King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 24:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 24:13 in the King James Version says “In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy f... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

Ezekiel 24:13 · KJV


Context

11

Then set it empty upon the coals thereof, that the brass of it may be hot, and may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the scum of it may be consumed.

12

She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire.

13

In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

14

I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

15

Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee." "Lewdness" (zimmah, זִמָּה) in filthiness indicates deliberate, planned wickedness. Despite God's purging attempts ("I have purged thee"), Israel resisted cleansing. Therefore, severe judgment becomes necessary—"thou shalt not be purged...till I have caused my fury to rest." When gradual correction fails, comprehensive judgment must purge what partial discipline couldn't remove.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God attempted purging Israel through various means: prophetic warnings, foreign invasions (Assyria, Egypt), righteous kings' reforms (Hezekiah, Josiah). Each produced temporary improvement followed by relapse. Persistent resistance to correction made catastrophic judgment necessary—only total exile and temple destruction finally purged idolatry from Israel. Post-exilic Judaism never again practiced widespread idol worship, proving the exile's purging effectiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does resistance to gradual correction necessitate comprehensive judgment?
  2. What does God's repeated purging attempts reveal about His patience and progressive discipline?
  3. In what ways should we respond to initial correction to avoid requiring severe discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מִטֻּמְאָתֵךְ֙1 of 15

In thy filthiness

H2932

religious impurity

זִמָּ֑ה2 of 15

is lewdness

H2154

a plan, especially a bad one

יַ֤עַן3 of 15
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

תִטְהֲרִי4 of 15

because I have purged

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

וְלֹ֣א5 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִטְהֲרִי6 of 15

because I have purged

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

מִטֻּמְאָתֵךְ֙7 of 15

In thy filthiness

H2932

religious impurity

לֹ֣א8 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִטְהֲרִי9 of 15

because I have purged

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

ע֔וֹד10 of 15
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עַד11 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֲנִיחִ֥י12 of 15

to rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

אֶת13 of 15
H853

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

חֲמָתִ֖י14 of 15

any more till I have caused my fury

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

בָּֽךְ׃15 of 15
H0

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 24:13 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 24:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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