Ezekiel 35:6
Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֣ן
H3651
לָכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
חַי
Therefore as I live
H2416
חַי
Therefore as I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 17
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוִ֔ה
H3068
יְהוִ֔ה
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
H1818
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
8 of 17
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
אֶעֶשְׂךָ֖
I will prepare
H6213
אֶעֶשְׂךָ֖
I will prepare
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
H1818
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
10 of 17
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
יִרְדֲּפֶֽךָ׃
shall pursue
H7291
יִרְדֲּפֶֽךָ׃
shall pursue
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
11 of 17
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אִם
thee sith
H518
אִם
thee sith
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
12 of 17
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
H1818
וְדָ֥ם
and blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
14 of 17
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
Historical Context
Edom's violence toward vulnerable refugees brought corresponding violence upon themselves. Historical records show Edom suffered military defeats and eventual ethnic dissolution—they pursued blood and blood pursued them.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see the principle of reaping what you sow operating in God's justice?
- What warning does this give about the consequences of cruelty or violence toward vulnerable people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The judgment fits the crime: 'I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: since thou hast not hated blood, blood shall pursue thee.' This lex talionis (law of retaliation) demonstrates proportionate justice. Those who delight in bloodshed will experience bloodshed. God's judgments are always righteous and fitting.