Ezekiel 21:19
New International Version
“Son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same country. Make a signpost where the road branches off to the city.

New Living Translation
“Son of man, make a map and trace two routes on it for the sword of Babylon’s king to follow. Put a signpost on the road that comes out of Babylon where the road forks into two—

English Standard Version
“As for you, son of man, mark two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come. Both of them shall come from the same land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to a city.

Berean Standard Bible
“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city.

King James Bible
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both twain shall come forth out of one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.

New King James Version
“And son of man, appoint for yourself two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to go; both of them shall go from the same land. Make a sign; put it at the head of the road to the city.

New American Standard Bible
“Now as for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city.

NASB 1995
“As for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city.

NASB 1977
“As for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now as for you, son of man, make two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them will go out of one land. And make a signpost; make it at the head of the way to the city.

Amplified Bible
“As for you, son of man, mark out two ways for the sword of the king of Babylon to come, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost; place it at the head of the way to the city.

Christian Standard Bible
“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads that the sword of Babylon’s king can take. Both of them should originate from the same land. And make a signpost at the fork in the road to each city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now you, son of man, mark out two roads that the sword of Babylon’s king can take. Both of them should originate from the same land. And make a signpost at the fork in the road to each city.

American Standard Version
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city.

Contemporary English Version
Ezekiel, son of man, mark two roads for the king of Babylonia to follow when he comes with his sword. The roads will begin at the same place, but be sure to put up a signpost where the two roads separate and go in different directions.

English Revised Version
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Son of man, mark two roads that the king of Babylon and his sword can take. Both of these roads should start from the same country. Make a sign, and put it where the roads start to fork toward the cities.

Good News Translation
"Mortal man," he said, "mark out two roads by which the king of Babylonia can come with his sword. Both of them are to start in the same country. Put up a signpost where the roads fork.

International Standard Version
"Now, Son of Man, demarcate two pathways by which the sword of Babylon's king will arrive in the land. Both pathways will lead from a single land. "Make a sign, carving it out and installing it at the junction on the way to the city.

Majority Standard Bible
?Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city.

NET Bible
"You, son of man, mark out two routes for the king of Babylon's sword to take; both of them will originate in a single land. Make a signpost and put it at the beginning of the road leading to the city.

New Heart English Bible
"Also, you son of man, appoint two ways that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they both shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also, thou son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both ways shall come forth from one land: and choose thou a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.

World English Bible
“Also, you son of man, appoint two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come. They both will come out of one land, and mark out a place. Mark it out at the head of the way to the city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And you, son of man, appoint two ways for yourself, for the coming in of the sword of the king of Babylon; they come forth from one land, both of them. And create a station; create [it] at the top of the way of the city.

Young's Literal Translation
And thou, son of man, appoint for thee two ways, for the coming in of the sword of the king of Babylon; from one land they come forth, both of them, and a station prepare thou, at the top of the way of the city prepare it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou son of man, set to thee two ways for the sword of the king of Babel to come: from one land shall come forth they two, and form thou a hand, form upon the head of the way of the city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou son of man, set thee two ways, for the sword of the king of Babylon to come: both shall come forth out of one land: and with his hand he shall draw lots, he shall consult at the head of the way of the city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“And as for you, son of man, set for yourself two ways, so that the sword of the king of Babylon may approach. Both shall go forth from one land. And with a hand, he will grasp and cast lots; he will cast at the head of the way of the community.

New American Bible
Son of man, make for yourself two roads over which the sword of the king of Babylon can come. Both roads shall start out from the same land. Then put a signpost at the head of each road

New Revised Standard Version
Mortal, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to come; both of them shall issue from the same land. And make a signpost, make it for a fork in the road leading to a city;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Also, Son of man, prepare for yourself two ways that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; both of them shall come forth out of the same land; and set a sign at the head of the highway to the choicest city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
But, you, son of man, make for yourself two roads that the sword of the King of Babel may come, and both of them shall go out from the one land, and she who is chosen on the beginning of the road of the chosen city
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now, thou son of man, make thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; they twain shall come forth out of one land; and mark a signpost, mark it clear at the head of the way to the city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and thou, son of man, appoint thee two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may enter in: the two shall go forth of one country; and there shall be a force at the top of the way of the city, thou shalt set it at the top of the way,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD's Sword of Judgment
18Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 19“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city. 20Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 21:8
Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Psalm 25:12
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.

Isaiah 48:17
Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.

Jeremiah 42:3
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.

Proverbs 3:6
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Acts 9:2
and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Romans 6:16
Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?


Treasury of Scripture

Also, you son of man, appoint you two ways, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come: both two shall come forth out of one land: and choose you a place, choose it at the head of the way to the city.

Ezekiel 4:1-3
Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: …

Ezekiel 5:1
And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's rasor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.

Jeremiah 1:10
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

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Appoint Babylon Choose City Clear Forth Head Mark Sword Twain Way Ways
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Appoint Babylon Choose City Clear Forth Head Mark Sword Twain Way Ways
Ezekiel 21
1. Ezekiel prophesies against Jerusalem with a sign of sighing
8. The sharp and bright sword
18. against Jerusalem
25. against the kingdom
28. and against the Ammonites














Now, son of man
The phrase "son of man" is a frequent designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the prophet's connection to mankind, highlighting his role as a mediator between God and Israel. This title reminds us of the humility and responsibility inherent in being chosen as God's messenger.

mark out
The Hebrew root for "mark out" is "chathav," which means to inscribe or delineate. This action signifies a deliberate and clear communication of God's message. It is a call for Ezekiel to make God's intentions visible and understandable, emphasizing the clarity and precision with which God communicates His plans.

two roads
The "two roads" symbolize choices and consequences. In the context of the prophecy, they represent the paths of judgment that the king of Babylon could take. This imagery is a powerful reminder of the duality of human decisions and the divine orchestration behind historical events. It also reflects the biblical theme of choosing between life and death, blessing and curse.

for the sword of the king of Babylon to take
The "sword" is a metaphor for war and judgment, often used in prophetic literature to signify divine retribution. The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, is depicted as an instrument of God's judgment. Historically, Babylon was a dominant power, and its military campaigns were seen as fulfilling God's sovereign purposes. This phrase underscores the belief in God's control over nations and their leaders.

both starting from the same land
This indicates a common origin or starting point, suggesting that the impending judgment is rooted in a shared history or circumstance. It reflects the interconnectedness of events and the inevitability of divine plans. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that God's purposes are comprehensive and encompass all nations.

Make a signpost
The "signpost" is a directive for guidance and clarity. In ancient times, signposts were crucial for navigation, symbolizing direction and decision-making. Spiritually, this represents God's desire to provide clear guidance to His people, even in times of judgment. It is an invitation to discernment and understanding of God's will.

where the road branches off to the city
The branching of the road signifies a point of decision or divergence. In the context of Ezekiel's prophecy, it represents the moment of choice for the king of Babylon regarding his military campaign. This imagery highlights the critical nature of decisions and their far-reaching consequences. It serves as a metaphor for the choices faced by individuals and nations in response to God's revelation.

(19) Appoint thee two ways.--Or, set before thee. The prophet is directed to represent Nebuchadnezzar as about to go forth with his armies, and hesitating whether he should take first the road to Jerusalem or to the capital of the Ammonites. His choice of the former is determined, as he supposes, by his divinations, but really by the overruling hand of the Lord, who thus shows beforehand what it shall be. The whole is set forth in the vivid and concrete imagery so characteristic of Ezekiel; but it is impossible that the scene in real life was to be thus determined by the prophet's open interference. The whole is a vision, in which life and action is conveyed by this manner of describing the course of future events as actually taking place before the eyes of his hearers. The two ways "come forth out of one land;" their starting-point is the same. Babylon, and they diverge towards different destinations.

Choose thou a place.--Literally, make a hand or, as we say, a finger-post. The verb here used never means "choose," nor does the noun ever mean "place" but the verb is often used both in the sense of to make and to engrave, and "hand" frequently occurs in the sense of a pillar, and occasionally in that of a guide post. (See 1Samuel 15:12; 2Samuel 18:18; Isaiah 56:5.) The prophet in vision sets up this guide-post to direct the king on his march. The roads to Rabbah and to Jerusalem from Babylon would be the same for many hundred miles. It is impossible, therefore, to suppose that Ezekiel actually stood at their parting.

Head of the way, called more poetically in Ezekiel 21:21 "mother of the way," is the point where the road forks. From this point the road to Jerusalem would lie on the right, that to Rabbah, the capital of the Ammonites, on the left.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Now you,
וְאַתָּ֨ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֜ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

mark out
שִׂים־ (śîm-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

two
שְׁנַ֣יִם (šə·na·yim)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

roads
דְּרָכִ֗ים (də·rā·ḵîm)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

for the sword
חֶ֣רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

of the king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Babylon
בָּבֶ֔ל (bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city

to take,
לָבוֹא֙ (lā·ḇō·w)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

both
שְׁנֵיהֶ֑ם (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

starting
יֵצְא֣וּ (yê·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

from the same
אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

land.
מֵאֶ֥רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

And make
בָּרֵ֔א (bā·rê)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1254: To create, to cut down, select, feed

a signpost
וְיָ֣ד (wə·yāḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

where the road
דֶּֽרֶךְ־ (de·reḵ-)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

branches off
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ (bə·rōš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

to each city.
עִ֖יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 21:19 Also you son of man appoint two (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 21:18
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