Ezekiel 22:10
In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.
Original Language Analysis
עֶרְוַת
nakedness
H6172
עֶרְוַת
nakedness
Strong's:
H6172
Word #:
1 of 8
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
אָ֖ב
their fathers
H1
אָ֖ב
their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
2 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
גִּלָּה
In thee have they discovered
H1540
גִּלָּה
In thee have they discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
3 of 8
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
הַנִּדָּ֖ה
her that was set apart
H5079
הַנִּדָּ֖ה
her that was set apart
Strong's:
H5079
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)
Cross References
Leviticus 18:19Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.Ezekiel 18:6And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,Leviticus 20:11And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Historical Context
These sexual violations echo the abominations of Canaan that provoked the land to 'vomit out' its inhabitants (Leviticus 18:24-28). By adopting Canaanite sexual practices, Jerusalem risked the same expulsion. The phrase 'in thee' (seven times in vv. 9-12) emphasizes these weren't isolated cases but systemic corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- How do sexual ethics function as covenant markers distinguishing God's people from surrounding cultures?
- What does the repetition 'in thee' teach about individual versus corporate responsibility for moral climate?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness—ervat av gillu (עֶרְוַת אָב גִּלּוּ) refers to incestuous relations with a stepmother (Leviticus 18:7-8, 20:11). This specific prohibition protected family structure and honored parental authority.
In thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution refers to sexual relations with a menstruating woman (niddah, נִדָּה), prohibited in Leviticus 18:19. These violations weren't private moral failures but public disregard for Levitical purity laws that structured covenant community. Jerusalem's leadership modeled what the law explicitly forbade.