A recent prayer service inside the Pentagon is drawing attention after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recited a version of a well-known “Bible verse” that, in reality, traces back not to scripture, but to Hollywood.

During a Wednesday gathering, Hegseth invited attendees to join him in what he described as a traditional prayer recited by “Sandy” A-10 rescue crews before combat search-and-rescue missions. Referring to it as “CSAR 25:17,” he acknowledged that the wording was meant to echo Ezekiel 25:17, a real passage from the Bible.

But the prayer he delivered closely resembled the fictionalized monologue made famous in Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction, spoken by actor Samuel L. Jackson’s character before violent confrontations.

“The path of the downed aviator is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men,” Hegseth began, prompting listeners to follow along. The adapted prayer continued with language about protecting fellow servicemen and striking down enemies “with great vengeance and furious anger.”

While the tone may have resonated with military camaraderie and mission focus, the source of the words has sparked concern among some Christians who see a meaningful difference between scripture and cinematic storytelling.

The real Ezekiel 25:17, found in the King James Bible, reads: “And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord.” By contrast, the version popularized in Pulp Fiction significantly expands on the verse, adding dramatic language not found in the Bible and originally adapted from earlier film influences.

For many believers, the moment raises broader questions about how scripture is used—and sometimes misused—in public settings. While creative expressions and cultural references can have their place, blending fictionalized verses with real biblical authority can blur important distinctions.

Moments like this can serve as a reminder of the importance of rightly handling God’s Word. As 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages, believers are called to “correctly handle the word of truth,” ensuring that scripture is presented with both accuracy and reverence.

As faith continues to intersect with public life and leadership, Christians may see this as an opportunity to reflect on how biblical truth is represented—and to recommit to knowing God’s Word for themselves.