King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 22:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 22:7 in the King James Version says “In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 22:7 · King James Version

Context

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

8

Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.

9

In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness. that: Heb. of slanders

Read Ezekiel 22 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
"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." This verse catalogs violated relationships: parents dishonored (violating fifth commandment), strangers oppressed (violating covenant commands protecting foreigners), and orphans/widows exploited (violating explicit divine protections, Exodus 22:21-24). The threefold "in thee" emphasizes these occurred in Jerusalem's midst—systematic violation at covenant community's heart.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The breakdown of basic social order—family respect, protection of vulnerable, justice for outsiders—indicated comprehensive moral collapse. These weren't isolated failures but endemic patterns. Archaeological evidence and prophetic texts confirm widespread oppression of poor, corruption of justice, and abuse of vulnerable populations throughout late monarchy. When society's foundational relationships collapse, judgment becomes necessary to restore order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does violating family and social relationships indicate deeper spiritual corruption?
  2. What does God's concern for stranger, orphan, and widow teach about His justice priorities?
  3. In what ways should Christian communities protect the vulnerable as testimony to God's character?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אָ֤ב1 of 12

“by father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וָאֵם֙2 of 12

“and mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

הֵקַ֣לּוּ3 of 12

“In thee have they set light”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

בָ֔ךְ4 of 12
H0
לַגֵּ֛ר5 of 12

“with the stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

עָשׂ֥וּ6 of 12

“of thee have they dealt”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַעֹ֖שֶׁק7 of 12

“by oppression”

H6233

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

בְּתוֹכֵ֑ךְ8 of 12

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

יָת֥וֹם9 of 12

“the fatherless”

H3490

a bereaved person

וְאַלְמָנָ֖ה10 of 12

“and the widow”

H490

a widow; also a desolate place

ה֥וֹנוּ11 of 12

“in thee have they vexed”

H3238

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

בָֽךְ׃12 of 12
H0

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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:16Exodus 22:21-22Leviticus 20:9Jeremiah 7:6Zechariah 7:10Malachi 3:5

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