Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses deep sorrow and anger over the people's actions.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
After all this wickedness — woe, woe to you!" declares the Lord GOD —
And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the LORD GOD;)
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses deep sorrow and anger over the people's actions. After all the wrong they have done, He declares a strong warning: 'woe, woe to you!' This repetition emphasizes the seriousness of their situation. God is not just pointing out their mistakes; He is lamenting the consequences of their choices. The people have strayed far from what is right, and now they face the repercussions of their wickedness. This message serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and ignoring the truth can lead to dire outcomes. God’s declaration is a call to recognize the gravity of their behavior and to understand that there is a path back to righteousness. It’s a moment of reckoning, urging them to reflect on their lives and the choices they make. The tone is both a warning and an invitation to change, highlighting the importance of turning away from wrongdoing and seeking a better way forward with God’s guidance. This verse encapsulates the tension between judgment and the hope for redemption.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:23 to your life
Reflect on your own choices and consider how they align with your values. Are there areas in your life where you need to make changes? This verse encourages you to acknowledge mistakes and seek a better path. Remember, it’s never too late to turn things around and seek forgiveness. Embrace the opportunity for growth and transformation in your life today. “Woe” can be a wake-up call to change your ways and seek a better future.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:23 mean?
Ezekiel 16:23 expresses God's sorrow and anger over the people's wickedness. The repetition of 'woe, woe to you!' emphasizes the seriousness of their actions and the consequences they face for straying from righteousness.
What is the significance of 'woe' in Ezekiel 16:23?
The term 'woe' in Ezekiel 16:23 serves as a strong warning from God about the dire consequences of the people's wickedness. It highlights the gravity of their situation and calls for reflection and change.
How does Ezekiel 16:23 relate to repentance?
Ezekiel 16:23 highlights the need for repentance by showing the consequences of wickedness. God's warning encourages individuals to acknowledge their mistakes and seek a path back to righteousness.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 16:23?
The themes in Ezekiel 16:23 include wickedness, consequences, warning, repentance, and redemption. It emphasizes the seriousness of straying from God's ways and the hope for transformation.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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