Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As surely as I live, I will repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant. New Living Translation “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: As surely as I live, I will punish him for breaking my covenant and disregarding the solemn oath he made in my name. English Standard Version Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: As I live, surely it is my oath that he despised, and my covenant that he broke. I will return it upon his head. Berean Standard Bible Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. Berean Literal Bible Therefore, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘As I live, surely My oath that he despised, and My covenant that he broke, will I not recompense upon his head? King James Bible Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head. New King James Version Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. New American Standard Bible Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: “As I live, My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will certainly inflict on his head. NASB 1995 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will inflict on his head. NASB 1977 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will inflict on his head. Legacy Standard Bible Therefore, thus says Lord Yahweh, “As I live, surely My oath which he despised and My covenant which he broke, I will put on his head. Amplified Bible Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “As I live, I will bring down on his own head My oath [made on My behalf by Nebuchadnezzar] which Zedekiah dishonored and My covenant which he broke. Berean Annotated Bible Therefore this is what the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. Christian Standard Bible “ ‘Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: As I live, I will bring down on his head my oath that he despised and my covenant that he broke. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: “As I live, I will bring down on his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. American Standard Version Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, I will even bring it upon his own head. Contemporary English Version He made a promise in my name and swore to honor the treaty. And now that he has broken that promise, my name is disgraced. He must pay for what he's done. English Revised Version Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, I will even bring it upon his own head. GOD'S WORD® Translation " 'So this is what the Almighty LORD says: As I live, I will certainly punish you for rejecting my promise and hating my treaty. Good News Translation The Sovereign LORD says, "As surely as I am the living God, I will punish him for breaking the treaty which he swore in my name to keep. International Standard Version Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says, "As long as I live, because he despised my oath and broke my covenant, he's going to suffer the consequences. NET Bible "'Therefore this is what the sovereign LORD says: As surely as I live, I will certainly repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant! New Heart English Bible "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'As I live, surely my oath that he has despised, and my covenant that he has broken, I will even bring it on his own head. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely my oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even that will I recompense upon his own head. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. World English Bible “Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: ‘As I live, I will surely bring on his own head my oath that he has despised and my covenant that he has broken. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTherefore, thus said Lord YHWH: [As] I live—My oath that he has despised, "" And My covenant that he has broken, "" Have I not put it on his head? Berean Literal Bible Therefore, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘As I live, surely My oath that he despised, and My covenant that he broke, will I not recompense upon his head? Young's Literal Translation Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: I live -- Mine oath that he hath despised, And My covenant that he hath broken, Have I not put it on his head? Smith's Literal Translation For this, thus said the Lord Jehovah: I live, if not mine oath which he despised, and my covenant which he brake, and I gave it upon his head. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore thus saith the Lord God: As I live, I will lay upon his head the oath he hath despised, and the covenant he hath broken. Catholic Public Domain Version Because of this, thus says the Lord God: As I live, I will place upon his head the oath that he has spurned and the pact that he has betrayed. New American Bible Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: As I live, my oath which he spurned, And my covenant which he broke, I will bring down on his head. New Revised Standard Version Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: As I live, I will surely return upon his head my oath that he despised, and my covenant that he broke. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore thus says the LORD God: As I live, because he has despised my oaths and nullified my covenant, I will punish him for it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because of these things, thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: ‘As I am living, because he rejected my oaths and nullified my covenant, I shall bring it up on his head OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: As I live, surely Mine oath that he hath despised, and My covenant that he hath broken, I will even bring it upon his own head. Brenton Septuagint Translation Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord; As I live, surely mine oath which he has profaned, and my covenant which he has transgressed, I will even recompense it upon his head. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Parable Explained…18He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ 19Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. 20I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me.… Cross References Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 2 Kings 19:20 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria. Jeremiah 2:2 “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Isaiah 7:7 But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. ‘As surely as I live, Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Numbers 14:21 “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, Deuteronomy 32:40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever, I will bring down upon his head Ezekiel 9:10 But as for Me, I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. I will bring their deeds down upon their own heads.” 1 Kings 2:32 The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. Psalm 7:16 His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. My oath that he despised 2 Chronicles 36:13 He 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. Psalm 15:4 who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. and My covenant that he broke. Jeremiah 31:32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. Hosea 6:7 But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me. Leviticus 26:15 and if you reject My statutes, despise My ordinances, and neglect to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, Jeremiah 22:24 “As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off. Treasury of Scripture Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; As I live, surely my oath that he has despised, and my covenant that he has broken, even it will I recompense on his own head. surely Ezekiel 21:23-27 And 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… Deuteronomy 5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Jeremiah 5:2,9 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely… Jump to Previous Agreement Broke Broken Covenant Despised Head Inflict Live Oath Punishment Recompense Requite Side Sovereign SurelyJump to Next Agreement Broke Broken Covenant Despised Head Inflict Live Oath Punishment Recompense Requite Side Sovereign SurelyEzekiel 17 1. Under the parable of two eagles and a vine11. is shown God's judgment upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt 22. God promises to plant the cedar of the Gospel Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In the context of Ezekiel, God often speaks directly to convey His judgments and plans. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God communicates His will through His prophets, reinforcing the seriousness and certainty of the message. As surely as I live: I will bring down upon his head: My oath that he despised: And My covenant that he broke: Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lord GODThe sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel. 2. Ezekiel A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon, delivering messages of judgment and hope. 3. The King of Judah Likely referring to Zedekiah, who broke his oath to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, by rebelling against him. 4. Babylon The empire that conquered Judah and took its people into exile, serving as the backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies. 5. Covenant The solemn agreement or promise, in this context, likely referring to the political covenant between Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar, which Zedekiah broke. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Oaths and CovenantsGod takes oaths and covenants seriously, and breaking them has severe consequences. This underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our commitments. God's Sovereignty and Justice God's declaration of judgment on Zedekiah demonstrates His sovereignty and justice. He holds individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they involve broken promises. The Consequences of Disobedience Zedekiah's rebellion serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the breaking of solemn agreements. The Faithfulness of God While humans may fail in their commitments, God remains faithful to His promises. This should encourage believers to trust in God's unchanging nature. Repentance and Restoration Although judgment is pronounced, God's ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. Believers are called to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 17:19?2. How does Ezekiel 17:19 emphasize God's commitment to His covenant promises? 3. What consequences are highlighted for breaking God's covenant in Ezekiel 17:19? 4. How can we apply the seriousness of vows from Ezekiel 17:19 today? 5. How does Ezekiel 17:19 connect with God's faithfulness throughout Scripture? 6. What lessons on obedience can we learn from Ezekiel 17:19? 7. What is the significance of God's oath in Ezekiel 17:19 for believers today? 8. How does Ezekiel 17:19 reflect God's justice and faithfulness? 9. Why does God emphasize His covenant in Ezekiel 17:19? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 17? 11. What are the main themes in the Book of Ezekiel? 12. How do a covenant and a contract differ? 13. How do we reconcile Ezekiel 19:10-14's portrayal of the vine's destruction with other biblical promises of Judah's enduring lineage? 14. Why does 2 Chronicles 28:19 say God directly punishes an entire nation for one king's actions? What Does Ezekiel 17:19 Mean Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says“Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says:” • Ezekiel has just finished the parable of the two eagles (Ezekiel 17:1-18). After exposing Judah’s treachery toward Babylon, the prophet steps aside and lets the Lord speak directly, underscoring that the coming judgment is not Ezekiel’s opinion but divine revelation. • Similar prophetic pivots appear in Isaiah 1:18 and Jeremiah 2:9, where the phrase “thus says the LORD” reminds the listener that God’s word is final (Isaiah 55:11). • The statement lifts the whole announcement above political circumstance and places it in the realm of covenant faithfulness, echoing Deuteronomy 29:1 where the covenant is first formalized. As surely as I live “‘As surely as I live,’” • God swears by His own life because there is no higher authority (Hebrews 6:13; Numbers 14:28). • Such an oath assures Judah that the promised consequence is inevitable, just as His promise of preservation in Genesis 22:16 was guaranteed. • The phrase conveys both God’s eternal self-existence (Exodus 3:14) and His unwavering integrity (Titus 1:2). I will bring down upon his head “‘I will bring down upon his head’” • The imagery is personal; judgment will land squarely “on his head,” just as Psalm 7:16 says, “His trouble recoils on himself.” • God is not delegating vengeance to chance or fate. He Himself acts, paralleling the direct intervention seen in 2 Kings 19:35 when the Angel of the LORD struck the Assyrian camp. • The phrase signals perfect justice: – No collective punishment that misses the guilty (Proverbs 11:21). – No escape for the offender (Amos 9:1-4). My oath that he despised “‘My oath that he despised’” • King Zedekiah had sworn loyalty to Nebuchadnezzar in the LORD’s name (2 Chron 36:13). By seeking Egyptian help he treated that sacred oath as worthless (Ezekiel 17:15-16). • Numbers 30:2 teaches that a vow made to the LORD “shall not break his word,” showing that despising an oath is a direct affront to God Himself. • The seriousness of oath-breaking is highlighted in Joshua 9:18-20, where Israel honored an ill-advised covenant with the Gibeonites because it was sworn before the LORD. And My covenant that he broke “‘and My covenant that he broke.’” • Judah already stood under the Sinai covenant (Exodus 24:3-8). By adding a royal oath, Zedekiah doubled his accountability. • Ezekiel 16:59 records the LORD saying, “I will deal with you as you deserve, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.” The two concepts are intertwined: break one, you break both. • Covenant breach brings covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). History confirms the outcome: Babylon besieged Jerusalem, blinded Zedekiah, and led him in chains (2 Kings 25:6-7). summary Ezekiel 17:19 is God’s sworn declaration that Judah’s treachery will rebound on its own ruler. By despising a divinely witnessed oath and breaking covenant, Zedekiah placed himself under inevitable, personal judgment. The verse underscores God’s absolute fidelity to His word—whether in promise or penalty—and reminds every generation that vows made before the LORD are sacred, binding, and sure to be enforced. (19) Mine oath . . . my covenant.--Zedekiah's oath and covenant to Nebuchadnezzar are called the Lord's, because made in the Lord's name, and also because He had commanded them. Rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar was, therefore, under the circumstances, apostasy from the Lord Himself.With Ezekiel 17:21 the explanation of the parable ends. What follows is a distinct Messianic prophecy, which, although couched in the same figurative language, has nothing corresponding to it either in the parable or in its explanation. Hebrew Therefore,לָכֵ֞ן (lā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus this is what כֹּה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD יְהוִה֮ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH says: אָמַ֨ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘As אָנִי֒ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I surely as אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life I will bring down וּנְתַתִּ֖יו (ū·nə·ṯat·tîw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set upon his head בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ׃ (bə·rō·šōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head My oath אָֽלָתִי֙ (’ā·lā·ṯî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 423: An imprecation that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he despised בָּזָ֔ה (bā·zāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 959: To disesteem and My covenant וּבְרִיתִ֖י (ū·ḇə·rî·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1285: A covenant that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he broke. הֵפִ֑יר (hê·p̄îr) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6331: Break, bring to nothing, utterly take Links Ezekiel 17:19 NIVEzekiel 17:19 NLT Ezekiel 17:19 ESV Ezekiel 17:19 NASB Ezekiel 17:19 KJV Ezekiel 17:19 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 17:19 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 17:19 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 17:19 French Bible Ezekiel 17:19 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 17:19 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: As (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
    |