Old Testament
Ezekiel 16:40
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 is warning about the consequences of betrayal and unfaithfulness.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
They will bring a mob against you, stone you to death, and cut you to pieces with their swords.
They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is warning about the consequences of betrayal and unfaithfulness. The imagery of a mob coming to stone someone reflects the seriousness of turning away from what is right. It illustrates the pain and violence that can arise from broken relationships and trust. The act of being cut to pieces symbolizes the complete destruction that can follow such betrayal. This is not just a physical threat; it represents the emotional and spiritual devastation that can occur when loyalty is lost. The message serves as a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the potential fallout from our actions. It emphasizes that choices have consequences, and turning away from what is good can lead to dire outcomes. This verse challenges us to reflect on our commitments and the impact of our decisions on ourselves and others. It calls for introspection about how we treat those we are close to and the values we uphold in our lives. Understanding this can help us navigate our relationships with care and integrity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 16:40 to your life
Consider how your actions affect those around you. Are you being faithful in your commitments? Reflect on the importance of trust in your relationships and strive to uphold it. Small choices can lead to significant consequences, so choose wisely. Be mindful of how you treat others and the values you represent in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 16:40 mean?
Ezekiel 16:40 warns about the severe consequences of betrayal and unfaithfulness. It uses the imagery of a mob to illustrate the violence and destruction that can result from broken trust and relationships.
What is the significance of the mob in Ezekiel 16:40?
The mob in Ezekiel 16:40 symbolizes the collective response to betrayal and the seriousness of turning away from what is right. It highlights the potential for emotional and spiritual devastation that can follow such actions.
What does being stoned to death represent in this verse?
Being stoned to death in Ezekiel 16:40 represents the complete destruction that can occur due to betrayal. It serves as a metaphor for the pain and violence that arise from broken relationships and lost loyalty.
How does Ezekiel 16:40 relate to trust in relationships?
Ezekiel 16:40 emphasizes the importance of trust in relationships by illustrating the dire consequences of unfaithfulness. It serves as a reminder to reflect on our commitments and the impact of our choices on others.

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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