Ezekiel 21:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel must clap his hands and call for the sword to strike with force, a weapon of great slaughter among the leadership.
The Context of Ezekiel 21:14
Ezekiel enacts the intensity of the sword's work through symbolic gesture.
What Does Ezekiel 21:14 Mean?
Smiting hands together is a sign of resolve and reinforcement of divine action. 'Let the sword be doubled the third time' uses numerical language suggesting intensity and repetition—judgment comes with overwhelming force, again and again.
'The sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers' indicates that even the most protected and powerful leaders will be struck down. Their private chambers—the most secure spaces—will not shield them from this judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 21:14
What does Ezekiel 21:14 mean?
Ezekiel must clap his hands and call for the sword to strike with force, a weapon of great slaughter among the leadership.
What is the context of Ezekiel 21:14?
Ezekiel enacts the intensity of the sword's work through symbolic gesture.