Old Testament
Ezekiel 23:33
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, the message is clear: the consequences of poor choices can lead to overwhelming feelings of despair and sorrow.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
You will be overwhelmed with drunkenness and grief. It is a cup of horror and devastation — the same cup your sister Samaria drank from.
Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the message is clear: the consequences of poor choices can lead to overwhelming feelings of despair and sorrow. The imagery of being filled with drunkenness suggests a loss of control, while grief signifies deep emotional pain. The 'cup of horror and devastation' symbolizes the inevitable suffering that comes from turning away from what is right. Just as Samaria faced these dire consequences, so too will others who follow a similar path. This serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring wisdom and the repercussions of our actions. It’s a reminder that choices have weight, and the path we choose can lead to either joy or sorrow. Ultimately, this verse calls us to reflect on our lives and the decisions we make, urging us to seek a better way forward, one that leads to healing rather than destruction. Understanding this can help us navigate our own challenges with greater awareness and intention, fostering a life that embraces hope and resilience instead of despair.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 23:33 to your life
Consider the choices you make daily and their potential impact on your life. Reflect on past decisions that led to regret or pain. Use this awareness to guide your future actions, aiming for paths that promote healing and joy rather than sorrow and devastation. Seek wisdom in your decisions to foster a better life experience. “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,”
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 23:33 mean?
Ezekiel 23:33 conveys the idea that poor choices lead to overwhelming sorrow and despair. The verse uses the imagery of drunkenness to illustrate a loss of control and deep emotional pain, warning that ignoring wisdom can result in severe consequences.
What is the meaning of the 'cup of horror' in Ezekiel 23:33?
The 'cup of horror' in Ezekiel 23:33 symbolizes the suffering and devastation that come from making wrong choices. It serves as a metaphor for the inevitable consequences faced by those who turn away from what is right.
How does Ezekiel 23:33 relate to personal choices?
Ezekiel 23:33 emphasizes the importance of reflecting on personal choices and their potential impacts. It encourages individuals to consider how their decisions can lead to either healing or sorrow, urging a mindful approach to life.
What warning does Ezekiel 23:33 give?
Ezekiel 23:33 serves as a warning about the dangers of ignoring wisdom and the repercussions of our actions. It highlights that choices carry weight and can lead to significant emotional pain if not made thoughtfully.

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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