King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 7:10 Mean?
“Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.”
Ezekiel 7:10 · KJV
Context
8
Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.
9
And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth. thee according: Heb. upon thee, etc
10
Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
11
Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. theirs: or, their tumultuous persons: Heb. tumult
12
The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBehold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. The "day" references the Day of the LORD—time of divine intervention in judgment. "The rod hath blossomed" (parach ha-matteh, פָּרַח הַמַּטֶּה) and "pride hath budded" (tzatz ha-zadon, צָץ הַזָּדוֹן) use botanical imagery of maturation—sin has fully ripened, warranting harvest judgment. The "rod" may refer to Babylon as God's instrument (Isaiah 10:5) or to Israel's rebellious pride reaching full bloom. Either way, complete maturation signals judgment time has arrived—unripe sin eventually ripens into unavoidable consequences.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel's pride manifested in presuming their covenant status guaranteed protection regardless of behavior. They boasted in temple presence ('the temple of the LORD,' Jeremiah 7:4), Davidic throne, and chosenness while violating every covenant command. This arrogant presumption had 'budded' into full bloom, making judgment both necessary and just. The imagery of blossoming and budding suggests gradual accumulation—sin grows incrementally until reaching critical mass demanding divine response. Archaeological evidence of increasing idolatry and injustice throughout late monarchy period confirms this progressive deterioration climaxing in comprehensive judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How does sin 'blossoming' and 'budding' illustrate its progressive nature and eventual ripening for judgment?
- What forms of pride in contemporary Christianity mirror Israel's presumptuous confidence?
- In what ways does recognizing sin's progressive maturation create urgency for addressing it early?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsהַיּ֖וֹם2 of 10
“Behold the day”
H3117a 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
יָֽצְאָה֙5 of 10
“is gone forth”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הַצְּפִרָ֔ה6 of 10
“the morning”
H6843a crown (as encircling the head); also a turn of affairs (i.e., mishap)
הַמַּטֶּ֔ה8 of 10
“the rod”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
פָּרַ֖ח9 of 10
“hath budded”
H6524to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge