King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:29 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:29 in the King James Version says “The people of the land have used oppression , and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have o...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The people of the land have used oppression , and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. oppression: or, deceit wrongfully: Heb. without right”

Ezekiel 22:29 · KJV

Context

27

Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

28

And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.

29

The people of the land have used oppression , and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. oppression: or, deceit wrongfully: Heb. without right

30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

31

Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully." After indicting leaders (princes, priests, prophets), God turns to "people of the land" (am ha-aretz, עַם הָאָרֶץ)—common populace. They practiced oppression, robbery, and exploitation of poor and strangers. This demonstrates that sin wasn't limited to leadership but pervaded entire society. Everyone contributed to corporate guilt requiring judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological and textual evidence confirms widespread economic oppression in late monarchy Judah. Wealthy landowners accumulated property at poor farmers' expense. Judicial corruption enabled robbery through legal means. Strangers (resident aliens) lacked protection from abuse. This systemic injustice showed comprehensive moral collapse requiring comprehensive judgment to purge and restore justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does common people's participation in oppression demonstrate corporate responsibility?
  2. What does oppressing strangers teach about treatment of vulnerable as measure of society's righteousness?
  3. In what ways can ordinary Christians participate in systemic injustice requiring repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
עַ֤ם1 of 14

“The people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙2 of 14

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עָשְׁק֖וּ3 of 14

“have used oppression”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

עֹ֔שֶׁק4 of 14
H6233

injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain

וְגָזְל֖וּ5 of 14

“and exercised”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

גָּזֵ֑ל6 of 14

“robbery”

H1498

robbery, or (concretely) plunder

וְעָנִ֤י7 of 14

“the poor”

H6041

depressed, in mind or circumstances

וְאֶבְיוֹן֙8 of 14

“and needy”

H34

destitute

הוֹנ֔וּ9 of 14

“and have vexed”

H3238

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

וְאֶת10 of 14
H853

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

הַגֵּ֥ר11 of 14

“the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

עָשְׁק֖וּ12 of 14

“have used oppression”

H6231

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

בְּלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃14 of 14

“wrongfully”

H4941

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

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 22:29 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 22:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 22:7Exodus 23:9Psalms 94:6Isaiah 5:7Leviticus 19:33Exodus 22:21

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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