In Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 crime film Pulp Fiction, Samuel L. Jackson’s character Jules Winnfield closes the movie with a recited Bible passage that became instantly iconic: “Ezekiel 25:17.” The scene occurs near the end, after Jules walks away from a violent encounter and decides to leave his criminal past behind. While some audiences recall the line differently, the recited verse is unmistakably Ezekiel 25:17, a prophetic call for judgment against neighboring nations. This was a deliberate creative choice by Tarantino, who has noted borrowing the text from a John Cassavetes film. Below, we verify the specifics, provide context, and explain why this moment remains culturally significant.
The Recited Line in Context
In Pulp Fiction, Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) sits in his car with Vincent Vega (John Travolta) after surviving a chaotic shootout. Calmly reciting from memory, he delivers the speech that begins, “Behold, I will bring peace upon you, or the myrmidon of evil, or something. I will punish those who punish you.” He then names the exact verse—Ezekiel 25:17—before reflecting on his transformation. The scene functions as both dark comedy and character resolution, marking Jules’ decision to “walk away from the crazy” life.
Key Scene Breakdown
- Setting: A suburban driveway after a chaotic hit gone wrong.
- Delivery: Jules recites the passage with composed authority.
- Purpose: Signals his internal shift from enforcer to someone seeking redemption.
Verifying the Biblical Source
Ezekiel 25:17 is a verse from the Old Testament book of the prophet Ezekiel. In most standard English translations, it reads similarly to:
“Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Ammonites and Moabites and Edomites and Philistines, you Phoenicians and all Syrians, you too, Assyria, and all that live in Egypt, and all the land of Kush, and all the land of the Canaanites, and all the land of the Philistines, and the Ammonites and Moabites and all the sons of Ammon and Moab and all the sons of Edom and all the sons of the children of Ammon and Moab and the sons of Edom who dwell in the land of Idumea; and all the princes of Edom and all the inhabitants of Seir, the sons of Esau, who dwell in the land of Idumea; and I will make them a desolation, and I will cause them to be cut off from among the nations, and I will make them utterly desolate, with the cities of the nations that are against me, which have not heard my fame, nor have seen my glory.’
Jules’ use of the verse is interpretive and selective, compressing and altering elements for dramatic effect. The line gained widespread recognition as one of cinema’ most memorable quotations, often repeated or parodied in popular culture.
Production Details and Inspirations
Director Quentin Tarantino has acknowledged borrowing the passage from the 1974 John Cassavetes film Murder, Inc., where a character recites a version of Ezekiel 25:17. The speech was written specifically for Jules’ closing monologue and was intended to sound like a heightened, Old Testament–style proclamation. Jackson has called the scene one of his favorite moments to shoot, crediting the combination of Tarantino’s script and Sam Mendes’ direction for giving the performance weight.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Following the film’s release, Ezekiel 25:17 saw increased search interest and discussion in religious and secular circles alike. The verse became shorthand for unexpected, cinematic gravitas, often used in memes and references that contrast the solemnity of scripture with on-screen violence. Bible sales in some regions reportedly rose modestly after the film’s release, with Ezekiel cited more frequently in popular media. The line’s endurance demonstrates how a single quoted verse can become permanently embedded in modern storytelling.
Notable Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Jules Winnfield | Film |
| Actor | Samuel L. Jackson | Film |
| Recited Verse | Ezekiel 25:17 | Biblical Text |
| Movie | Pulp Fiction (1994) | Film |
| Director | Quentin Tarantino | Film Credits |
| Inspiration Source | John Cassavetes’ Murder, Inc. (1974) | Film Reference |
| Release Impact | Increased searches for Ezekiel 25:17 | Anecdotal/Reported |
Conclusion
Samuel L. Jackson’s delivery of Ezekiel 25:17 in Pulp Fiction is a carefully scripted, culturally enduring moment that blends biblical language with Tarantino’s distinctive voice. While the speech heightens and condenses the verse for dramatic purposes, the core reference remains Ezekiel 25:17. Its lasting resonance confirms how cinema can elevate specific lines into modern scripture, ensuring the verse continues to be recognized long after the credits roll.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Samuel Jackson ad-lib the Bible verse?
No. The speech was scripted by Quentin Tarantino, and Jackson delivered the lines as written. While some of Jules’ dialogue feels improvised, the verse reference was carefully chosen.
Is the verse quoted accurately in the Bible?
Yes, Ezekiel 25:17 exists in canonical form; however, Jules’ version is condensed and dramatized for cinematic impact.
What other films reference this verse?
Elements of the speech have been echoed in parodies, advertisements, and fan recreations, but Pulp Fiction remains the primary source.