King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 7:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 7:4 in the King James Version says “And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abomina...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”

Ezekiel 7:4 · KJV

Context

2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

3

Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. recompense: Heb. give

4

And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

5

Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

6

An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come. watcheth for: Heb. awaketh against

Read Ezekiel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. God declares He will withhold mercy—"mine eye shall not spare" (lo-tachoss eini, לֹא־תָחוֹס עֵינִי) and "neither will I have pity" (velo echmol, וְלֹא אֶחְמֹל). This doesn't contradict God's merciful nature but reveals that persistent unrepentant sin exhausts patience. "Abominations shall be in the midst of thee" means they'll experience the full consequences of their detestable practices—sin will turn back on sinners. The recognition formula concludes: through unmixed judgment, they'll finally acknowledge "I am the LORD"—truth that blessing failed to teach.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

For generations, God showed mercy despite continued rebellion: sending prophets, providing reforming kings (Hezekiah, Josiah), allowing repentance opportunities. But when mercy is despised and patience presumed upon, judgment without mitigation becomes necessary. Lamentations confirms this: 'The LORD has done what he purposed; he has carried out his word, which he commanded long ago; he has thrown down without pity' (Lamentations 2:17). The unsparing judgment demonstrated God's holiness and taught that mercy can be exhausted by persistent rebellion, though never for those who genuinely repent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God withholding mercy challenge sentimental views that minimize divine wrath?
  2. What does 'abominations in the midst of thee' teach about sin's consequences returning on perpetrators?
  3. In what ways does unmixed judgment teach truths that mixed mercy obscured?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְלֹא1 of 17
H3808

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

תָח֥וֹס2 of 17

“shall not spare”

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

עֵינִ֛י3 of 17

“And mine eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

עָלַ֖יִךְ4 of 17
H5921

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

וְלֹ֣א5 of 17
H3808

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

אֶחְמ֑וֹל6 of 17

“thee neither will I have pity”

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

כִּ֣י7 of 17
H3588

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

דְרָכַ֜יִךְ8 of 17

“thy ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

עָלַ֣יִךְ9 of 17
H5921

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

אֶתֵּ֗ן10 of 17

“but I will recompense”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וְתוֹעֲבוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙11 of 17

“upon thee and thine abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

בְּתוֹכֵ֣ךְ12 of 17

“shall be in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

תִּֽהְיֶ֔יןָ13 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וִידַעְתֶּ֖ם14 of 17

“of thee and ye shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי15 of 17
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י16 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“that I am 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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 6:7Ezekiel 5:11Ezekiel 11:21Hosea 9:7Ezekiel 16:43Ezekiel 6:14

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Ezekiel 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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