Ezekiel 16:63

KJV

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou mayest remember {H2142}, and be confounded {H954}, and never open {H6610} thy mouth {H6310} any more because {H6440} of thy shame {H3639}, when I am pacified {H3722} toward thee for all that thou hast done {H6213}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you will remember and be so ashamed that you will never open your mouth again, so ashamed will you be when I have forgiven you all that you have done,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

so that when I make atonement for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your disgrace, declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I have forgiven thee all that thou hast done, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 16:63 serves as the climactic resolution to God's profound allegorical indictment and subsequent promise of restoration for Jerusalem. It reveals that God's unmerited grace, extended through a renewed covenant despite Israel's egregious spiritual harlotry, will lead to a deep and lasting sense of shame and humility. This shame is not punitive but redemptive, fostering a profound recognition of divine mercy that silences all self-justification and ultimately brings about a state of peace and reconciliation with the Lord GOD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 16 is a masterfully crafted and extended allegory, one of the most vivid in the Old Testament, portraying Jerusalem's spiritual journey from a helpless foundling, rescued and adorned by God, to an unfaithful harlot. The preceding verses meticulously detail Jerusalem's history of idolatry and unholy alliances, leading to severe divine judgment. However, the narrative takes a surprising and pivotal turn from judgment to an astonishing promise of restoration in [Ezekiel 16:53-63](/ezekiel/16-53-63 "Ezekiel 16:53-63 - Promise of Restoration"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 16:60-62](/ezekiel/16-60-62 "Ezekiel 16:60-62 - God Remembers His Covenant and Establishes a New One") declares God's remembrance of His covenant and His establishment of an everlasting covenant, emphasizing that this is not based on Jerusalem's merit but solely on His steadfast faithfulness. Verse 63 provides the emotional and theological climax of this promise, describing the profound internal impact of God's undeserved grace on the recipient, culminating in a state of humble silence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (circa 597-571 BC), a time of immense national humiliation and spiritual reckoning for the people of Judah. The allegorical portrayal of Jerusalem as a harlot would have resonated deeply with a people who had repeatedly broken their covenant vows with Yahweh by adopting foreign gods and engaging in politically motivated alliances, mirroring the promiscuity of a prostitute. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *kᵉlimmâh*) was a powerful social and religious deterrent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with public disgrace, loss of honor, and a profound sense of humiliation before others and before God. For Israel, this shame was particularly acute given their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, which they had so flagrantly violated. The promise of God being "pacified" (Hebrew: *kâphar*) would have evoked the familiar sacrificial system, where atonement brought reconciliation and peace, even as the context here points to a divine act of grace far beyond human ritual, highlighting God's sovereign initiative in restoring the relationship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Grace and Unmerited Forgiveness**, highlighting God's sovereign choice to forgive and restore despite profound sin, as seen in the promise of a new heart and spirit in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Connected to this is the theme of **Profound Shame Leading to Humility**, where the realization of God's boundless mercy in the face of one's own depravity silences all self-justification and leads to genuine, transformative humility. This is a "godly sorrow" that brings repentance without regret (cf. [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance")). Finally, it underscores **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that even when humanity breaks its side of the covenant, God remains true to His promises, establishing a "new covenant" as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). This verse beautifully ties together God's character, human response, and the enduring nature of His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word signifies not merely a passive mental recall, but an active, relational remembering that leads to a profound internal shift and subsequent action. In this context, Israel is to "remember" the full extent of their past unfaithfulness and God's subsequent, undeserved grace. This remembrance is not for condemnation but for profound transformation, leading to humility and a recognition of God's character and His steadfast love.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This term conveys a deep sense of shame, disgrace, or humiliation, often to the point of being speechless, unable to look up, or utterly put to confusion. Here, it describes a righteous shame that arises from the stark contrast between Israel's egregious sin and God's overwhelming, unmerited mercy. It is a transformative shame that breaks pride and self-righteousness, rather than a shame that leads to despair or self-pity.
* **pacified (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** This is a crucial theological term, meaning "to cover," "to atone for," "to make propitiation," or "to appease." It is the root of the concept of "atonement" and signifies God's righteous wrath being appeased or satisfied, leading to reconciliation and forgiveness. In this verse, it emphasizes God's sovereign and unilateral act of dealing with sin, removing the cause of His righteous anger, and restoring peace and communion with His unfaithful people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou mayest remember":** This clause introduces the ultimate purpose and intended outcome of God's gracious act of pacification. The restoration is not merely external but deeply internal, designed to prompt Israel to vividly recall their entire history of rebellion and God's consistent, unmerited, and compassionate intervention. This remembrance is foundational to the subsequent emotional and spiritual response.
* **"and be confounded":** As a direct and inevitable result of remembering their profound sin in the brilliant light of God's overwhelming mercy, Israel will experience a deep, transformative shame and confusion. This is not a destructive or condemning shame, but one that strips away all pride, self-justification, and self-righteousness, exposing the true depth of their unworthiness and the magnitude of God's grace.
* **"and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame":** This is a powerful hyperbolic expression conveying absolute humility, speechless awe, and the complete cessation of self-defense, boasting, or complaint. The shame will be so profound and overwhelming that all attempts at self-justification or rationalization will cease. It signifies a complete surrender to God's righteous judgment and, more importantly, a humble acceptance of His gracious pardon. This silence is a mark of true repentance and a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and grace.
* **"when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done":** This is the divine catalyst and the ultimate source of Israel's transformation. The profound change in Israel's heart is not self-generated but is a direct, Spirit-wrought response to God's unilateral, gracious, and sovereign act of "pacifying" or atoning for their sins. It underscores that this reconciliation is entirely God's initiative, dealing decisively with their past "done" (Hebrew: *ʻâsâh*) actions, which encompass their entire history of rebellion and spiritual harlotry.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase, using the majestic and authoritative title **Adonai Yahweh** (H136, H3069), serves as a divine oracle, emphasizing the absolute authority, certainty, and covenant faithfulness of the One making this declaration. It assures the reader that this astonishing promise of grace, reconciliation, and its transformative effect is a direct, undeniable, and immutable word from the sovereign God, guaranteeing its fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 16:63 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The phrase "never open thy mouth any more" is a powerful **hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and profound nature of the shame and humility that will overwhelm Israel. It is not meant literally, but rather to convey a complete and utter cessation of self-justification, boasting, or complaint in the face of God's overwhelming grace. The verse also exhibits **divine oracle** through the concluding "saith the Lord GOD," which authenticates the pronouncement as a direct, authoritative, and unchangeable word from God Himself, lending immense weight and certainty to the promise of future reconciliation and transformation. Furthermore, there is a profound **irony** at play: God's astounding grace, rather than leading to presumption or pride, paradoxically leads to a deep, redemptive shame. This shame is not punitive but a necessary and transformative step towards true humility, genuine repentance, and a right relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 16:63 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's grace, when fully apprehended, leads not to presumption but to deep humility and a silencing of all self-righteousness. It is a testament to the transformative power of undeserved mercy. This verse highlights that true repentance is not merely sorrow for consequences, but a profound shame for one's sin, particularly when confronted with the boundless and unmerited love of God. This shame, born of grace, is a gift that breaks the power of pride and self-justification, preparing the heart for genuine reconciliation and humble obedience. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people are utterly faithless, demonstrating His character as a God who initiates reconciliation and brings about spiritual renewal through His own sovereign act of atonement. This divine initiative is the very heart of the gospel.

* [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")
* [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 16:63 offers a profound mirror for personal reflection on the nature of grace and repentance. In a world that often seeks to minimize sin, justify self, or escape accountability, this verse reminds us that a true encounter with God's boundless mercy exposes the depth of our unworthiness and leads to a profound, humbling shame. This is not a destructive shame that leads to despair or self-condemnation, but a redemptive shame that silences our excuses, breaks our pride, and opens us to a life of genuine gratitude and humble submission. When we truly grasp that God has "pacified" His righteous wrath towards us, not because of our merit or good deeds, but solely because of His own gracious initiative in Christ, our only fitting response is a silenced mouth and a heart overflowing with worship. It calls us to live in constant remembrance of our past failures and God's overwhelming grace, fostering a life characterized by humility, gratitude, and a deep, abiding desire to honor the One who has so mercifully dealt with our sin and offered us full reconciliation. This verse encourages a posture of continuous awe and dependence on God's undeserved favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unmerited grace lead to a deeper sense of humility rather than presumption in your own life and spiritual walk?**
* **In what practical ways might "never opening your mouth any more" manifest in your daily interactions, particularly in ceasing self-justification or boasting?**
* **How does the concept of God being "pacified" through His own initiative inform and deepen your understanding of atonement and forgiveness in your personal faith?**
* **What specific areas of your life might God be calling you to remember your sin and His overwhelming grace, leading to a profound, transformative shame and humble silence before Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "never open thy mouth any more" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful hyperbolic expression signifying profound and lasting humility, shame, and a complete cessation of all self-justification or boasting. It does not mean literal silence but rather that Israel will be so overwhelmed by the realization of their egregious sin in light of God's immense and undeserved mercy that they will have no grounds or desire to defend themselves, complain, or boast about their own righteousness. It speaks to a complete surrender to God's righteous judgment and gracious pardon, leading to a humble and grateful acceptance of His will. This kind of silence is a mark of true repentance and a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and grace, as also seen in [Romans 3:19](/romans/3-19 "Romans 3:19 - All the World Accountable to God"), where the law silences every mouth before God.

**Is the "shame" mentioned here a negative or positive outcome?**

Answer: While shame often carries negative connotations and can be destructive, in this biblical context, it is presented as a profoundly positive and redemptive outcome. It is a "righteous shame" or "godly sorrow" (cf. [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance")) that arises from the stark contrast between Israel's deep unfaithfulness and God's astonishing, unmerited grace. This shame is not punitive or despair-inducing but transformative. It breaks pride, silences self-justification, and leads to genuine humility, gratitude, and a renewed desire to live in accordance with God's will. It is a necessary and healthy step towards true reconciliation and spiritual healing, allowing one to fully embrace God's undeserved favor without clinging to self-righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 16:63 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "pacification" of God's wrath, the covering of sin (Hebrew: *kâphar*), which was foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system and promised to Israel, is perfectly and finally accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood serves as the perfect propitiation for our sins, fully satisfying God's righteous demands and turning away His wrath (cf. [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). When we, like Israel, recognize the depth of our sin and rebellion against a holy God, and then grasp the immeasurable, unmerited grace extended to us through Christ's death and glorious resurrection, we too are "confounded" and silenced by a profound, redemptive shame. This shame is not one of condemnation, but of overwhelming gratitude and awe that despite our utter unworthiness, God has reconciled us to Himself through His Son (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). In Christ, the new covenant promised to Israel is established for all who believe, enabling us to live in humble, grateful obedience, our mouths silenced not by despair, but by the awe of God's perfect love and the finished work of our Savior (cf. [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superior New Covenant")).

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

Psalms 39:9

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Daniel 9:7

O Lord, righteousness [belongeth] unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, [that are] near, and [that are] far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

Daniel 9:8

O Lord, to us [belongeth] confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.

Job 40:4

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Job 40:5

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.