Referring to a rescue mission involving an American pilot in Iran, Hegseth attempted to invoke a religious verse but ended up quoting a line from a popular film instead.
3 Min Read
(Photo Credit : FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, U.S., September 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth cited a fictional movie dialogue as a passage from the Bible during a Pentagon prayer service, and now the world can’t stop talking about it. Referring to a rescue mission involving an American pilot in Iran, Hegseth attempted to invoke a religious verse but ended up quoting a line from a popular film instead.During the address, Hegseth recited what he described as a version of a biblical verse linked to the mission. However, the lines closely matched a well-known monologue delivered by a character in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 “Pulp Fiction”, rather than an actual scripture.The line itself was an altered version of Ezekiel 25:17, famously delivered by Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the movie just before he shoots a man.During his remarks, Hegseth said the prayer was recited by the “Sandy 1” Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission in Iran, adding that it was referred to as “CSAR 25:17,” which he believed was inspired by the biblical verse Ezekiel 25:17.“They call it CSAR 25:17, which I think is meant to reflect Ezekiel 25:17,” Hegseth was quoted as saying by People.Inviting those present to join him, he went on to recite a passage describing the challenges faced by a downed aviator. “The path of the downed aviator is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of camaraderie and duty shepherds the lost through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother, and you will know my call sign is Sandy 1 when I lay my vengeance upon thee. Amen,” he added.Interestingly, for Pulp Fiction, Tarantino adapted the so-called verse from the 1973 Japanese martial arts film Bodyguard Kiba, retaining its erroneous attribution to the Bible.In contrast, the original Ezekiel 25:17 from the King James Bible is a much shorter passage that speaks of divine punishment against the Philistines. It 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.”Meanwhile, the Pentagon defended Hegseth, rejecting claims that he had incorrectly quoted the actual scripture.The mix-up quickly drew attention online, with critics and commentators pointing out the error. The incident sparked widespread debate and criticism, with several public figures and commentators reacting to the gaffe.During a press conference on Thursday, Hegseth again invoked the Bible, drawing a comparison between journalists and the Pharisees — figures in the New Testament known for opposing Jesus, Variety reported.He criticised media coverage of US President Donald Trump’s actions against Iran, accusing journalists of focusing on negativity. Hegseth said, “You see, the Pharisees, the so-called and self-appointed elites of their time, they were there to witness, to write everything down, to report. But their hearts were hardened. Even though they witnessed a literal miracle, it didn’t matter. They were only there to explain away the goodness in pursuit of their agenda.” Also Read: Trump greets TS Sandhu on appointment as Delhi Lt Governor
