Ezekiel 38:10

Judgment

⁸ After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and all now dwell securely.

⁹ You and all your troops, and many peoples with you will go up, advancing like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.

This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.

¹¹ You 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—

¹² 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.’

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
KJV: Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:
WEB: “‘The Lord GOD says: “It will happen in that day that things will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
ASV: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: It shall come to pass in that day, that things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt devise an evil device:
DARBY: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: It shall even come to pass in that day that things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought;
BLB: Thus says the Lord YHWH: And it will come to pass on that day, [that] will come up thoughts upon your heart, and you will devise an evil plan.

ÅB: Så sier Herren, Israels Gud: På den dag skal tanker stige opp i ditt hjerte, og du skal tenke ut et ondt råd
OTB: ‘Så sier Herren Gud: På den dagen skal tanker stige opp i ditt hjerte, og du skal tenke ut en ond plan.
B1930: Så sier Herren, Israels Gud: På den dag skal tanker stige op i ditt hjerte, og du skal tenke ut et ondt råd

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Psalms 36:4
Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.
Read in context
Micah 2:1
Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.
Read in context
Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
Read in context
Psalms 83:3–4
With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish,
Read in context
Acts 8:22
Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
Read in context
Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?
Read in context
Proverbs 6:14
With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Read in context