King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 23:47 Mean?

Ezekiel 23:47 in the King James Version says “And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 23:47 · KJV

Context

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

48

Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.

49

And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the company shall stone them with stones describes execution method for adultery (Deuteronomy 22:21-24; John 8:5). And dispatch them with their swords adds military slaughter to judicial execution. They shall slay their sons and their daughters extends judgment to the next generation—covenant curses include children (Exodus 20:5). And burn up their houses with fire refers to total urban destruction. Each element corresponds to specific covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28). The progression—execution, slaughter, generational destruction, physical devastation—represents comprehensive judgment leaving nothing intact. When God judges, He judges thoroughly. Partial judgment doesn't accomplish His purposes; complete purgation is required. This is terrifying unless we realize Christ endured comprehensive judgment for us at the cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's fall included all these elements: execution of leaders at Riblah (2 Kings 25:18-21), general slaughter during siege and aftermath, death of children from famine and violence, and burning of city and temple (2 Kings 25:9). Covenant curses were fulfilled literally in every detail, demonstrating the certainty and precision of God's word.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is God's judgment comprehensive rather than partial?
  2. What does thorough judgment reveal about sin's seriousness?
  3. How does Christ's comprehensive suffering satisfy comprehensive justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְרָגְמ֨וּ1 of 13

“shall stone”

H7275

to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate

עֲלֵיהֶ֥ן2 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶ֙בֶן֙3 of 13

“them with stones”

H68

a stone

קָהָ֔ל4 of 13

“And the company”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

וּבָרֵ֥א5 of 13

“and dispatch”

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

אוֹתְהֶ֖ן6 of 13
H853

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

בְּחַרְבוֹתָ֑ם7 of 13

“them with their swords”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

בְּנֵיהֶ֤ם8 of 13

“their sons”

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

וּבְנֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙9 of 13

“and their daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

יַהֲרֹ֔גוּ10 of 13

“they shall slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וּבָתֵּיהֶ֖ן11 of 13

“their houses”

H1004

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

בָּאֵ֥שׁ12 of 13

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יִשְׂרֹֽפוּ׃13 of 13

“and burn up”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

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 23:47 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 23:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:21Jeremiah 39:8Ezekiel 16:40-41Ezekiel 24:6Ezekiel 23:25Deuteronomy 13:16

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