
Jeremiah 29:8-9For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them. / For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.”
Daniel 2:27-28Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:
Jeremiah 14:14“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.
2 Chronicles 36:13He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel.
Matthew 24:24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
Acts 8:9-11Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...
Revelation 16:14These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.
1 Kings 22:22-23And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”
Treasury of Scripture And it shall be to them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken. as a Ezekiel 11:3 Which say,It is not near; let us build houses: thiscity is the caldron, and webe the flesh. Ezekiel 12:22 Son of man, whatis that proverbthat ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Isaiah 28:14,15 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people whichis in Jerusalem… to them that have sworn oaths. Ezekiel 17:13-19 And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: … 2 Chronicles 36:13 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel. but 2 Kings 24:20 For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 2 Kings 25:1-7 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenthday of the month,that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about… Jeremiah 52:3-11 For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon… call Ezekiel 21:24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because,I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. Ezekiel 29:16 And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeththeir iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that Iam the Lord GOD. Numbers 5:15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenthpart of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for itis an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. Jump to Previous AllegianceArtsBrokenCaptiveCapturedCaughtCausingDivinationEvil-DoingEyesGuiltIniquityMemoryOathsOmenRememberedRemembranceRemindSecretSeemSeizedSightSolemnSwornWeeksJump to Next AllegianceArtsBrokenCaptiveCapturedCaughtCausingDivinationEvil-DoingEyesGuiltIniquityMemoryOathsOmenRememberedRemembranceRemindSecretSeemSeizedSightSolemnSwornWeeksEzekiel 21 1.Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing8.The sharp and bright sword18.against Jerusalem25.against the kingdom28.and against the AmmonitesIt will seem like a false omen to the eyes of those who have sworn allegiance to himThis phrase refers to the prophecy given by Ezekiel, which appears as a false omen to those who have pledged loyalty to the king of Babylon. In the historical context, the people of Judah had made alliances with Babylon, and they were relying on these political ties for security. The "false omen" suggests that the people were skeptical of Ezekiel's prophecy, viewing it as unreliable or deceptive. This skepticism is rooted in their misplaced trust in political alliances rather than in God. The concept of false omens is also seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in Isaiah 44:25, where God frustrates the signs of false prophets. but it will draw attention to their guilt
The prophecy serves to highlight the guilt of the people, particularly their idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. This is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, where the prophet often points out the spiritual adultery of Israel. The drawing of attention to their guilt is a divine act of exposing sin, similar to how Nathan confronted David in2 Samuel 12:7-9. Theologically, this reflects God's justice and His desire for repentance and restoration. and take them captive
The phrase foreshadows the impending Babylonian captivity, a significant event in Jewish history where many were exiled from their homeland. This captivity is a direct consequence of their disobedience and failure to heed prophetic warnings. The captivity serves as both punishment and a means of purification for the people of Israel. In a broader biblical context, captivity can be seen as a type of spiritual bondage from which Christ delivers believers, as seen in passages likeLuke 4:18, where Jesus proclaims freedom for the captives. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope. 2. BabylonThe empire that conquered Jerusalem and took the Israelites into exile. It serves as the backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's message. 4. King of BabylonThe ruler who is used by God as an instrument of judgment against the Israelites. 5. JerusalemThe holy city of the Israelites, which is under threat of destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and JudgmentGod's control over nations and events is absolute. He uses even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the Babylonian conquest. The Deceptiveness of False SecurityThe Israelites' reliance on false omens and alliances led to their downfall. Trusting in anything other than God can lead to spiritual captivity. The Consequences of SinThe guilt of the Israelites is highlighted, reminding us that sin has real consequences. Repentance and obedience are crucial. The Role of ProphecyProphecy serves to warn and guide God's people. It calls for introspection and alignment with God's will. Hope Amidst JudgmentEven in judgment, God's ultimate plan is for restoration. Believers can find hope in God's faithfulness to His promises. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21
Does the divination method described in Ezekiel 21:21 have any verified historical or archaeological basis in Babylonian practices?
Why does Ezekiel 23:4 personify Samaria and Jerusalem as immoral sisters, and is there historical or archeological evidence to support these specific accusations?
Ezekiel 4:6: How do the 40 days for Judah align with or contradict other biblical timelines found in Kings and Chronicles?
What are teraphim?(23) As a false divination in their sight.--The divination of the Babylonians seemed false to the Jews, primarily, because they were determined not to believe it; yet, doubtless, there was mingled with this a secret consciousness of the worthlessness of the idolatries which they themselves practised, and a consequent readiness to cast them aside when opposed to their wishes. To them that have sworn oaths.--These words have been very variously interpreted, but the simplest meaning seems the best; the resolution of Nebuchadnezzar to attack Jerusalem seemed impossible to the Jews, because they were his vassals, and under oaths of fidelity to him. They must have been conscious of their own violation of those oaths, and yet have persuaded themselves that their intrigues with Egypt were not known to Nebuchadnezzar, and that therefore he would not attack them. But he will call to remembrance the iniquity.--The pronoun is here understood by many as referring to the Lord, and "iniquity" as expressing the general sinfulness of the people. It is better to refer the pronountoNebuchadnezzar, who will call to remembrance and punish the violation of their oaths to him. It is constantly to be remembered that Zedekiah was placed upon the throne by him under a solemn oath of fidelity to himself (2Chronicles 36:10;2Chronicles 36:13;Jeremiah 52:3;Ezekiel 17:15;Ezekiel 17:18, &c). . . . Verse 23. - The whole verse is obscure, and has been very variously interpreted. I follow the translation of the Revised Version, and explain it by inserting words which are needed to bring out its meaning: It (what Nebuchadnezzar has done) shall be as a vain divination in their sight ( sc. in that of the men of Jerusalem), which have sworn unto them ( sc. have taken oaths of fealty to the Chaldeans, and are ready to take them again), but he (Nebuchadnezzar) brings iniquity to remembrance. The fact represented is that when the people of Jerusalem heard of the divination at the parting of the ways, they still lulled themselves in a false security. They and Zedekiah had sworn obedience, and that oath would protect them. "Not so," rejoins the prophet; "the Chaldean king knows how those oaths have been kept." The LXX. omits all reference to "oaths." The Vulgate. taking the word for "oath" in its ether sense of "sabbath," gives the curious rendering, Eritque quasi consulens frustra oraculum in eorum oculis, et sabbatorum otium imitans. In spite of the reports that reached them, the men of Jerusalem thought themselves as safe as if the Chaldean king were keeping a sabbath day. Ewald partly follows the Vulgate, and renders, They believe they have weeks on weeks, i. e. will not believe that the danger is close at hand. Keil and Havernick: Oaths of oaths are theirs; i. e. they count on the oath of Jehovah, on his promises of protection, but he (Jehovah) brings iniquity to remembrance. That they may be taken; i. e. be seized by the invader and either slain or made prisoners
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew It will seemוְהָיָ֨ה(wə·hā·yāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, belikeלָהֶ֤ם(lā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewa falseשָׁוְא֙(šāw)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7080:To distribute, determine by lot, magical scroll, to divineomenכִּקְסָם־(kiq·sām-)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7080:To distribute, determine by lot, magical scroll, to divineto the eyesבְּעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם(bə·‘ê·nê·hem)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof those who have swornשְׁבֻעֵ֥י(šə·ḇu·‘ê)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7650:To seven oneself, swearallegiance to him,שְׁבֻע֖וֹת(šə·ḇu·‘ō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 7621:Something sworn, an oathbut itוְהֽוּא־(wə·hū-)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arewill draw attentionמַזְכִּ֥יר(maz·kîr)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be maleto their guiltעָוֺ֖ן(‘ā·wōn)Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityand take them captive.לְהִתָּפֵֽשׂ׃(lə·hit·tā·p̄êś)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8610:To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably
Links Ezekiel 21:23 NIVEzekiel 21:23 NLTEzekiel 21:23 ESVEzekiel 21:23 NASBEzekiel 21:23 KJV
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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:23 It shall be to them as (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
