King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 33:23 Mean?
“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,”
Ezekiel 33:23 · KJV
Context
21
And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.
22
Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.
23
Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
24
Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.
25
Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsוַיְהִ֥י1 of 5
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר2 of 5
“Then the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה3 of 5
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of 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 33:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.