Ezekiel 38:12
New International Version
I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.”

New Living Translation
I will go to those formerly desolate cities that are now filled with people who have returned from exile in many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now. They think the whole world revolves around them!’

English Standard Version
to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’

King James Bible
To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

New King James Version
to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.

New American Standard Bible
to capture spoils and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the ruins that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who live at the center of the world.’

NASB 1995
to capture spoil and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and goods, who live at the center of the world.’

NASB 1977
to capture spoil and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and goods, who live at the center of the world.’

Legacy Standard Bible
to capture spoil and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places, which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and property, who live at the center of the world.’

Amplified Bible
to take spoil and seize plunder, to turn your hand against the ruins which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired cattle and goods, who live at the center of the world [Israel].’

Christian Standard Bible
in order to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against ruins now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have been acquiring cattle and possessions and who live at the center of the world.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
in order to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against ruins now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have been acquiring cattle and possessions and who live at the center of the world.’

American Standard Version
to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn thy hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the nations, that have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the earth.

Contemporary English Version
You will rob the people in towns that were once a pile of rubble. These people lived as prisoners in foreign nations, but they have returned to Israel, the most important place in the world, and they own livestock and property.

English Revised Version
to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn thine hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will come to rob them and loot them. I will use my power against the ruins that people are living in again. I will use it against the people who were gathered from the nations. These people have cattle and property, and they live in the world."

Good News Translation
You will plunder and loot the people who live in cities that were once in ruins. They have been gathered from the nations, and now they have livestock and property and live at the crossroads of the world.

International Standard Version
I'm going to confiscate anything I can put my hands on. I'll attack the restored ruins and the people who have been gathered together from the nations, who are acquiring livestock and other goods, and who live at the center of the world's attention."

Majority Standard Bible
in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.?

NET Bible
to loot and plunder, to attack the inhabited ruins and the people gathered from the nations, who are acquiring cattle and goods, who live at the center of the earth."

New Heart English Bible
to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten livestock and goods, who dwell at the navel of the earth.'

Webster's Bible Translation
To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thy hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

World English Bible
to take the plunder and to take prey; to turn your hand against the waste places that are inhabited, and against the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten livestock and goods, who dwell in the middle of the earth.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
To take a spoil, and to take a prey, "" To turn back your hand on inhabited ruins, "" And on a people gathered out of nations, "" Making livestock and substance, "" Dwelling on a high part of the land.

Young's Literal Translation
To take a spoil, and to take a prey, To turn back thy hand on inhabited wastes, And on a people gathered out of nations, Making cattle and substance, Dwelling on a high part of the land.

Smith's Literal Translation
To spoil a spoil and to plunder a plunder; to turn back thy hand upon the wastes being inhabited, and upon the people being gathered out of the nations making cattle and substance, dwelling upon the summit of the land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To take spoils, and lay hold on the prey, to lay thy hand upon them that had been wasted, and afterwards restored, and upon the people that is gathered together out of the nations, which hath begun to possess and to dwell in the midst of the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Thus, you will plunder spoils, and you will take possession of prey, so that you may lay your hand upon those who had been abandoned, and afterwards were restored, and upon a people who were gathered away from the Gentiles, a people who have begun to possess, and to be the inhabitants of, the navel of the earth.

New American Bible
in order to plunder and pillage, turning your hand against resettled ruins, against a people gathered from the nations, a people whose concern is cattle and goods, dwelling at the center of the earth.

New Revised Standard Version
to seize spoil and carry off plunder; to assail the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who are acquiring cattle and goods, who live at the center of the earth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To take captives and to take a spoil; to turn your hand against the desolate places that are now inhabited and against the people who were gathered together out of the nations, who have gotten cattle and goods, who dwell in the beauty of the land.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For you shall capture captivity, and you shall loot the loot, and you shall turn your hand against the desolations that are inhabited, and against the people that were gathered from the nations, who have acquired domestic animals and possessions, and are dwelling in the beauty of the land
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn thy hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the nations, that have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the earth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
to seize plunder, and to take their spoil; to turn my hands against the desolate land that is now inhabited, and against a nation that is gathered from many nations, that have acquired property, dwelling in the midst of the land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Prophecy Against Gog
11You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— 12in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ 13Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’…

Cross References
Revelation 20:8-9
and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore. / And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

Revelation 19:17-18
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”

Isaiah 10:6
I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.

Zechariah 2:8-9
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye— / I will surely wave My hand over them, so that they will become plunder for their own servants. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me.”

Joel 3:2
I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations as they divided up My land.

Jeremiah 30:16
Nevertheless, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your adversaries—every one of them—will go off into exile. Those who plundered you will be plundered, and all who raided you will be raided.

Isaiah 42:22
But this is a people plundered and looted, all trapped in caves or imprisoned in dungeons. They have become plunder with no one to rescue them, and loot with no one to say, “Send them back!”

Micah 4:13
Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.

Zechariah 14:1-2
Behold, a day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence. / For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

Isaiah 60:5-9
Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. / Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. ...

Revelation 18:12-13
cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.

Isaiah 11:14
They will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines to the west; together they will plunder the sons of the east. They will lay their hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.

Jeremiah 49:31
Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, one that dwells securely,” declares the LORD. “They have no gates or bars; they live alone.

Zephaniah 1:13
Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

Isaiah 17:14
In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us.


Treasury of Scripture

To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn your hand on the desolate places that are now inhabited, and on the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the land.

Ezekiel 29:19
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Isaiah 10:6
I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Jeremiah 30:16
Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

turn

Isaiah 1:24,25
Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies: …

Amos 1:8
And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

Zechariah 13:7
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

the desolate

Ezekiel 36:33-35
Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded…

Jeremiah 32:43,44
And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It is desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans…

Jeremiah 33:12,13
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down…

and upon

Ezekiel 38:8
After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Zechariah 10:8-10
I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased…

midst [heb] navel

Judges 9:37
And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.

Jump to Previous
Acquired Capture Cattle Center Desolate Dwell Earth Gathered Goods Gotten Hand Inhabited Livestock Middle Midst Nations Places Plunder Prey Seize Spoil Turn Waste
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Acquired Capture Cattle Center Desolate Dwell Earth Gathered Goods Gotten Hand Inhabited Livestock Middle Midst Nations Places Plunder Prey Seize Spoil Turn Waste
Ezekiel 38
1. The army
8. and malice of Gog
14. God's judgment against him














to seize the spoil
The phrase "to seize the spoil" in Ezekiel 38:12 speaks to the intent of Gog and his allies. The Hebrew word for "spoil" is "shalal," which often refers to plunder or loot taken in battle. This indicates a motive driven by greed and material gain. Historically, the desire for wealth and resources has been a common cause of conflict, and this passage reflects that timeless truth. In a spiritual sense, it serves as a warning against the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of earthly riches over spiritual wealth.

and carry off the plunder
The phrase "and carry off the plunder" further emphasizes the aggressive and acquisitive nature of Gog's campaign. The Hebrew word "bazaz" is used here, which means to plunder or to take as prey. This action is not just about acquiring goods but also about exerting power and dominance. It reflects a deeper spiritual battle where the forces of evil seek to disrupt and destroy what is good and godly. For believers, it is a reminder to guard against spiritual attacks and to remain steadfast in faith.

to turn your hand against
The phrase "to turn your hand against" suggests a deliberate and hostile action. The Hebrew word "shuv" means to turn or return, indicating a change in direction or focus. This phrase implies a premeditated decision to attack or oppose. In the broader biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual warfare that believers face and the need to be vigilant and prepared to defend against the enemy's schemes.

the ruins now inhabited
The phrase "the ruins now inhabited" speaks to a transformation from desolation to restoration. The Hebrew word "chorbah" refers to a place that was once in ruins but is now restored and inhabited. This imagery is powerful, symbolizing hope and renewal. It reflects God's redemptive work in restoring what was once broken and desolate. For believers, it is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to bring life and hope to seemingly hopeless situations.

and against the people gathered from the nations
The phrase "and against the people gathered from the nations" highlights the diverse and unified nature of God's people. The Hebrew word "qavats" means to gather or assemble, indicating a coming together of people from different backgrounds and nations. This reflects the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where all are welcome. It also underscores the threat posed by Gog, as he seeks to disrupt this unity. For believers, it is a call to stand together in faith and unity against the forces of division and destruction.

who have acquired livestock and goods
The phrase "who have acquired livestock and goods" indicates a people who have been blessed with prosperity and abundance. The Hebrew word "qanah" means to acquire or possess, suggesting a sense of ownership and stewardship. This prosperity is a sign of God's blessing and provision. However, it also makes them a target for those driven by greed and envy. For believers, it is a reminder to be grateful for God's blessings and to use them wisely for His glory.

who live at the center of the land
The phrase "who live at the center of the land" refers to a strategic and significant location. The Hebrew word "tabur" means navel or center, indicating a place of importance and influence. This central location makes the people a focal point for both blessing and attack. Spiritually, it symbolizes the centrality of God's people in His plan for the world. For believers, it is a reminder of their role as a light to the nations and the importance of remaining rooted in God's truth and purpose.

(12) In the midst of the land.--Literally, in the navel of the earth. (See Note on Ezekiel 5:5.) The important position of Israel in reference to the other nations of the earth combined with its unsuspecting security and its riches to tempt the cupidity of Gog and his allies,



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
in order to seize
לִשְׁלֹ֥ל (liš·lōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7997: To drop, strip, to plunder

the spoil
שָׁלָ֖ל (šā·lāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

and carry off the plunder,
וְלָבֹ֣ז (wə·lā·ḇōz)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 962: To spoil, plunder

to turn
לְהָשִׁ֨יב (lə·hā·šîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

a hand
יָדְךָ֜ (yā·ḏə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the desolate places
חֳרָב֣וֹת (ḥo·rā·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2723: Waste, desolation, ruin

now inhabited
נוֹשָׁבֹ֗ת (nō·wō·šā·ḇōṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

and against
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

a people
עַם֙ (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

gathered
מְאֻסָּ֣ף (mə·’us·sāp̄)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

from the nations,
מִגּוֹיִ֔ם (mig·gō·w·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

who have acquired
עֹשֶׂה֙ (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

livestock
מִקְנֶ֣ה (miq·neh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition

and possessions
וְקִנְיָ֔ן (wə·qin·yān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7075: Creation, creatures, acquisition, purchase, wealth

and who live
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the center
טַבּ֥וּר (ṭab·būr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2872: Accumulated, a summit

of the land.”
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 38:12 To take the spoil and to take (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 38:11
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