Ezekiel 22:6
Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.
Original Language Analysis
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
Behold the princes
H5387
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
Behold the princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אִ֥ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לִזְרֹע֖וֹ
were in thee to their power
H2220
לִזְרֹע֖וֹ
were in thee to their power
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
5 of 10
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
הָ֣יוּ
H1961
הָ֣יוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
לְמַ֖עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.Ezekiel 22:27Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
Historical Context
Judah's final kings and princes were notoriously corrupt (Jeremiah 22; Ezekiel 22:25-29). They oppressed poor, took bribes, shed innocent blood, and led the people into idolatry. Archaeological evidence and biblical records confirm systemic leadership failure contributing directly to national collapse. When leaders model covenant violation, entire nations follow into judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leadership corruption accelerate corporate judgment?
- What does 'to their power' teach about greater accountability for those with greater authority?
- In what ways should leaders recognize their influence in either leading toward or away from judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood." Leadership corruption heads the catalog of sins. "Every one" (ish, אִישׁ) emphasizes individual participation—not isolated cases but systematic abuse. "To their power" (lezero'o, לִזְרֹעוֹ, "according to his arm/strength") indicates leaders used authority for violence rather than justice. This indicts those with greatest responsibility and privilege for worst covenant violations.