Ezekiel 23:45
And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.
Original Language Analysis
וַאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
H376
וַאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 15
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)
יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ
they shall judge
H8199
יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ
they shall judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
4 of 15
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֽוֹתְהֶ֔ם
H853
אֽוֹתְהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט
and after the manner
H4941
וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט
and after the manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
נֹֽאֲפֹת֙
because they are adulteresses
H5003
נֹֽאֲפֹת֙
because they are adulteresses
Strong's:
H5003
Word #:
7 of 15
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט
and after the manner
H4941
וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט
and after the manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
שֹׁפְכ֣וֹת
of women that shed
H8210
שֹׁפְכ֣וֹת
of women that shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
9 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
וְדָ֖ם
and blood
H1818
וְדָ֖ם
and blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
10 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
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֹֽאֲפֹת֙
because they are adulteresses
H5003
נֹֽאֲפֹת֙
because they are adulteresses
Strong's:
H5003
Word #:
12 of 15
to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize
הֵ֔נָּה
H2007
הֵ֔נָּה
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
13 of 15
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
Cross References
Leviticus 20:10And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.Hosea 6:5Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Historical Context
Babylonian conquest served as divine judgment. Though Babylon was itself wicked (and would later be judged in turn—Jeremiah 50-51), God used them as His instrument against Judah, just as He used Assyria against Israel (Isaiah 10:5-6). Pagan nations can serve divine purposes without being righteous themselves—they remain accountable for their actions while accomplishing God's will.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use wicked instruments to execute righteous judgment?
- What does it mean that pagan nations can serve God's judicial purposes?
- How should we understand tragedies that fulfill divine justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses introduces the executors of judgment. Righteous men here refers not to moral perfection but to those executing just judgment as God's instruments—righteous in judicial function. The Babylonians, though pagan, are 'righteous' in executing God's verdict. And after the manner of women that shed blood details dual charges: adultery and murder. Because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands repeats accusations from verse 37, establishing juridical basis for execution. Old Testament law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10) and murder (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12). God's judgments follow His law. He judges nations by the same standards He judges individuals—law applies universally.