King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:2 in the King James Version says “Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations. j... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 22:2 · 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.

4

Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? God commands Ezekiel with emphatic repetition (hatishpot hatishpot, הֲתִשְׁפֹּט הֲתִשְׁפֹּט) to 'judge, yes judge' the ir ha-damim (עִיר הַדָּמִים), 'city of bloodshed.' This identical phrase appears in Nahum 3:1 for Nineveh, linking Jerusalem's guilt to pagan oppressor-nations.

Yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations (to'evoteha, תּוֹעֲבוֹתֶיהָ)—technical covenant term for violations so severe they provoke divine revulsion. Ezekiel must enumerate specific crimes, not vague accusations. The judicial process requires evidence, which verses 3-12 provide exhaustively.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem earned the title 'bloody city' through judicial murders (v. 6), bribery for bloodshed (v. 12), and oppression of vulnerable populations (v. 7, 29). Archaeological evidence confirms extreme social stratification in 7th-century Jerusalem, with wealthy elites exploiting poor. The prophet must formally indict what everyone knew but none acknowledged.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God require Ezekiel to enumerate specific sins rather than make general accusations?
  2. When Jerusalem resembles pagan Nineveh in guilt, what does this reveal about religious identity versus ethical practice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 12

Now thou son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֔ם3 of 12

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הֲתִשְׁפֹּ֖ט4 of 12

wilt thou 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

הֲתִשְׁפֹּ֖ט5 of 12

wilt thou 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

אֶת6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עִ֣יר7 of 12

city

H5892

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

הַדָּמִ֑ים8 of 12

the bloody

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

וְה֣וֹדַעְתָּ֔הּ9 of 12

yea thou shalt shew

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֖ת10 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל11 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תּוֹעֲבוֹתֶֽיהָ׃12 of 12

her all her abominations

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol


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 22:2 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 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study