King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:32 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:32 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.”

Ezekiel 23:32 · KJV

Context

30

I will do these things unto thee, because thou hast gone a whoring after the heathen, and because thou art polluted with their idols.

31

Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister; therefore will I give her cup into thine hand.

32

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

33

Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.

34

Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large introduces the cup's dimensions—overwhelming judgment. Thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision indicates international mockery. It containeth much describes capacity for wrath. Repetition emphasizes abundance—not a sip but an ocean of judgment. Deep and large together stress inescapability and totality. There's no way to drink partially; the cup must be drained completely. This is wrath's essence: complete, undiluted, inescapable divine anger against sin. It cannot be mitigated, negotiated, or avoided. It must be fully consumed. Christ drained it to its dregs for us, experiencing the full fury of divine wrath we deserved.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's fall provoked reactions from surrounding nations. Edom, Moab, Ammon, and others mocked Jerusalem's destruction (Lamentations 2:15-16; Obadiah 12; Ezekiel 25). The once-great city became a byword for humiliation. Neighboring nations' schadenfreude added psychological torment to physical devastation, fulfilling this prophecy of being 'laughed to scorn.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the size of the cup reveal about the extent of sin's guilt?
  2. How should we respond to knowing Jesus drained the entire cup?
  3. What does complete judgment teach about God's justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּ֤ה1 of 14
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙2 of 14

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 14

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֔ה4 of 14

“GOD”

H3069

god

כּ֤וֹס5 of 14

“cup”

H3563

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

אֲחוֹתֵךְ֙6 of 14

“of thy sister's”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

תִּשְׁתִּ֔י7 of 14

“Thou shalt drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

הָעֲמֻקָּ֖ה8 of 14

“deep”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

וְהָרְחָבָ֑ה9 of 14

“and large”

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

תִּהְיֶ֥ה10 of 14
H1961

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

לִצְחֹ֛ק11 of 14

“thou shalt be laughed to scorn”

H6712

laughter (in pleasure or derision)

וּלְלַ֖עַג12 of 14

“and had in derision”

H3933

derision, scoffing

מִרְבָּ֥ה13 of 14

“much”

H4767

abundance, i.e., a great quantity

לְהָכִֽיל׃14 of 14

“it containeth”

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

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 23:32 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 23:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 60:3Isaiah 51:17Ezekiel 22:4-5Revelation 18:6Jeremiah 48:26Lamentations 2:15-16

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Ezekiel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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