Ezekiel 23:32
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
כּ֤וֹס
cup
H3563
כּ֤וֹס
cup
Strong's:
H3563
Word #:
5 of 14
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
אֲחוֹתֵךְ֙
of thy sister's
H269
אֲחוֹתֵךְ֙
of thy sister's
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
6 of 14
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
וְהָרְחָבָ֑ה
and large
H7342
וְהָרְחָבָ֑ה
and large
Strong's:
H7342
Word #:
9 of 14
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִצְחֹ֛ק
thou shalt be laughed to scorn
H6712
לִצְחֹ֛ק
thou shalt be laughed to scorn
Strong's:
H6712
Word #:
11 of 14
laughter (in pleasure or derision)
Cross References
Historical Context
Judah's fall provoked reactions from surrounding nations. Edom, Moab, Ammon, and others mocked Jerusalem's destruction (Lamentations 2:15-16; Obadiah 12; Ezekiel 25). The once-great city became a byword for humiliation. Neighboring nations' schadenfreude added psychological torment to physical devastation, fulfilling this prophecy of being 'laughed to scorn.'
Questions for Reflection
- What does the size of the cup reveal about the extent of sin's guilt?
- How should we respond to knowing Jesus drained the entire cup?
- What does complete judgment teach about God's justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large introduces the cup's dimensions—overwhelming judgment. Thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision indicates international mockery. It containeth much describes capacity for wrath. Repetition emphasizes abundance—not a sip but an ocean of judgment. Deep and large together stress inescapability and totality. There's no way to drink partially; the cup must be drained completely. This is wrath's essence: complete, undiluted, inescapable divine anger against sin. It cannot be mitigated, negotiated, or avoided. It must be fully consumed. Christ drained it to its dregs for us, experiencing the full fury of divine wrath we deserved.