Ezekiel 17:21
New International Version
All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to the winds. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken.

New Living Translation
And all his best warriors will be killed in battle, and those who survive will be scattered to the four winds. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.

English Standard Version
And all the pick of his troops shall fall by the sword, and the survivors shall be scattered to every wind, and you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken.”

Berean Standard Bible
All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’

King James Bible
And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

New King James Version
All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken.”

New American Standard Bible
All the choice men in all his troops will fall by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to every wind; and you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.”

NASB 1995
“All the choice men in all his troops will fall by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to every wind; and you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.”

NASB 1977
“And all the choice men in all his troops will fall by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to every wind; and you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Legacy Standard Bible
All the choice men in all his troops will fall by the sword, and the remnant will be scattered to every wind; and you will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken.”

Amplified Bible
All the choice men [from Judah] in all his troops will fall by the sword, and those that survive will be scattered to every wind; and you will know [without any doubt] that I the LORD have spoken.”

Christian Standard Bible
All the fugitives among his troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every direction of the wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the fugitives among his troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every direction of the wind. Then you will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken.”

American Standard Version
And all his fugitives in all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

Contemporary English Version
His best troops will be killed in battle, and the survivors will be scattered in every direction. I, the LORD, have spoken.

English Revised Version
And all his fugitives in all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The best of your troops will die in battle. Anyone who remains will be scattered in every direction that the wind blows. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.

Good News Translation
His best soldiers will be killed in battle, and the survivors will be scattered in every direction. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken."

International Standard Version
The fugitives of his troops will die by the sword, and the survivors will be scattered to the four winds. Then you'll know that I, the LORD, have spoken."

Majority Standard Bible
All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’

NET Bible
All the choice men among his troops will die by the sword and the survivors will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken!

New Heart English Bible
All the choice men among all his troups will fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered towards all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

World English Bible
All his fugitives in all his bands will fall by the sword, and those who remain will be scattered toward every wind. Then you will know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all his fugitives, with all his bands, "" Fall by sword, and those remaining, "" They are spread out to every wind, "" And you have known that I, YHWH, have spoken.

Young's Literal Translation
And all his fugitives, with all his bands, By sword do fall, and those remaining, To every wind they are spread out, And ye have known that I, Jehovah, have spoken.

Smith's Literal Translation
And all his flight with all his hosts, they shall fall by the sword, and they being left shall be dispersed to every wind: and ye knew that I Jehovah spake.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword: and the residue shall be scattered into every wind: and you shall know that I the Lord have spoken.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And all his fugitives, with all his procession, will fall by the sword. Then the remainder will be scattered into every wind. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken.”

New American Bible
Any among his forces who escape will fall by the sword, And whoever might survive will be scattered to the winds. Thus you will know that I the LORD have spoken.

New Revised Standard Version
All the pick of his troops shall fall by the sword, and the survivors shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all his noble men and all his friends shall fall by the sword, and those that remain shall be scattered to all the winds; and you shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all his Nobles and all his companions shall fall by the sword, and those who are left shall be scattered to every wind, and you shall know that I AM LORD JEHOVAH. I have spoken
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all his mighty men in all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward every wind; and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In every battle of his they shall fall by the sword, and I will scatter his remnant to every wind: and ye shall know that I the Lord have spoken it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable Explained
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. 21 All his choice troops will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’ 22This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 52:8-11
but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. / The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on Zedekiah. / There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the officials of Judah. ...

2 Kings 25:4-7
Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, / but the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his whole army deserted him. / The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. ...

Jeremiah 39:4-7
When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. / But the army of the Chaldeans pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They seized him and brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced judgment on him. / There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also killed all the nobles of Judah. ...

2 Chronicles 36:17-20
So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, / who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. / Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. ...

Jeremiah 52:24-27
The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers. / Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as seven trusted royal advisers. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. / Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. ...

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.

Jeremiah 24:8-10
But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. / I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. / And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’”

Jeremiah 34:21-22
And I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives, to the army of the king of Babylon that had withdrawn from you. / Behold, I am going to give the command, declares the LORD, and I will bring them back to this city. They will fight against it, capture it, and burn it down. And I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”

2 Kings 24:10-16
At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. / And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. / Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. ...

Jeremiah 21:7
‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’

Matthew 24:16-18
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak.

Luke 21:20-24
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ...

Mark 13:14-19
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop go back inside to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak. ...

Revelation 18:9-10
Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. / In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Matthew 23:37-38
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate.


Treasury of Scripture

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and you shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

all his fugitives

Ezekiel 5:12
A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Ezekiel 12:14
And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

2 Kings 25:5,11
And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him…

shall know

Ezekiel 6:7,10
And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD…

Ezekiel 13:14,23
So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD…

Ezekiel 15:7
And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.

Jump to Previous
Bands Best Choice Fall Fighting-Men Fleeing Fugitives Mighty Pick Remaining Rest Scattered Spread Survivors Sword Towards Troops Wind Winds
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Bands Best Choice Fall Fighting-Men Fleeing Fugitives Mighty Pick Remaining Rest Scattered Spread Survivors Sword Towards Troops Wind Winds
Ezekiel 17
1. Under the parable of two eagles and a vine
11. is shown God's judgment upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt
22. God promises to plant the cedar of the Gospel














All his fugitives
The phrase "all his fugitives" refers to those who attempt to escape the impending judgment. In the Hebrew text, the word for "fugitives" is "פְּלִיטָיו" (pelitav), which conveys the idea of escapees or survivors. Historically, this is a reference to the remnants of the kingdom of Judah who would try to flee from the Babylonian conquest. Theologically, it underscores the futility of trying to escape God's decreed judgment without repentance.

with all his troops
This phrase indicates that not only the leaders or the elite but also the common soldiers and people would face the same fate. The Hebrew word for "troops" is "חֵיל" (cheil), meaning an army or host. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment, where military might and human strength are powerless against divine will.

will fall by the sword
The imagery of falling by the sword is a common biblical metaphor for defeat and death in battle. The Hebrew word "חֶרֶב" (cherev) for "sword" is often used in the context of divine judgment. This phrase emphasizes the certainty and severity of the punishment that awaits those who oppose God's plans.

and those who survive
This part of the verse speaks to the remnant that will endure beyond the initial judgment. The Hebrew root "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar) means to remain or be left over. It suggests that even in judgment, God preserves a remnant, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, pointing to His mercy and the hope of restoration.

will be scattered to every wind
The scattering "to every wind" is a vivid depiction of dispersion and exile. The Hebrew word "רוּחַ" (ruach) for "wind" can also mean spirit or breath, symbolizing the complete and utter dispersal of the people. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian exile, where the people of Judah were scattered across the Babylonian empire. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the loss of national identity.

Then you will know
This phrase is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, emphasizing the purpose of God's actions: to reveal His sovereignty and identity. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada) means to know intimately or experientially. It suggests that through these events, the people will come to a deeper understanding of God's nature and His ultimate authority.

that I, the LORD, have spoken
The declaration "I, the LORD, have spoken" is a powerful affirmation of divine authority and the certainty of His word. The name "LORD" in Hebrew is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, underscoring His faithfulness and unchanging nature. This phrase assures that what God has decreed will come to pass, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His promises and warnings.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
All
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his fleeing
מִבְרָחָ֤יו (miḇ·rā·ḥāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4015: A refugee

troops
אֲגַפָּיו֙ (’ă·ḡap·pāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 102: Wings of an army, crowds of troops

will fall
יִפֹּ֔לוּ (yip·pō·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

by the sword,
בַּחֶ֣רֶב (ba·ḥe·reḇ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

and those who survive
וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים (wə·han·niš·’ā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant

will be scattered
יִפָּרֵ֑שׂוּ (yip·pā·rê·śū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6566: To break apart, disperse

to every
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

wind.
ר֣וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

Then you will know
וִידַעְתֶּ֕ם (wî·ḏa‘·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I,
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

the LORD,
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

have spoken.’
דִּבַּֽרְתִּי׃ (dib·bar·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 17:21 All his fugitives in all his bands (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 17:20
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