King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:5 in the King James Version says “Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. infamous: Heb. ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. infamous: Heb. polluted of name, much in vexation”

Ezekiel 22:5 · KJV

Context

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.

5

Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. infamous: Heb. polluted of name, much in vexation

6

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. power: Heb. arm

7

In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow. oppression: or, deceit

Read Ezekiel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. Jerusalem's disgrace is comprehensive—both nearby nations and distant kingdoms ridicule her. Temeat ha-shem (טְמֵאַת הַשֵּׁם), 'defiled of name,' indicates ruined reputation; rabbat ha-mehumah (רַבַּת הַמְּהוּמָה), 'great in turmoil/confusion,' describes chaotic internal state.

The irony is devastating: Jerusalem, meant to be a 'city on a hill' displaying Yahweh's righteousness (Deuteronomy 4:6-8), instead becomes an object lesson in covenant failure. Her shame is pedagogical—other nations learn from her ruin what happens when God's people betray their calling.

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Historical & Cultural Context

International mockery of Jerusalem's fall appears in Lamentations 1:7-8, 2:15-16 and Psalm 137:7. Edomites, Ammonites, and others celebrated Judah's defeat (Ezekiel 25-26). This was worse than military loss—it was theological humiliation, seeming to prove that Yahweh was weaker than Babylonian deities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does moral failure damage witness more than external circumstances or opposition?
  2. What does Jerusalem's universal mockery teach about the missionary consequences of covenant unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הַקְּרֹב֛וֹת1 of 9

“Those that be near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

וְהָרְחֹק֥וֹת2 of 9

“and those that be far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

מִמֵּ֖ךְ3 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יִתְקַלְּסוּ4 of 9

“from thee shall mock”

H7046

to disparage, i.e., ridicule

בָ֑ךְ5 of 9
H0
טְמֵאַ֣ת6 of 9

“thee which art infamous”

H2931

foul in a religious sense

הַשֵּׁ֔ם7 of 9
H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

רַבַּ֖ת8 of 9

“and much”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הַמְּהוּמָֽה׃9 of 9

“vexed”

H4103

confusion or uproar

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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:2-3Isaiah 22:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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