What Is the “Pulp Fiction” Bible Verse? Explained
In Pulp Fiction (1994), Jules Winnfield—played by Samuel L. Jackson—delivers a striking monologue he calls “Ezekiel 25:17.” However, the version he recites is not a direct quote from the Bible. Instead, it’s a stylized, fictionalized version crafted by Quentin Tarantino and screenwriter Roger Avary for dramatic effect.
Here’s the version from the movie:
“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men... And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy My brothers…”
While memorable, this passage is not found verbatim in any Bible translation. The actual text of Ezekiel 25:17 (KJV) is much shorter and reads:
“And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”
The movie’s version blends this verse with themes from other biblical passages, creative license, and dialogue inspired by a Japanese action film, The Bodyguard (1976), where a similar creed is recited. Tarantino adapted it to give Jules a pseudo-religious, philosophical persona.
Key Takeaway:
The “Pulp Fiction Bible verse” is a fictional monologue loosely based on Ezekiel 25:17, designed for dramatic storytelling—not scriptural accuracy.