Ezekiel 20:48
And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָאוּ֙
shall see
H7200
וְרָאוּ֙
shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֔ר
And all flesh
H1320
בָּשָׂ֔ר
And all flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
3 of 9
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
that I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
that I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The fall of Jerusalem shocked the ancient Near East. Judah's God had seemingly failed to protect His city and temple. But Ezekiel reframes this: YHWH Himself destroyed Jerusalem to vindicate His holiness. This paradoxical message—judgment as proof of God's reality—pervades Ezekiel's prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's public judgment serve to reveal His character to both believers and unbelievers?
- In what ways do Christians today profane God's name before watching nations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All flesh shall see (וְרָאוּ כָל־בָּשָׂר, v'ra'u khol-basar)—universal visibility of God's judgment. כָּל־בָּשָׂר (kol-basar, all flesh) means all humanity, not just Israel. The surrounding nations would witness YHWH's power through Jerusalem's fall.
I the LORD have kindled it (אֲנִי יְהוָה בִּעַרְתִּיהָ, ani YHWH bi'artiha)—emphatic divine first-person. The verb בָּעַר (ba'ar, to kindle, burn) reinforces God's active agency. It shall not be quenched repeats 20:47's unstoppable judgment. This public demonstration of YHWH's sovereignty answers Israel's idolatry, which had profaned God's name among the nations (Ezekiel 36:20-23). The exile would prove YHWH alone is God.