Old Testament

Ezekiel 22:3

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 speaking about a city that is filled with violence and wrongdoing.

Author: Ezekiel the prophet
Written: Around 590 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon

CBTClear Bible Translation

Say to her, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: The city sheds blood within itself, bringing its time closer, and makes idols to defile itself.'

KJVKing James Version

Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God is speaking about a city that is filled with violence and wrongdoing. The phrase 'sheds blood' indicates that there is a lot of harm and injustice happening within its walls. This behavior is bringing the city closer to its downfall. Additionally, the city is creating idols, which are false gods, that lead to its moral corruption. These idols symbolize misplaced priorities and a rejection of true values. The act of defiling itself suggests that the city is not only harming others but also damaging its own identity and purpose. God is calling attention to these serious issues, urging the people to recognize the consequences of their actions. This message serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from what is right and just. It highlights the importance of integrity and the need to seek genuine connection with God rather than false representations of faith. The city’s fate is a reflection of its choices, emphasizing the need for accountability and change.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Ezekiel 22:3 to your life

Reflect on the values you hold dear and consider if they align with what is truly good and just. Avoid distractions that lead you away from integrity. Seek to build a community that promotes peace and righteousness, rather than one that fosters harm and division. Your choices matter greatly in shaping your environment and future.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 22:3 mean?

Ezekiel 22:3 describes a city filled with violence and idolatry, indicating that its actions are leading to its downfall. The verse highlights the consequences of moral corruption and the importance of recognizing the impact of one's choices.

What is the significance of 'sheds blood' in Ezekiel 22:3?

The phrase 'sheds blood' in Ezekiel 22:3 signifies the violence and injustice occurring within the city. It emphasizes the severity of wrongdoing that contributes to the city's impending destruction.

What does 'makes idols' refer to in Ezekiel 22:3?

In Ezekiel 22:3, 'makes idols' refers to the creation of false gods that lead to moral corruption. This act symbolizes a rejection of true values and a focus on misplaced priorities.

What themes are present in Ezekiel 22:3?

Ezekiel 22:3 presents themes of violence, idolatry, moral corruption, consequences, and accountability. These themes highlight the dangers of turning away from righteousness and the need for integrity.

Book Summary

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.

Beside each living creature appears a wheel on the earth, and the wheels have the appearance of a wheel within a wheel. Their rims are high and full of eyes all around. When the living creatures move, the wheels move with them, and the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels. Above the heads of the living creatures is the likeness of a firmament like crystal, and above the firmament is the likeness of a throne like a sapphire stone. Upon the throne is the likeness of a man with brightness like fire and a rainbow around him. Ezekiel sees the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, and when he sees it, he falls upon his face and hears a voice speaking. Ezekiel 2: Son of Man, Stand Upon Your Feet The voice says to him, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak unto you." The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet, and the LORD speaks to him. The LORD says he sends him to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation that has transgressed against Him. Their fathers have rebelled, and they continue in stubbornness and impudence. Ezekiel is sent to speak the LORD's words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear. The LORD tells him they shall know that a prophet has been among them. The LORD warns him not to fear them or their words, though they are like briers and thorns and though he dwells among scorpions. He is not to be afraid of their faces. He must speak the LORD's words to them whether they listen or refuse, for they are most rebellious. The LORD commands him not to be rebellious like that rebellious house. He is told to open his mouth and eat what the LORD gives him. He sees a hand with a scroll written inside and outside with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

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