King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:23 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 11:23 · KJV

Context

21

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

22

Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

23

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.

24

Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

25

Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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'—the Mount of Olives. This completes the staged departure begun in 10:4, 10:18. The glory's final pause on the eastern mountain creates poignant foreshadowing. Zechariah 14:4 prophesies that when the LORD returns, 'his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives.' Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12) with angels promising He would return 'in like manner.' Luke 19:41 records Jesus weeping over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, grieving the city's coming judgment. Thus, the same location witnesses God's glory departing in Ezekiel's vision, Jesus' lament and ascension, and will see His glorious return. The complete departure means judgment on Jerusalem is now inevitable—God has withdrawn His protective presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem from the east, separated by the Kidron Valley. This location was already significant in Israel's history—David fled there during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:30). That God's glory pauses on this mount before departing shows His lingering grief and reluctance. The year is approximately 592 BC, six years before Jerusalem's destruction. In those intervening years, false prophets would continue assuring the people that God was with them and judgment wouldn't come (Jeremiah 23:16-17). But Ezekiel's vision revealed the truth—God's presence had already departed, making the city's fall certain. Only a remnant preserving hope of future restoration when glory would return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Mount of Olives' connection to both glory's departure and Christ's ascension/return reveal God's redemptive plan?
  2. What does God's reluctant, staged departure teach about His character in executing necessary judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֙עַל֙1 of 12

“went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כְּב֣וֹד2 of 12

“And the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵעַ֖ל4 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תּ֣וֹךְ5 of 12

“from the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

לָעִֽיר׃6 of 12

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙7 of 12

“and stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל8 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָהָ֔ר9 of 12

“upon the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר10 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִקֶּ֥דֶם11 of 12

“which is on the east side”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

לָעִֽיר׃12 of 12

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 11:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:4Ezekiel 8:4Ezekiel 10:4Ezekiel 43:2Ezekiel 9:3Ezekiel 10:18

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