King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:39 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:39 in the King James Version says “For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and,...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.”

Ezekiel 23:39 · KJV

Context

37

That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.

38

Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.

39

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

40

And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came: for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments, to come: Heb. coming

41

And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil. stately: Heb. honourable

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For when they had slain their children to their idols establishes temporal sequence—first, child sacrifice. Then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it reveals brazen hypocrisy—murdering children, then immediately entering God's temple. This juxtaposition exposes how thoroughly sin corrupts conscience. And, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house states this happened not externally but within temple precincts themselves. The phrase 'in the midst of mine house' stresses intimate violation—defiling God's dwelling place itself. If hands are bloody with child sacrifice, they defile everything they touch, especially sacred space. The horror is compounded: they murdered God's children, then brought bloodied hands into His house, expecting acceptance. Conscience seared beyond recognition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Valley of Hinnom where child sacrifice occurred was immediately adjacent to Jerusalem's southern wall. Worshipers could sacrifice children at Tophet, then walk minutes to the temple. The geographic and temporal proximity intensifies the offense—seamless transition from murder to worship, demonstrating complete moral corruption and spiritual blindness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin harden conscience to enable shocking hypocrisy?
  2. What contemporary religious practices combine abomination with claimed piety?
  3. How should awareness of our own defiled hands affect our approach to worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּֽבְשַׁחֲטָ֤ם1 of 15

“For when they had slain”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בְּנֵיהֶם֙3 of 15

“their children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְגִלּ֣וּלֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 15

“to their idols”

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ5 of 15

“then they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִקְדָּשִׁ֛י7 of 15

“into my sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

בַּיּ֥וֹם8 of 15

“the same day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא9 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְחַלְּל֑וֹ10 of 15

“to profane”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וְהִנֵּה11 of 15
H2009

lo!

כֹ֥ה12 of 15
H3541

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

עָשׂ֖וּ13 of 15

“it and lo thus have they done”

H6213

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

בְּת֥וֹךְ14 of 15

“in the midst”

H8432

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

בֵּיתִֽי׃15 of 15

“of mine house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 23:39 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 23:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 21:4Ezekiel 44:7Jeremiah 23:11Isaiah 3:9Ezekiel 23:38Jeremiah 11:15

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