King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 22:1 · KJV


Context

1

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2

Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations. judge: or, plead for bloody: Heb. city of bloods? shew her: Heb. make her know

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, This standard prophetic formula (vayehi debar-YHWH elai lemor, וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר) introduces Ezekiel's most comprehensive indictment of Jerusalem. The phrase emphasizes divine origin—this is not Ezekiel's opinion but debar-YHWH (דְּבַר־יְהוָה), 'the word of Yahweh,' carrying covenant authority.

The repetition of this formula throughout Ezekiel (50+ times) underscores prophetic authentication. Each accusation in the chapter that follows comes with divine warrant, making the catalog of sins (verses 2-12) not merely social critique but covenant lawsuit (rib, רִיב).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel 22 likely dates to 591-586 BC, during Jerusalem's final years before Babylonian destruction. The prophet, exiled since 597 BC, received these oracles in Babylon while addressing both exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem (through messengers). This chapter forms part of Ezekiel's sustained explanation for why judgment was inevitable and just.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Scripture as 'the word of the LORD' rather than human opinion change how you read challenging passages?
  2. What responsibility comes with claiming divine authority for a message?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 5

Moreover the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 5

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֵלַ֥י4 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

came unto me saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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