Ezekiel 17:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will capture Zedekiah through his own devices and bring him to Babylon to face judgment for his transgressions.
The Context of Ezekiel 17:20
God's judgment executed: Zedekiah is captured and brought to Babylon to face God's reckoning.
What Does Ezekiel 17:20 Mean?
The net and snare are divine instruments of judgment. Zedekiah's own rebellion—his attempt to escape Babylon and secure Egypt's support—will be the very means by which God ensnares him. He flees toward Egypt seeking salvation but is caught by Babylon's forces and brought to the capital he tried to escape.
'Plead with him there for his trespass'—God will confront Zedekiah in Babylon with the reality of what he has done. His trespass against God (breaking an oath God witnessed) will be addressed. The historical record shows Zedekiah was blinded and taken to Babylon where he died in captivity.
Ezekiel 17:20 in the Original Language
pesha (פשע), 'trespass,' describes deliberate rebellion and violation, not mere error or weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 17:20
What does Ezekiel 17:20 mean?
God will capture Zedekiah through his own devices and bring him to Babylon to face judgment for his transgressions.
What is the context of Ezekiel 17:20?
God's judgment executed: Zedekiah is captured and brought to Babylon to face God's reckoning.