Ezekiel 20:48

KJV

And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all flesh {H1320} shall see {H7200} that I the LORD {H3068} have kindled {H1197} it: it shall not be quenched {H3518}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All humanity will see that I, ADONAI, lit it; it will not be put out."'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be quenched.”

American Standard Version

And all flesh shall see that I, Jehovah, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:48 serves as the climactic declaration of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, powerfully asserting the absolute certainty and public nature of God's impending retribution. This verse proclaims that the coming destruction, vividly depicted as an unquenchable fire ignited by the LORD Himself, will be universally witnessed, leaving no doubt about its divine origin and unstoppable force. It underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness in executing the consequences for persistent rebellion and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the stark conclusion to a potent prophetic oracle found in [Ezekiel 20:45-48](/ezekiel/20-45-48 "Ezekiel 20:45-48 - Prophecy Against the South"). The immediate preceding verses introduce a powerful metaphor: God's intention to set a "fire" in the "forest of the South field" ([Ezekiel 20:46](/ezekiel/20-46 "Ezekiel 20:46 - The Forest of the South")). This fire is prophesied to consume "every green tree" and "every dry tree" ([Ezekiel 20:47](/ezekiel/20-47 "Ezekiel 20:47 - Indiscriminate Judgment")), signifying a comprehensive and indiscriminate judgment upon all inhabitants of Judah, irrespective of their perceived righteousness or wickedness. This particular oracle is situated within the broader narrative of [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions and God's Judgment"), a chapter where God meticulously recounts Israel's long and consistent history of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience, stretching from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, and into the Promised Land. Thus, the "fire" in verse 48 is presented as the inevitable and ultimate consequence of centuries of covenant unfaithfulness, serving as the definitive declaration of the judgment God has promised.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically to the exiles in Babylon. The "fire" metaphor in [Ezekiel 20:48](/ezekiel/20-48 "Ezekiel 20:48 - Unquenchable Fire of Judgment") directly foreshadows the impending and devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple by the Babylonian army, an event that tragically materialized in 586 BC. This catastrophe was not merely a geopolitical conflict but was profoundly understood by the biblical prophets as God's righteous instrument of judgment against His persistently rebellious people. In the Ancient Near East, fire was a pervasive and potent symbol of divine wrath, purification, and overwhelming destructive power, often intrinsically linked to the consuming presence and holiness of deity. The declaration "all flesh shall see" carries significant cultural weight, implying that the surrounding Gentile nations, who frequently observed the rise and fall of various kingdoms, would unmistakably recognize the sovereign hand of Yahweh in Judah's downfall, thereby publicly vindicating His justice, power, and covenant faithfulness on a grand, international stage.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 20:48](/ezekiel/20-48 "Ezekiel 20:48 - Unquenchable Fire of Judgment") powerfully encapsulates and contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **God's Absolute Sovereignty in Judgment**, asserting that the impending catastrophe is not a random misfortune but a deliberate and intentional act initiated directly by the LORD Himself ("I the LORD have kindled it"). This underscores God's supreme control over all historical events, even those involving immense suffering, as He orchestrates them to fulfill His righteous and holy purposes, a theme consistently echoed in divine judgments throughout biblical history, such as God's judgment against [Egypt during the Exodus](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin") or the cataclysmic destruction of [Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). Secondly, the phrase "And all flesh shall see" powerfully emphasizes the theme of **Universal Witness to God's Justice**. God's judgments are not executed in secret but are made manifest for all humanity to observe, thereby revealing His unparalleled power, unwavering justice, and steadfast faithfulness to His word. This public display ultimately brings glory to His name among the nations, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His glory among the nations"). Finally, the declaration "it shall not be quenched" underscores the **Irreversibility and Finality of God's Decree**. Once God's judgment is set in motion, no human power, no natural force, and no intervention can halt, diminish, or reverse its full completion, illustrating the unyielding steadfastness of God's word and His eternal purpose (cf. [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** (H1320) This term, derived from its freshness, refers to the physical body or person, encompassing all humanity. In this context, "all flesh" signifies every living being—both the inhabitants of Judah and the surrounding Gentile nations—emphasizing the universal scope of the witness to God's judgment, implying that all will observe and recognize the divine hand at work in the impending destruction.
* **kindled (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** (H1197) A primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "to consume (by fire or by eating)." Its use here highlights God's active, deliberate, and forceful initiation of the destructive fire. It is not an accidental or random event but a direct, intentional act of divine agency, unequivocally underscoring His responsibility for the judgment and its origin.
* **quenched (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** (H3518) A primitive root meaning "to expire" or "to extinguish (fire, light, anger)." The negative construction "shall not be quenched" conveys absolute certainty, irresistibility, and finality. Once God's judgment is ignited, it cannot be put out, stopped, or diminished by any human or natural force, signifying its complete and irreversible nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all flesh shall see":** This opening clause emphatically declares the public and universal nature of the impending divine judgment. It implies that the destruction of Judah will be so profound, unmistakable, and widely visible that every person, both within Israel and among the surrounding nations, will witness it and recognize it as a direct act of God, rather than merely a political or military outcome.
* **"that I the LORD have kindled it":** This is a direct, first-person divine assertion, powerfully emphasizing God's personal agency, sovereign initiation, and ultimate control over the judgment. The "it" refers to the "fire" (implied from the preceding verses), making it clear that this catastrophe is not a random disaster but a deliberate, righteous act initiated by Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This statement removes any doubt about the source of the calamity, attributing it solely to God's holy and just will.
* **"it shall not be quenched":** This concluding declaration underscores the absolute, irreversible, and unstoppable nature of the judgment once it has begun. There will be no halting its progress, no mitigating its devastating effects, and no escaping its full and complete execution. It conveys the finality of God's decree and the utter futility of any human attempt to resist, avert, or diminish its impact.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:48 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound and sobering message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "fire" represents God's consuming judgment and wrath, and the "forest of the South" (from the preceding verses) vividly symbolizes Judah and Jerusalem. This **Metaphor** of fire communicates with striking clarity the destructive power, thoroughness, and inevitability of the impending divine wrath. The phrase "all flesh shall see" utilizes a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread, undeniable, and universal visibility of God's judgment, ensuring that its impact and divine origin are recognized by all. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Declaration** or **Assertion**, with God explicitly stating His actions and their unalterable consequences, thereby reinforcing His absolute sovereignty, the certainty of His word, and the unyielding nature of His righteous decrees.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:48 stands as a stark and uncompromising reminder of God's unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty, especially when His covenant people persist in flagrant rebellion and idolatry. It underscores the profound truth that God's patience has definite limits, and His warnings are never empty threats but carry the weight of divine authority. The imagery of the "unquenchable fire" is a potent and terrifying depiction of divine wrath, demonstrating unequivocally that God is not to be trifled with, and His moral order will ultimately be upheld with unwavering resolve. This verse also highlights the public and universally observable nature of God's dealings with humanity, ensuring that His character—His omnipotence, His perfect justice, and His steadfast faithfulness—is revealed to all nations through His decisive actions in history. It serves as a theological anchor, affirming that even amidst seemingly chaotic and devastating events, God remains firmly in control, meticulously orchestrating outcomes according to His righteous and sovereign will.

* [Jeremiah 4:4](/jeremiah/4-4 "Jeremiah 4:4 - God's Wrath Like Fire") - "Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings."
* [Matthew 3:12](/matthew/3-12 "Matthew 3:12 - John the Baptist's Prophecy of Unquenchable Fire") - "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
* [Mark 9:43](/mark/9-43 "Mark 9:43 - The Fire That Never Shall Be Quenched") - "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:48 offers a profoundly sobering and vital reflection for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding reverence for God's holiness and uncompromising justice, reminding us that He is not exclusively a God of love, but also a righteous judge who will not indefinitely tolerate persistent sin and rebellion. The "unquenchable fire" serves as a powerful and inescapable metaphor for the inevitable consequences of prolonged disobedience, urging us to take God's warnings with utmost seriousness and to strive to live lives characterized by humble obedience and sincere repentance. Furthermore, the declaration that "all flesh shall see" God's judgment should impress upon us the public and observable nature of God's dealings with humanity. This means that our lives, both individually and collectively as the Church, are intended to be a compelling witness to the world concerning God's character. How we respond to His commands, whether through faithful obedience or defiant rebellion, can either profoundly glorify or tragically dishonor His name before a watching world. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a greater and more profound awareness of God's absolute sovereignty, prompting us to trust that even in the most difficult and challenging times, He is meticulously working His righteous purposes, and to live in a manner that consistently reflects His divine righteousness and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "unquenchable fire" of judgment challenge or deepen your understanding of His character, particularly in relation to His boundless love and infinite mercy?**
* **In what tangible ways might "all flesh" today "see" God's sovereign hand at work in contemporary historical events or in the transformative lives of individuals and communities? What is our specific role in making His actions known?**
* **Considering the absolute irreversibility of God's decree ("it shall not be quenched"), what profound implications does this have for how seriously we approach sin, genuine repentance, and consistent obedience in our own lives and in the life of the Church?**

### FAQ
**What does the "fire" in Ezekiel 20:48 symbolize?**

Answer: The "fire" in Ezekiel 20:48 is a potent and vivid symbol of God's consuming judgment and righteous wrath. In the immediate context of [Ezekiel 20:46-47](/ezekiel/20-46-47 "Ezekiel 20:46-47 - The Forest of the South on Fire"), it directly refers to the impending and devastating destruction of Judah and Jerusalem by the Babylonian army. This destruction is portrayed not as a mere geopolitical conflict or natural disaster, but as a divinely initiated and controlled act, signifying God's righteous response to Israel's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and covenant unfaithfulness throughout their long history. It represents the thoroughness, severity, and purifying nature of divine punishment.

**Does this verse suggest God is only a God of judgment and not mercy?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 20:48 powerfully emphasizes God's judgment, it is crucial to interpret it within the broader theological context of the entire book of Ezekiel and the complete biblical narrative. The book of Ezekiel, though replete with pronouncements of severe judgment, also contains profound and extensive messages of God's enduring mercy, future restoration, and ultimate hope, exemplified by the transformative vision of the [valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones") and the glorious promise of a new covenant and a new heart ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). God's judgment is always a just and holy response to persistent sin and rebellion, ultimately intended to bring about repentance, purification, and to uphold His perfect holiness and justice. His boundless mercy is always available to those who genuinely turn to Him in humility and faith.

**How does the phrase "all flesh shall see" relate to God's glory?**

Answer: The declaration "all flesh shall see" means that God's judgment against Judah would be so public, undeniable, and universally witnessed that everyone, both within Israel and among the Gentile nations, would observe and comprehend it. This public display of divine judgment served a crucial purpose: to vindicate God's character and to reveal His immense power, perfect justice, and unwavering faithfulness to a watching world. In this profound way, even through acts of severe judgment, God's glory is made manifest, demonstrating unequivocally that He is the sovereign LORD who meticulously keeps His word, whether in the form of blessings for obedience or judgments for rebellion. It underscores that God's actions are never hidden but are always intended to reveal His majestic nature and righteous attributes to all creation (cf. [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His glory among the nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:48, with its stark declaration of an unquenchable, divinely kindled fire of judgment destined to be witnessed by "all flesh," finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several interconnected ways. While the immediate historical context points to the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as both the ultimate embodiment of God's righteous judgment and the singular, perfect means of escape from it. The "fire" of God's wrath, which consumed Judah for its rebellion, ultimately and fully fell upon Christ on the cross (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")), where He voluntarily bore the full, unmitigated weight of divine judgment for the sins of humanity. Thus, for all who believe in Him, the "unquenchable fire" of condemnation is eternally averted, as there is "now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Furthermore, Christ is the One appointed by God to execute the final, universal judgment, where "every eye shall see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")) in His glorious return. On that day, He will definitively separate the righteous from the unrighteous, consigning the latter to an "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Therefore, while Ezekiel 20:48 powerfully warns of an inescapable divine judgment, it simultaneously foreshadows the coming of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation and deliverance from the very wrath it so vividly describes.

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

Jeremiah 7:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

2 Chronicles 7:20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.

2 Chronicles 7:22

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

Deuteronomy 29:28

And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

Lamentations 2:16

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

Lamentations 2:17

The LORD hath done [that] which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused [thine] enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.