King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 8:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 8:5 in the King James Version says “Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way towa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.”

Ezekiel 8:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

4

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.

7

And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.

Read Ezekiel 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. God commands Ezekiel to observe specific idolatrous object in the temple, beginning the systematic exposure of abominations. The image of jealousy represents idolatry that provokes divine jealousy, violating the first and second commandments.

Son of man is Ezekiel characteristic title, appearing over 90 times in this book. It emphasizes human frailty and mortality in contrast to divine glory, reminding the prophet of his creaturely status before the Creator. Lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north gives specific directional instruction, showing God deliberately guides Ezekiel through this vision to witness particular sins.

At the gate of the altar this image of jealousy locates the idol at the temple altar entrance, where worshipers would encounter it immediately. This image of jealousy likely refers to an Asherah pole or image (2 Kings 21:7) or similar idolatrous object. Which provoketh to jealousy reveals divine interpretation—this idol violates covenant exclusivity, provoking God righteous jealousy for His people undivided worship.

From Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God holy jealousy is not petty human emotion but righteous response to covenant violation. He entered exclusive relationship with Israel; idolatry is spiritual adultery. This points to Christ as the bridegroom who desires His church undivided affection (2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:25-27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The image of jealousy likely refers to Asherah worship, a Canaanite goddess often paired with Baal. Despite repeated prophetic condemnations and Josiah reform (2 Kings 23:4-7), idolatrous practices had returned to the temple under his successors. King Manasseh earlier set up Asherah pole in the temple (2 Kings 21:7), which Josiah removed; evidently it had been restored.

Archaeological discoveries from this period include numerous female figurines throughout Judah, confirming widespread goddess worship syncretized with Yahwism. The location at the altar gate was strategic—it affected everyone coming to offer sacrifices, corrupting worship at its entry point.

The phrase provoketh to jealousy recalls covenant language. Exodus 20:5 declares I the LORD thy God am a jealous God. Deuteronomy 32:16,21 warned they provoked him to jealousy with strange gods. This jealousy is not insecurity but covenant fidelity—God demands exclusive worship because He alone is God and Israel sole redeemer.

For Ezekiel audience, this revelation exposed the root problem. Jerusalem fall would not be arbitrary disaster or divine weakness but justified judgment against covenant violation at the highest level—temple worship itself had been corrupted.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God jealousy teach about the nature of covenant relationship?
  2. How does idolatry in worship spaces demonstrate deeper spiritual adultery?
  3. In what ways do churches today place images that provoke God jealousy at their gates?
  4. What is the difference between God righteous jealousy and sinful human jealousy?
  5. How does Christ exclusive claim on believers reflect God covenant jealousy (Matthew 6:24)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 21

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י2 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶּן3 of 21

“he unto me Son”

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

אָדָ֕ם4 of 21

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וָאֶשָּׂ֤א5 of 21

“So I lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

נָ֥א6 of 21
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

עֵינַי֙7 of 21

“mine eyes”

H5869

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

דֶּ֣רֶךְ8 of 21

“now the way”

H1870

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

מִצָּפוֹן֙9 of 21

“and behold northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וָאֶשָּׂ֤א10 of 21

“So I lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עֵינַי֙11 of 21

“mine eyes”

H5869

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

דֶּ֣רֶךְ12 of 21

“now the way”

H1870

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

מִצָּפוֹן֙13 of 21

“and behold northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וְהִנֵּ֤ה14 of 21
H2009

lo!

מִצָּפוֹן֙15 of 21

“and behold northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לְשַׁ֣עַר16 of 21

“at the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ17 of 21

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

סֵ֛מֶל18 of 21

“this image”

H5566

a likeness

הַקִּנְאָ֥ה19 of 21

“of jealousy”

H7068

jealousy or envy

הַזֶּ֖ה20 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בַּבִּאָֽה׃21 of 21

“in the entry”

H872

an entrance to a building

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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 8:3Jeremiah 3:2Jeremiah 32:34Psalms 48:2Zechariah 5:5-11Psalms 78:58

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