Old Testament
Ezekiel 11:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The glory of the LORD rose up from the middle of the city and came to rest on the mountain east of Jerusalem.
Compare translations
And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.
What Ezekiel 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the glory of the LORD, which represents His presence and power, rises from the city of Jerusalem. This act signifies a departure, indicating that God is moving away from a place that has turned away from Him. The glory then settles on a mountain to the east of the city, symbolizing a new beginning or a shift in focus. This movement can be seen as a warning to the people about the consequences of their actions and choices. It serves as a reminder that God's presence is not to be taken for granted. When we stray from what is right, we risk losing that connection. The eastward movement also suggests hope, as mountains often represent places of refuge and strength. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider where we stand in relation to God's presence. Are we welcoming Him, or are we pushing Him away? Understanding this can lead to profound personal transformation and renewal in our relationship with the divine and with others around us.
How to apply Ezekiel 11:23 to your life
Consider how you invite or push away the presence of God in your life. Reflect on your choices and their impact on your relationship with Him. Make a conscious effort to welcome His guidance and presence daily, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of His will for you. Seek moments of quiet reflection to reconnect with your spiritual path and purpose. Embrace the hope that comes from transformation and renewal in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 11:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 11:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 11:23 mean?
Ezekiel 11:23 describes the glory of the LORD leaving Jerusalem, symbolizing God's departure from a city that has turned away from Him. This movement to a mountain east of the city signifies a shift in focus and serves as a warning about the consequences of the people's actions.
What is the significance of the mountain in Ezekiel 11:23?
The mountain mentioned in Ezekiel 11:23 represents a place of refuge and strength. Its eastward location suggests hope and a new beginning, indicating that even in departure, there is potential for transformation and renewal.
What does the glory of the LORD represent in this verse?
In Ezekiel 11:23, the glory of the LORD represents God's presence and power. Its rising from the city signifies a withdrawal due to the people's disobedience, highlighting the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.
How does Ezekiel 11:23 relate to personal transformation?
Ezekiel 11:23 invites reflection on our own lives and choices regarding God's presence. It emphasizes that recognizing our actions can lead to personal transformation and a renewed connection with the divine.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.