Ezekiel 21:14
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.
Ezekiel 21:14 · King James Version
Meaning
One possible interpretation of this verse from the Book of Ezekiel is that it is a call to the prophet to speak out and warn the people of the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon them. The act of smiting the hands together can symbolize the severity and urgency of the message being given. The doubling of the sword the third time may indicate an intensification of the suffering and punishment that will befall the great men who have transgressed. The sword of the slain refers to the instrument of death that will be used against those who are guilty, and the mention of entering into their privy chambers could symbolize the invasion and destruction of even the most private and secure spaces. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as a call to repentance and righteousness for all who hear the prophetic message.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel 21:14, we see a call to the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy and emphasize the severity of the judgment that is coming. The act of smiting one's hands together was a gesture of emphasis and urgency in biblical times. The doubling of the sword for a third time signifies the certainty and intensification of the destruction that is to come upon the great men who have been slain. The reference to the sword entering into their privy chambers suggests that even the most protected and private spaces will not be spared from the judgment of God. This verse serves as a warning to those who may think they can escape the consequences of their actions or their position of power. It reminds us that God's justice is thorough and reaches into every aspect of our lives. The theological implications of this verse emphasize the importance of heeding the word of God and the inevitability of facing the consequences of our choices.
Ezekiel 21:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thy hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one that is deadly wounded, which entereth into their chambers.
World English Bible
You therefore, son of man, prophesy, and strike your hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one who is deadly wounded, which enters into their rooms.
Douay-Rheims
Thou therefore, O son of man, prophesy, and strike thy hands together, and let the sword be doubled, and let the sword of the slain be tripled: this is the sword of a great slaughter, that maketh them stand amazed,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou therefore, sonne of man, prophecie, and smite hand to hand, and let the sworde be doubled: let the sworde that hath killed, returne the third time: it is the sword of the great slaughter entring into their priuie chambers.