King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:45 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:45 in the King James Version says “And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed b...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.”

Ezekiel 23:45 · KJV

Context

43

Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them? whoredoms: Heb. her whoredoms

44

Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women.

45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.

46

For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled. to be: Heb. for a removing and spoil

47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire. dispatch: or, single them out

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses introduces the executors of judgment. Righteous men here refers not to moral perfection but to those executing just judgment as God's instruments—righteous in judicial function. The Babylonians, though pagan, are 'righteous' in executing God's verdict. And after the manner of women that shed blood details dual charges: adultery and murder. Because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands repeats accusations from verse 37, establishing juridical basis for execution. Old Testament law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10) and murder (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:12). God's judgments follow His law. He judges nations by the same standards He judges individuals—law applies universally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian conquest served as divine judgment. Though Babylon was itself wicked (and would later be judged in turn—Jeremiah 50-51), God used them as His instrument against Judah, just as He used Assyria against Israel (Isaiah 10:5-6). Pagan nations can serve divine purposes without being righteous themselves—they remain accountable for their actions while accomplishing God's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use wicked instruments to execute righteous judgment?
  2. What does it mean that pagan nations can serve God's judicial purposes?
  3. How should we understand tragedies that fulfill divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַאֲנָשִׁ֣ים1 of 15
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

צַדִּיקִ֗ם2 of 15

“And the righteous”

H6662

just

הֵ֚מָּה3 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ4 of 15

“they shall judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

אֽוֹתְהֶ֔ם5 of 15
H853

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

וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט6 of 15

“and after the manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

נֹֽאֲפֹת֙7 of 15

“because they are adulteresses”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט8 of 15

“and after the manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

שֹׁפְכ֣וֹת9 of 15

“of women that shed”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

וְדָ֖ם10 of 15

“and blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

כִּ֤י11 of 15
H3588

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

נֹֽאֲפֹת֙12 of 15

“because they are adulteresses”

H5003

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

הֵ֔נָּה13 of 15
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

וְדָ֖ם14 of 15

“and blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בִּֽידֵיהֶֽן׃15 of 15

“is in their hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 23:45 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 23:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:10Ezekiel 16:38-43Ezekiel 23:36-39Hosea 6:5Zechariah 1:6Leviticus 21:9

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