Ezekiel 16:23

KJV

And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GOD;)

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} all thy wickedness {H7451},(woe {H188}, woe {H188} unto thee! saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069};)

Complete Jewish Bible

"'So, after all this wickedness of yours - woe, woe to you!' says Adonai ELOHIM -

Berean Standard Bible

Woe! Woe to you, declares the Lord GOD. And in addition to all your other wickedness,

American Standard Version

And it is come to pass after all thy wickedness (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord Jehovah),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:23 stands as a climactic and deeply sorrowful divine pronouncement of judgment against Jerusalem, allegorically portrayed as a once-cherished bride turned unfaithful harlot. This verse follows an exhaustive indictment of her profound spiritual adultery, rampant idolatry, and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, underscoring the inevitable and severe consequences of her persistent rebellion. The repeated lament, "woe, woe unto thee!" conveys both God's profound grief over His beloved city's depravity and His unyielding declaration of impending, devastating judgment, affirming that divine retribution is a just and sorrowful response to accumulated wickedness and covenant betrayal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 unfolds as one of the most vivid and extended allegories in prophetic literature, depicting Jerusalem's history from its origins as an abandoned, helpless infant to its eventual rise to splendor under God's nurturing care. God describes how He found Jerusalem, cleansed her, adorned her with riches, and entered into a sacred covenant marriage with her, elevating her to a position of unparalleled privilege and beauty. However, instead of remaining faithful, Jerusalem used her God-given splendor and wealth to engage in widespread spiritual prostitution with surrounding nations and their idols. Verses 15-22 meticulously detail her escalating abominations, culminating in the unspeakable horror of sacrificing her own children, whom God explicitly calls "my children" whom she bore to Him, to pagan deities. These horrific acts are detailed in [Ezekiel 16:20-21](/ezekiel/16-20-21 "Ezekiel 16:20-21 - Jerusalem's Sacrifice of Children"). Consequently, [Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - The Woe of Jerusalem's Wickedness") does not introduce a new charge but functions as a solemn, climactic summation and pronouncement of the deserved judgment, emphasizing that this "woe" comes "after all thy wickedness," thus directly linking the consequence to the totality and culmination of her profound depravity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE. Jerusalem, representing the kingdom of Judah, had consistently and flagrantly violated its covenant with Yahweh. This violation manifested in pervasive syncretistic worship, where Judah adopted the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, particularly those associated with fertility cults and the horrific practice of child sacrifice to deities like Molech. Such acts were a direct and explicit abomination to Yahweh and a severe transgression of the Mosaic Law, which unequivocally forbade them, as seen in [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 12:31](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of Nations"). The allegory of the harlot would have resonated deeply within the ancient Near Eastern cultural understanding of covenant as a sacred marriage bond, where unfaithfulness was considered spiritual adultery of the gravest kind. Jerusalem's political alliances with powerful foreign empires like Egypt and Assyria, often pursued at the expense of trusting in God, were also implicitly condemned as "playing the harlot" with foreign powers, further compounding her spiritual infidelity and covenant breaking.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - God's Woe over Jerusalem's Wickedness") powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a just, inevitable, and sorrowful response to persistent and unrepentant sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating unequivocally that rebellion against God's loving authority leads to dire and inescapable ruin, powerfully symbolized by the pronouncement of "woe." Thirdly, the authoritative phrase "saith the Lord GOD" reinforces God's **Sovereignty and Authority**, asserting His absolute right and power to execute righteous judgment upon His people who have broken their sacred covenant. Finally, the repeated "woe" also carries a profound sense of **Divine Grief and Lament**, revealing that God's judgment is not arbitrary or malicious but flows from a sorrowful heart over the choices of His beloved, yet stubbornly rebellious, people, a sentiment echoed throughout the entire chapter of [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term signifies "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)." It encompasses a broad spectrum of moral depravity, including adversity, affliction, calamity, and mischief. In [Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - The Woe of Jerusalem's Wickedness"), "wickedness" refers to the totality and cumulative nature of Jerusalem's profound moral and spiritual corruption. This includes her pervasive idolatry, spiritual harlotry, and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, indicating a deep-seated, pervasive, and fully matured evil that has reached its full measure.
* **woe (Hebrew, _ʼôwy'_):** From H188, meaning "lamentation; also interjectionally Oh!; alas, woe." This is a potent interjection expressing deep sorrow, pain, and the certainty of impending doom. Its repetition ("woe, woe") intensifies the pronouncement, signaling an inescapable and severe calamity that is simultaneously a divine lament over the people's self-destructive choices and a direct, unyielding threat of certain punishment. It conveys a profound sense of grief combined with an authoritative declaration of judgment.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** H136 (ʼĂdônây) is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name for God, emphasizing His supreme mastery and sovereign authority. H3069 (Yᵉhôvih) is a specific variation of YHWH (the ineffable covenant name of God), purposefully used after 'Adonai to prevent the repetition of the same sound, yet still referring to the unique, covenant-keeping God of Israel. Together, "Lord GOD" emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness (even in the execution of judgment), and His ultimate authority over His creation and His people. This compound title underscores that the pronouncement of woe comes from the supreme, covenant-keeping, and righteous God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after all thy wickedness":** This opening clause powerfully emphasizes the just and consequential nature of the impending judgment. It highlights that God's pronouncement is neither arbitrary nor impulsive, but a direct, measured, and inevitable response to the full measure of Jerusalem's accumulated and persistent sin. The phrase "after all thy wickedness" points to the totality and deeply entrenched nature of her spiritual adultery, abominable practices, and covenant breaking, indicating that the cup of iniquity was full and overflowing.
* **"(woe, woe unto thee!":** This is a profound, repeated interjection signifying deep lament, sorrow, and a dire threat of judgment. The doubling of "woe" (Hebrew: _'oy, 'oy_) serves to intensely amplify the expression, conveying the absolute certainty and overwhelming severity of the impending doom. It communicates both God's profound grief and lament over Jerusalem's self-destructive choices and His unwavering declaration of the catastrophic consequences that will inevitably follow.
* **"saith the Lord GOD;)":** This concluding phrase unequivocally underscores the divine authority, absolute certainty, and unalterable nature behind the pronouncement. It identifies the speaker as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God (Adonai Yahweh), whose word is absolute, whose judgments are righteous, and whose declarations are inescapable. This affirmation removes any doubt about the origin or the ultimate fulfillment of the "woe," affirming that this is a direct, authoritative oracle from the supreme ruler of all.

#### Literary Devices
[Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - The Woe of Jerusalem's Wickedness"), though concise, employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Interjection**, specifically the repeated "woe" (Hebrew: _'oy_), which functions as a cry of lament, a solemn warning, and a definitive pronouncement of doom. The deliberate **Repetition** of "woe, woe" intensifies this cry, amplifying the sense of impending catastrophe and simultaneously conveying the depth of divine grief. The verse is also a clear example of **Divine Oracle**, explicitly stating "saith the Lord GOD," which lends absolute authority, certainty, and inevitability to the pronouncement, indicating that this is a direct word from the ultimate sovereign. Furthermore, within the broader context of [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness and Judgment"), the entire chapter masterfully utilizes **Allegory** (Jerusalem as a harlot) and **Personification** (Jerusalem depicted as a woman who commits spiritual adultery), making this verse a direct, climactic address within that extended metaphorical framework, serving as the culmination of judgment within the narrative of her profound unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - God's Woe over Jerusalem's Wickedness") profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God is both holy and just, and that persistent, unrepentant sin inevitably incurs divine judgment. It reveals God's character as one who grieves deeply over the rebellion of His people, yet whose righteousness and covenant fidelity demand a response to profound wickedness, especially covenant breaking and idolatry. The "woe" is not merely an angry outburst but a sorrowful declaration of the natural and spiritual consequences of turning away from the source of life and embracing death. It underscores the severity of spiritual idolatry, which God views as the ultimate betrayal of His covenant love and a profound act of spiritual adultery. This verse serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful and long-suffering, His justice is absolute, and there are dire consequences for those who spurn His grace and persist in rebellion against His holy character.

* [Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good")
* [Jeremiah 13:27](/jeremiah/13-27 "Jeremiah 13:27 - Jerusalem's Adultery and Abominations")
* [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Hosea 4:1-2 - God's Indictment Against Israel's Unfaithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - The Woe of Jerusalem's Wickedness"), while historically addressed to ancient Jerusalem, offers timeless and profoundly sobering spiritual lessons for individuals and communities in every generation. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable reality that God takes sin, particularly spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, with utmost seriousness. The "woe" is a powerful, almost visceral, reminder that our actions have inescapable consequences, and persistent rebellion against God's loving authority will inevitably lead to spiritual barrenness, brokenness, and ultimately, judgment. This verse challenges us to engage in a rigorous self-examination: What "wickedness" might we be tolerating, excusing, or even actively embracing in our lives? What subtle or overt idols have usurped God's rightful place in our affections, priorities, and worship? It calls us to a radical and immediate repentance, a decisive turning away from anything that constitutes spiritual adultery against our covenant Lord. Furthermore, it reveals God's own sorrow over our sin, reminding us that His judgment is not devoid of compassion or arbitrary malice, but is a just and necessary response from a holy heart that longs for our faithfulness, restoration, and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be engaging in "spiritual harlotry" by prioritizing things, desires, or relationships over my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of God's "woe" — His profound grief intertwined with His righteous judgment — deepen my understanding of His complex and holy character?**
* **What concrete steps can I take today to identify, confess, and root out persistent "wickedness" or idolatry in my own heart and daily practices?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment, as powerfully expressed in this verse, motivate me towards greater faithfulness, sincere repentance, and a deeper pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**What does the repeated "woe, woe" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "woe" (Hebrew: _'oy_) is a powerful literary device used to intensify the pronouncement. It signifies both a deep lament or profound sorrow from God over Jerusalem's unfaithfulness and a dire, certain threat of inescapable judgment and calamity. It communicates the immense gravity of her sin and the absolute severity of the impending consequences, emphasizing that God's judgment is not a light matter but a weighty, sorrowful, and necessary response to persistent rebellion.

**Why is Jerusalem depicted as a "harlot" in Ezekiel 16?**

Answer: The depiction of Jerusalem as a "harlot" is a vivid and potent allegory used throughout [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness and Judgment") to illustrate Israel's profound spiritual unfaithfulness to God. In the Old Testament, the covenant relationship between God and Israel is frequently portrayed as a sacred marriage bond. Just as a wife's infidelity breaks the marriage covenant, Israel's pursuit of other gods (idolatry) and reliance on foreign political alliances (instead of trusting in God alone) were considered spiritual adultery. This powerful imagery highlights the depth of their betrayal, the breaking of their sacred covenant vows made with Yahweh, and the profound offense this caused to their divine Husband.

**Does God truly feel sorrow when He brings judgment?**

Answer: Yes, the prophetic literature, including the book of Ezekiel, consistently portrays God as experiencing deep sorrow and grief over the sin and rebellion of His people, even as He pronounces and executes judgment. The "woe" in [Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - God's Woe over Jerusalem's Wickedness") is not merely an expression of divine anger but also of profound lament. God's judgment is never arbitrary or malicious; it is a just and necessary response to sin that grieves His holy heart, much like a loving parent grieves over a rebellious child's self-destructive choices. His ultimate desire is always for repentance, reconciliation, and restoration, but when persistent wickedness prevails and covenant terms are repeatedly violated, judgment becomes an inevitable and sorrowful necessity to uphold His righteousness and holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Ezekiel 16:23](/ezekiel/16-23 "Ezekiel 16:23 - The Woe of Jerusalem's Wickedness"), with its pronouncement of "woe" over Jerusalem's accumulated wickedness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "woe" declared here represents the just consequence of humanity's rebellion, spiritual harlotry, and idolatry—a condemnation that every sinner justly deserves. However, the ultimate "woe" for sin was not poured out on the unfaithful city or on humanity, but on the sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, who "became sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment and absorbed the "woe" against all human wickedness, as profoundly foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice and Suffering"). He, the perfect Lamb of God, took upon Himself the divine lament and the curse of the Law, so that all who believe in Him might be delivered from the "woe" of eternal condemnation and experience true freedom ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the covenant broken by Israel's profound wickedness is now perfectly fulfilled and eternally renewed in the new covenant established by His precious blood, offering complete forgiveness, radical transformation, and reconciliation to all who turn from their own spiritual idolatry and embrace Him as Lord and Savior ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Thus, the "woe" that fell upon Christ on the cross miraculously transforms the "woe" justly due to us into the blessed assurance of salvation, eternal life, and an unbreakable covenant relationship with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Matthew 23:29

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

Revelation 8:13

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Ezekiel 13:18

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the [women] that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive [that come] unto you?

Ezekiel 13:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

Revelation 12:12

¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Jeremiah 13:27

I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, [and] thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when [shall it] once [be]?