Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: “’A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— New Living Translation “Son of man, give the people this message from the Lord: “A sword, a sword is being sharpened and polished. English Standard Version “Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, say: “A sword, a sword is sharpened and also polished, Berean Standard Bible “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, prophesy and say, thus says the Lord: Say, ‘A sword, a sword is sharpened, also polished, King James Bible Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: New King James Version “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the LORD!’ Say: ‘A sword, a sword is sharpened And also polished! New American Standard Bible “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the LORD says:’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword sharpened And also polished! NASB 1995 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the LORD.’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword sharpened And also polished! NASB 1977 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the LORD.’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword sharpened And also polished! Legacy Standard Bible “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord.’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword sharpened And also polished! Amplified Bible “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the LORD.’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword [from Babylon] is sharpened And also polished! Berean Annotated Bible “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord {Adonai} says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— Christian Standard Bible “Son of man, prophesy, ‘This is what the Lord says! ’ You are to proclaim, ‘A sword! A sword is sharpened and also polished. Holman Christian Standard Bible Son of man, prophesy: This is what the Lord says! You are to proclaim: A sword! A sword is sharpened and also polished. American Standard Version Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished; English Revised Version Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished: GOD'S WORD® Translation "Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, 'This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished, Good News Translation "Mortal man, prophesy. Tell the people what I, the Lord, am saying: A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished. International Standard Version "Son of Man, prophesy and say, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: 'A sword! A sword is being sharpened. It's also being polished. NET Bible "Son of man, prophesy and say: 'This is what the Lord says: "'A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also polished. New Heart English Bible "Son of man, prophesy, and say, 'Thus says the LORD: Say, "A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished; Webster's Bible Translation Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— World English Bible “Son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘Yahweh says: “A sword! A sword! It is sharpened, and also polished. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Son of man, prophesy, and you have said, Thus said YHWH: Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also polished. Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, prophesy and say, thus says the Lord: Say, ‘A sword, a sword is sharpened, also polished, Young's Literal Translation 'Son of man, prophesy, and thou hast said, Thus said Jehovah, say: A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also polished. Smith's Literal Translation Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus said Jehovah: say, A sword, a sword was sharpened, and also polished. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSon of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord God: Say: The sword, the sword is sharpened, and furbished. Catholic Public Domain Version “Son of man, prophesy, and you shall say: Thus says the Lord God: Speak: The sword! The sword has been sharpened and polished! New American Bible Son of man, prophesy! say: Thus says the LORD: A sword, a sword has been sharpened, a sword, a sword has been burnished: New Revised Standard Version Mortal, prophesy and say: Thus says the Lord; Say: A sword, a sword is sharpened, it is also polished; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSon of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the LORD God: A sword, a sword is sharpened; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Son of man, prophesy, and say, thus says THE LORD OF LORDS: ‘A sword, a sword is sharpened! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the LORD: Say: A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, And also furbished: Brenton Septuagint Translation Son of man, prophesy, and thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord; Say, Sword, sword, be sharpened and rage, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD's Sword of Judgment…8Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 9“Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— 10it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick.… Cross References Son of man, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” Daniel 8:17 As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: Jeremiah 26:2 “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word. Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” ‘A sword, a sword, Deuteronomy 32:41 when I sharpen My flashing sword, and My hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on My adversaries and repay those who hate Me. Jeremiah 47:6 ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. sharpened and polished— Isaiah 49:2 He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver. Jeremiah 51:11 Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple. Psalm 7:12 If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. Isaiah 34:5-6 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. Isaiah 66:16 For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. Jeremiah 25:31 The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD. Revelation 19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. Treasury of Scripture Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus said the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: A sword Ezekiel 21:3,15,28 And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked… Deuteronomy 32:41,42 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me… Job 20:25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him. sharpened Psalm 7:11-13 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day… Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. Isaiah 34:5,6 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment… Jump to Previous Furbished Polished Prophesy Prophet Sharp Sharpened Sword WordsJump to Next Furbished Polished Prophesy Prophet Sharp Sharpened Sword WordsEzekiel 21 1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing8. The sharp and bright sword 18. against Jerusalem 25. against the kingdom 28. and against the Ammonites Son of man, This phrase is a common title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. It is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's connection to the human condition and his role as a mediator between God and Israel. prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book of Ezekiel and is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions. 2. Babylon The empire that conquered Jerusalem and took the Israelites into exile. It serves as the backdrop for much of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. 3. Sword A symbol of judgment and warfare. In Ezekiel 21:9, the sword represents God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and the surrounding nations. Teaching Points The Certainty of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is inevitable and precise, as symbolized by the sharpened sword. Believers should live with an awareness of God's holiness and justice. The Role of Prophets Prophets like Ezekiel are God's messengers, tasked with delivering difficult truths. We should be open to receiving and heeding God's messages, even when they challenge us. The Call to Repentance The imagery of the sword serves as a warning to turn from sin. It is a call for self-examination and repentance, urging us to align our lives with God's will. The Power of God's Word Just as the sword is sharp and effective, so is God's Word. It has the power to convict, correct, and guide us in righteousness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 21:9?2. How does Ezekiel 21:9 illustrate God's judgment through the imagery of a sword? 3. What can we learn about God's justice from Ezekiel 21:9? 4. How does Ezekiel 21:9 connect to Hebrews 4:12 about God's word as a sword? 5. In what ways should Ezekiel 21:9 inspire us to live righteously today? 6. How can Ezekiel 21:9 encourage us to seek God's mercy and repentance? 7. What is the significance of the sword in Ezekiel 21:9 for God's judgment? 8. How does Ezekiel 21:9 reflect God's sovereignty over nations? 9. Why does God use a sword metaphor in Ezekiel 21:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 21? 11. Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting the military and political tumult depicted throughout Ezekiel 21? 12. How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God’s mercy? 13. How do we reconcile the harsh judgment carried out by Jehu in 2 Kings 9 with biblical themes of mercy and divine justice? 14. How can Ezekiel 37:25-28's everlasting covenant and sanctuary be understood when there seems to be no clear historical or present-day fulfillment matching this depiction? What Does Ezekiel 21:9 Mean Son of man• God addresses Ezekiel with the same title used throughout the book (Ezekiel 2:1), underscoring the prophet’s humanity in contrast to the divine message he carries. • The phrase reminds us that ordinary people, when surrendered to God, can deliver extraordinary truth (cf. Ezekiel 3:17; James 5:17). prophesy • Ezekiel is commanded to speak forth God-breathed words, not personal opinion (2 Peter 1:21). • Prophecy here is a call to announce judgment so that the hearers might turn and live (Ezekiel 33:11). • Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel cannot remain silent when God’s word burns within (Jeremiah 20:9). and tell them • The message is for “them”—Judah’s leaders and people—showing that God confronts specific audiences (Ezekiel 3:27). • Faithful ministry always involves delivering God’s truth to real people in real circumstances (Acts 20:27). that this is what the Lord says • The authority rests entirely with the LORD, the covenant God of Israel (Isaiah 1:18). • This formula (“declares the Lord”) appears over seventy times in Ezekiel, emphasizing inspiration and inerrancy (Ezekiel 6:3). A sword • The “sword” represents imminent judgment through Babylon (Jeremiah 25:9). • In Scripture, God often wields the sword against nations when iniquity is full (Isaiah 34:5-6; Revelation 19:15). a sword • Repetition intensifies certainty, as in Pharaoh’s dreams repeated twice (Genesis 41:32). • The doubled term urges listeners to realize the judgment is both sure and swift (Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s word itself is a sharp sword). sharpened • A sharpened weapon is prepared and ready; God’s patience has limits (Psalm 7:12). • Sharpening points to precision—His judgments fit the crime (Deuteronomy 32:41). and polished— • Polishing removes rust and causes the blade to flash, signaling unavoidable impact (Ezekiel 21:10). • The gleam is meant to strike fear and prompt repentance before the blow falls (Nahum 3:3; Luke 21:26). summary Ezekiel 21:9 pictures God’s looming judgment like a gleaming sword: prepared, certain, and divinely directed. By commanding Ezekiel—mere “son of man”—to prophesy, the Lord shows that His authoritative, inerrant word is delivered through faithful human messengers. The repeated “sword” underscores the urgency for hardened hearts to repent before the sharpened, polished blade of divine justice strikes. Hebrew “Sonבֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֕ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being prophesy הִנָּבֵא֙ (hin·nā·ḇê) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration and tell them אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say that this is what כֹּ֖ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֑י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord says: וְאָ֣מַרְתָּ֔ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘A sword, חֶ֥רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword a sword, חֶ֛רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword sharpened הוּחַ֖דָּה (hū·ḥad·dāh) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 2300: To be, sharp, severe and וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and polished— מְרוּטָֽה׃ (mə·rū·ṭāh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 4803: To make smooth, bare or bald, to scour, polish Links Ezekiel 21:9 NIVEzekiel 21:9 NLT Ezekiel 21:9 ESV Ezekiel 21:9 NASB Ezekiel 21:9 KJV Ezekiel 21:9 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 21:9 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 21:9 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 21:9 French Bible Ezekiel 21:9 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:9 Son of man prophesy and say Thus (Ezek. 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