Ezekiel 35:5
Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end:
Original Language Analysis
יַ֗עַן
H3282
יַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
הֱי֤וֹת
H1961
הֱי֤וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עוֹלָ֔ם
Because thou hast had a perpetual
H5769
עוֹלָ֔ם
Because thou hast had a perpetual
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וַתַּגֵּ֥ר
and hast shed
H5064
וַתַּגֵּ֥ר
and hast shed
Strong's:
H5064
Word #:
6 of 17
to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי
the blood of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
the blood of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְדֵי
by the force
H3027
יְדֵי
by the force
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
H2719
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
12 of 17
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בְּעֵ֖ת
in the time
H6256
בְּעֵ֖ת
in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
13 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
אֵידָ֔ם
of their calamity
H343
אֵידָ֔ם
of their calamity
Strong's:
H343
Word #:
14 of 17
oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin
בְּעֵ֖ת
in the time
H6256
בְּעֵ֖ת
in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
15 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
Cross References
Psalms 137:7Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.Amos 1:11Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:Ezekiel 21:29Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee, to bring thee upon the necks of them that are slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity shall have an end.Ezekiel 21:25And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,Ezekiel 25:12Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
Historical Context
During Jerusalem's 586 BC destruction, Edom helped Babylonians capture fleeing refugees, looted property, and occupied abandoned territory (Obadiah 11-14, Psalm 137:7). This treachery against a brother nation during their darkest hour made their sin particularly heinous.
Questions for Reflection
- How should you respond to others' suffering, even when they face deserved consequences?
- What does 'perpetual hatred' reveal about the dangers of nursing grievances and refusing forgiveness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Edom's sin: 'perpetual hatred' toward Israel, shedding blood 'in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end.' Rather than showing mercy when Judah suffered deserved judgment, Edom exploited vulnerability. Kicking someone when they're down compounds sin. God judges not just actions but also timing and motivation.