Ezekiel 9:10
And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֨ם
H1571
וְגַ֨ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָח֥וֹס
shall not spare
H2347
תָח֥וֹס
shall not spare
Strong's:
H2347
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate
עֵינִ֖י
And as for me also mine eye
H5869
עֵינִ֖י
And as for me also mine eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶחְמֹ֑ל
neither will I have pity
H2550
אֶחְמֹ֑ל
neither will I have pity
Strong's:
H2550
Word #:
7 of 10
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
דַּרְכָּ֖ם
their way
H1870
דַּרְכָּ֖ם
their way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
8 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Ezekiel 7:4And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.Isaiah 65:6Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,Ezekiel 11:21But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.Ezekiel 8:18Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.Ezekiel 5:11Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.Hosea 9:7The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
Historical Context
God's unwavering commitment to execute judgment without mitigation seems harsh but reflects perfect justice. For decades (even centuries), Israel received warnings, reformations, prophetic pleas, and opportunities for repentance. Each was spurned. When patience is systematically violated and mercy presumed upon, unmixed judgment becomes necessary to vindicate divine holiness and teach future generations the seriousness of covenant violation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's refusal to spare challenge sentimental views that minimize divine wrath?
- What does 'recompense their way upon their head' teach about measure-for-measure justice?
- In what ways does persistent sin exhaust divine patience, making unmixed judgment necessary?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"As for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head." God responds to Ezekiel's intercession by affirming judgment's necessity. The repetition of "mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity" (cf. 5:11; 7:4, 9; 8:18) emphasizes settled determination. "Recompense their way upon their head" (darkam be-rosham natati, דַּרְכָּם בְּרֹאשָׁם נָתַתִּי) means giving them exactly what their conduct deserves—perfect measure-for-measure justice. God's refusal to spare demonstrates that persistent sin exhausts divine patience, requiring full judgment.