Ezekiel 22:3
Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
עִ֣יר
The city
H5892
עִ֣יר
The city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
שֹׁפֶ֥כֶת
sheddeth
H8210
שֹׁפֶ֥כֶת
sheddeth
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
7 of 15
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
דָּ֛ם
blood
H1818
דָּ֛ם
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
8 of 15
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
בְּתוֹכָ֖הּ
in the midst
H8432
בְּתוֹכָ֖הּ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
9 of 15
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
עִתָּ֑הּ
of it that her time
H6256
עִתָּ֑הּ
of it that her time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
11 of 15
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
וְעָשְׂתָ֧ה
and maketh
H6213
וְעָשְׂתָ֧ה
and maketh
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
גִלּוּלִ֛ים
idols
H1544
גִלּוּלִ֛ים
idols
Strong's:
H1544
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
Historical Context
Jerusalem's bloodshed included judicial murders, oppression of vulnerable populations, and child sacrifice (verses 6-12). The idolatry defiled the very temple meant for Yahweh worship (Ezekiel 8). These accumulated sins 'brought near' the day of judgment—sin accelerates its own consequences. When Babylon conquered, it was neither random nor disproportionate but precise response to specific, enumerated crimes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sin being 'against herself' illustrate its self-destructive nature?
- What does hastening judgment's arrival teach about sin's role in accelerating consequences?
- In what ways do bloodshed and idolatry remain connected sins in contemporary culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself." Jerusalem's twin crimes—bloodshed and idolatry—bring judgment. "Sheddeth blood in the midst" (shofekhet dam be-tokha, שֹׁפֶכֶת דָּם בְּתוֹכָהּ) indicates violence at the city's heart, not periphery. "Maketh idols against herself" shows self-destructive folly—idolatry harms the worshiper. The phrase "that her time may come" (lavo ittah, לָבוֹא עִתָּהּ) indicates these sins hasten judgment's arrival.