King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 16:38 Mean?

Ezekiel 16:38 in the King James Version says “And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jea...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. as: Heb. with judgments of”

Ezekiel 16:38 · KJV

Context

36

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. as: Heb. with judgments of

39

And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare. thy fair: Heb. instruments of thine ornament

40

They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

Read Ezekiel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy. The Hebrew shaphat (שָׁפַט, "judge") indicates legal verdict and execution, not mere accusation. The comparison "as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged" references Leviticus 20:10 (death penalty for adultery) and Numbers 35:33 (blood guilt requires blood atonement). Jerusalem faces capital punishment for dual crimes: covenant adultery and innocent bloodshed.

"I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy" uses dam (דָּם, blood) to indicate violent death—Jerusalem would experience bloodshed proportionate to the innocent blood she spilled through child sacrifice and judicial murder. "Fury and jealousy" (chemah veqinah, חֵמָה וְקִנְאָה) describes God's covenant passion—not arbitrary anger but righteous wrath defending His exclusive marriage relationship with Israel.

Divine jealousy is positive when directed toward preserving covenant faithfulness (Exodus 20:5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24). God's jealousy stems from love, not insecurity—He brooks no rivals for His bride's affection because He alone can satisfy and save. Paul expresses godly jealousy for the Corinthian church as Christ's betrothed (2 Corinthians 11:2). The severity of judgment demonstrates the preciousness of the violated relationship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Torah prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22) and murder (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21:12, Numbers 35:16-21). Jerusalem's double crime demanded double judgment. The Babylonian siege (588-586 BC) resulted in massive bloodshed—war casualties, famine deaths, executions, and deportations reduced Judah's population by approximately 75%.

The principle "blood in fury and jealousy" was fulfilled literally. Ezekiel 9 depicts angelic executioners slaughtering idolaters within Jerusalem, beginning at the temple. Lamentations describes mothers eating their children during the siege (Lamentations 2:20, 4:10). The blood of innocents demanded justice; divine fury and jealousy executed it. Yet even judgment contained redemptive purpose—purging idolatry to preserve a remnant for future restoration (Ezekiel 36-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's jealousy as covenant love rather than petty possessiveness change your view of His discipline?
  2. What does the severity of judgment for adultery and bloodshed teach about God's valuation of covenant faithfulness and human life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּשְׁפַטְתִּיךְ֙1 of 9

“And I will judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

מִשְׁפְּטֵ֣י2 of 9

“are judged”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

נֹאֲפ֔וֹת3 of 9

“thee as women that break wedlock”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וְשֹׁפְכֹ֖ת4 of 9

“and shed”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

דַּ֥ם5 of 9

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וּנְתַתִּ֕יךְ6 of 9

“and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

דַּ֥ם7 of 9

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

חֵמָ֖ה8 of 9

“in fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

וְקִנְאָֽה׃9 of 9

“and jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

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 16:38 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 16:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:10Genesis 9:6Zephaniah 1:17Jeremiah 18:21Ezekiel 23:45-47Genesis 38:24

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