King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:34 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:34 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 23:34 · KJV

Context

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.

35

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

36

The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; judge: or, plead for

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out stresses compulsion and thoroughness of judgment. Not a drop remains; the cup must be emptied completely. And thou shalt break the sherds thereof describes smashing the cup in anguish—an act of desperate, impotent rage. And pluck off thine own breasts returns to sexual metaphor with self-mutilation imagery, representing self-inflicted anguish and total despair. For I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD seals the prophecy with divine authority. God's word is performative—it accomplishes what it declares (Isaiah 55:11). When God speaks judgment, its fulfillment is certain. Creation itself obeys His voice; how much more historical events? Divine decree guarantees historical outcome.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's siege led to horrific conditions: famine so severe mothers ate their own children (Lamentations 2:20; 4:10), disease, despair, and mass death. Survivors experienced traumatic devastation matching Ezekiel's vivid descriptions. The psychological and spiritual toll matched physical destruction, with self-harming despair among those who witnessed Jerusalem's fall.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the thoroughness of judgment teach about sin's seriousness?
  2. How does God's spoken word guarantee its own fulfillment?
  3. What should we learn from the certainty of divine promises, both blessing and curse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָׁתִ֨ית1 of 14

“Thou shalt even drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אוֹתָ֜הּ2 of 14
H853

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

וּמָצִ֗ית3 of 14

“it and suck it out”

H4680

to suck out; by implication, to drain, to squeeze out

וְאֶת4 of 14
H853

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

חֲרָשֶׂ֛יהָ5 of 14

“the sherds”

H2789

a piece of pottery

תְּגָרֵ֖מִי6 of 14

“and thou shalt break”

H1633

(causative) to bone, i.e., denude (by extensive, craunch) the bones

וְשָׁדַ֣יִךְ7 of 14

“thine own breasts”

H7699

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

תְּנַתֵּ֑קִי8 of 14

“thereof and pluck off”

H5423

to tear off

כִּ֚י9 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י10 of 14
H589

i

דִבַּ֔רְתִּי11 of 14

“for I have spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

נְאֻ֖ם12 of 14

“it saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י13 of 14

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃14 of 14

“GOD”

H3069

god

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 23:34 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 23:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 75:8Isaiah 51:17Revelation 18:7Ezekiel 23:8Ezekiel 23:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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