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Ezekiel 33:27

Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

Ezekiel 33:27 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel reflects a prophecy from the Lord GOD about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion. The imagery used in this verse is symbolic of the judgment that will come upon those who have strayed from God's ways. The mention of falling by the sword, being devoured by beasts, and dying of pestilence in different locations like wastes, open fields, forts, and caves, serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the punishment that awaits those who have turned away from God. The sword represents war and conflict, the beasts symbolize wild and uncontrollable forces, and the pestilence signifies disease and suffering. This verse serves as a warning to the people of Israel that their actions will have severe repercussions if they continue to defy God's commandments. It is a reminder that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and those who choose to walk in disobedience will face the consequences of their actions.

Theological Overview

This verse, found in the book of Ezekiel, illustrates the consequences of disobedience to the Lord. Through a theological interpretation, we can see that the Lord's judgment is severe for those who continue to live in sin. The word "wastes" may refer to desolate or abandoned areas, symbolizing a state of spiritual emptiness and separation from God. The phrase "fall by the sword" signifies a violent end for those who reject the Lord's ways. Additionally, being given to the beasts to be devoured in the open field suggests a lack of protection and vulnerability when one strays from the path of righteousness. The mention of forts and caves symbolizes a false sense of security, as even those who seek shelter from the consequences of their actions will not be spared from the pestilence. Overall, this verse serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to the Lord, as deviation from His will leads to consequences that no stronghold or hiding place can protect us from.

Ezekiel 33:27 in other translations

American Standard Version

Thus shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: As I live, surely they that are in the waste places shall fall by the sword; and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured; and they that are in the strongholds and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

World English Bible

You shall tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: As I live, surely those who are in the waste places shall fall by the sword; and him who is in the open field will I give to the animals to be devoured; and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

Douay-Rheims

Say thou thus to them: Thus saith the Lord God: As I live, they that dwell in the ruinous places, shall fall by the sword: and he that is in the field, shall be given to the beasts to be devoured: and they that are in holds, and caves, shall die of the pestilence.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Say thus vnto them, Thus saieth the Lord God, As I liue, so surely they that are in the desolate places, shall fall by the sword: and him that is in the open field, will I giue vnto the beasts to be deuoured: and they that be in the forts and in the caues, shall die of the pestilence.