Ezekiel 22:10

KJV

In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.

KJV (with Strong's)

In thee have they discovered {H1540} their fathers {H1}' nakedness {H6172}: in thee have they humbled {H6031} her that was set apart {H5079} for pollution {H2931}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in you, they commit incest; in you, they force themselves on women during their menstrual impurity.

Berean Standard Bible

In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity.

American Standard Version

In thee have they uncovered their fathers’ nakedness; in thee have they humbled her that was unclean in her impurity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:10 delivers a scathing indictment against Jerusalem, exposing two egregious forms of sexual sin that permeated its society: incestuous relations and sexual acts with menstruating women. These transgressions were not merely social improprieties but direct affronts to God's covenantal laws, demonstrating a profound disregard for purity, family sanctity, and the divine order. This verse serves as a stark illustration of the deep moral decay that contributed to God's righteous judgment upon the city, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin from the highest levels of society to the most intimate family units.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful prophetic oracle often termed the "Indictment of Jerusalem" or "The Bloody City." Following a series of prophecies against various nations, Ezekiel shifts his focus back to Jerusalem, detailing a comprehensive list of its sins that have provoked God's wrath and impending judgment. The chapter opens with a direct accusation from the Lord concerning Jerusalem's bloodshed and idolatry (e.g., [Ezekiel 22:3-4](/ezekiel/22-3 "Ezekiel 22:3-4 - Jerusalem's Idolatry and Bloodshed")). This verse (22:10) is embedded within a litany of specific moral failings, including oppression of the weak, bribery, usury, and profaning holy things, all of which underscore the city's complete spiritual and moral bankruptcy. It stands as a testament to the pervasive corruption that had infiltrated every aspect of Judahite society, from its leaders to its common people, justifying the severe divine punishment of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, speaking to a people who had either already been deported or were soon to face the final destruction of Jerusalem. The sins enumerated in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Sins of Jerusalem") reflect a society that had systematically abandoned the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the laws concerning holiness and justice. Incest and sexual relations with a menstruating woman were strictly forbidden under the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 18:6-20](/leviticus/18-6 "Leviticus 18:6-20 - Forbidden Sexual Relations") and [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws Concerning Menstruation")). These prohibitions were foundational to Israel's identity as a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding pagan cultures which often practiced such acts. The violation of these laws indicated a complete assimilation into the moral depravity of the Canaanite nations, a behavior for which God had previously expelled those nations from the land (cf. [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Consequences of Impurity")). Jerusalem's actions were a direct repudiation of their covenantal obligations and a defilement of the land itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Profound Moral Corruption**, demonstrating how deeply sexual immorality had permeated the social fabric, reaching into the most sacred familial relationships and violating fundamental purity laws. Secondly, it underscores the **Violation of Covenant and Holiness**, as these specific sexual sins were direct transgressions of the Mosaic Law, representing a rejection of God's call for Israel to be a holy people (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Its Justification**. The severity and pervasiveness of these sins, alongside others listed in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Sins of Jerusalem"), provide irrefutable evidence that Jerusalem's impending destruction was not arbitrary but a just consequence of its persistent rebellion and defilement. Finally, it touches on the **Defilement of the Land**, a recurring motif in Ezekiel, where the sins of the people pollute the very ground they inhabit, necessitating divine cleansing through judgment and exile (cf. [Ezekiel 36:17](/ezekiel/36-17 "Ezekiel 36:17 - Israel's Defilement of the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **discovered (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H1540) primarily means "to denude," especially in a disgraceful sense. By implication, it can mean "to exile" (as captives were often stripped) or figuratively "to reveal." In the context of "nakedness," it serves as a euphemism for illicit sexual intercourse, emphasizing the act of uncovering or exposing that which should remain hidden and private, thereby bringing shame and disgrace.
* **nakedness (Hebrew, _ʻervâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bare," this word (H6172) refers to nudity, specifically the pudenda. Figuratively, it denotes disgrace or blemish. In the Old Testament, "nakedness" is frequently used euphemistically in legal and moral contexts to refer to forbidden sexual relations, particularly incest, as detailed in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"). To "discover nakedness" means to engage in such prohibited sexual acts.
* **set apart for pollution (Hebrew, _niddâh'_):** This term (H5079) comes from a root meaning "to reject" or "to separate." It properly signifies "rejection" and, by implication, "impurity," especially personal impurity like menstruation. It is closely related to the concept of being "foul in a religious sense" (H2931, _ṭâmêʼ_). A woman in her menstrual period was considered ritually unclean and "set apart" from the community for a specific duration, during which sexual contact was strictly forbidden (cf. [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Leviticus 15:19-24 - Laws of Menstruation")). Violating this law was a severe offense, demonstrating a profound disregard for God's purity codes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In thee have they discovered their fathers' nakedness":** This clause accuses Jerusalem (and its inhabitants) of engaging in incestuous relationships or other highly forbidden sexual acts within the family or kinship group. The phrase "fathers' nakedness" refers to the nakedness of a near relative, particularly a mother, stepmother, or daughter-in-law, relationships explicitly prohibited in [Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relations"). The use of "discovered" (H1540, _gâlâh_) here is a euphemism for sexual intercourse, highlighting the violation and exposure of sacred family boundaries. This indicates a complete breakdown of moral order and a profound disrespect for familial purity and the sanctity of life.
* **"in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution."**: This second clause condemns Jerusalem for engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period. To "humble" (H6031, _ʻânâh_) in this context means to violate, oppress, or defile, often with sexual connotations. "Her that was set apart for pollution" refers to a woman in her state of ritual impurity due to menstruation (H5079, _niddâh_). According to Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 15:24](/leviticus/15-24 "Leviticus 15:24 - Defilement through Menstruation")), such contact rendered both parties ritually unclean. This transgression underscores the city's contempt for God's laws concerning ritual purity and holiness, demonstrating a pervasive disregard for divine commands that extended even to the most intimate aspects of life.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of severe condemnation. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, where "discovered their fathers' nakedness" and "humbled her that was set apart for pollution" serve as indirect, yet universally understood, references to incestuous relations and sexual intercourse during menstruation, respectively. This indirect language, common in biblical texts dealing with sensitive topics, does not diminish the gravity of the accusations but rather emphasizes their heinous nature. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "In thee... in thee," which acts as a form of **Anaphora**, powerfully emphasizing Jerusalem's direct culpability and the internal source of its corruption. The city itself is presented as the locus of these abominations. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a legal **Indictment**, with God acting as the divine prosecutor, listing specific charges against the accused city. This legalistic framework underscores the justice and righteousness of the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:10 powerfully illustrates the profound spiritual decay of Jerusalem, revealing how deeply the city had fallen from God's covenantal standards. The specific sins of incest and defilement through menstrual impurity were not merely social taboos but direct violations of God's explicit commands, designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation. These acts represented a rejection of divine order, a desecration of family sanctity, and a contempt for the purity necessary for fellowship with a holy God. The verse underscores the interconnectedness of moral, ritual, and spiritual purity, showing that a breakdown in one area inevitably leads to corruption in others, ultimately inviting divine judgment. It highlights the principle that God's holiness demands a corresponding holiness from His people, and persistent rebellion against this standard leads to severe consequences.

* [Leviticus 18:6-20](/leviticus/18-6 "Laws Concerning Forbidden Sexual Relations"): Details the specific prohibitions against incestuous relationships, which Jerusalem flagrantly violated.
* [Leviticus 20:11-12](/leviticus/20-11 "Penalties for Incest"): Prescribes the death penalty for those who engage in such abominations, underscoring their severity in God's eyes.
* [Leviticus 15:24](/leviticus/15-24 "Defilement through Menstruation"): Outlines the laws regarding defilement through a menstruating woman, a law that Jerusalem's inhabitants deliberately disregarded.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:10 serves as a sobering reminder that God's moral standards are timeless and immutable, transcending cultural contexts. The specific sins detailed—incest and disregard for purity laws—speak to universal principles of sexual purity, respect for human dignity, and adherence to divine law. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the critical importance of upholding God's design for sexuality and relationships, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that our actions have profound spiritual implications. It calls us to examine our own lives and societies for areas where God's commands regarding purity and holiness might be disregarded, whether overtly or subtly. The judgment on Jerusalem reminds us that persistent sin, especially that which defiles sacred relationships and disregards divine boundaries, invites severe consequences. We are called to live lives of integrity, reflecting God's holiness in all our conduct, and to champion purity and justice in a world that often dismisses divine standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific nature of the sins in Ezekiel 22:10 (incest, defilement through menstrual impurity) reveal the depth of Jerusalem's moral corruption?**
* **In what ways might modern societies, including Christian communities, be subtly or overtly disregarding God's design for sexual purity and family sanctity?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and communities take to cultivate a greater reverence for God's holiness and His standards for relationships?**
* **How does understanding the consequences of sin in Ezekiel's time deepen our appreciation for God's grace and the path to repentance offered in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "discovered their fathers' nakedness" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a euphemism for engaging in incestuous sexual relations, specifically with a close female relative such as a mother, stepmother, or daughter-in-law. It refers to the violation of the most fundamental family boundaries and is a direct transgression of the explicit prohibitions found in [Leviticus 18:6-18](/leviticus/18-6 "Forbidden Degrees of Kinship"). Such acts were considered abominations that defiled both the individuals and the land.

**Why was sexual contact with a menstruating woman considered a serious sin?**

Answer: According to the Mosaic Law, a woman was considered ritually unclean during her menstrual period, and any sexual contact with her during this time was strictly forbidden, rendering both parties unclean (e.g., [Leviticus 15:19-24](/leviticus/15-19 "Laws of Menstruation")). This prohibition was part of a broader system of purity laws designed to teach Israel about God's holiness and the need for separation from anything defiling. Violating this law demonstrated a profound disregard for God's ordained order of holiness and separation, blurring the lines between the clean and the unclean, and thus was a serious offense against divine command.

**How does Ezekiel 22:10 relate to the broader theme of judgment in the book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 22:10 is a specific charge within a comprehensive indictment against Jerusalem, justifying the impending divine judgment and destruction of the city. The detailed list of sins, including these profound sexual immoralities, demonstrates that Jerusalem's punishment was not arbitrary but a righteous response to its persistent and pervasive rebellion against God's covenant. It underscores the theme that sin, especially when it becomes deeply ingrained and widespread, inevitably leads to divine wrath and consequences, serving as a stark warning of God's justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:10, with its stark portrayal of profound moral and ritual impurity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Law, which exposed Israel's inability to maintain the required standards of purity and holiness, points forward to the one who perfectly fulfills its righteous demands. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to cleanse humanity from all defilement, both moral and ritual. His sacrifice on the cross addresses the root of sin, which led to the abominations in Ezekiel's day, offering a complete and final atonement for all unrighteousness (cf. [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through Christ, believers are not merely declared clean but are made new creations, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of genuine holiness that surpass the external requirements of the Old Covenant (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). The Church, as the new temple of God, is called to embody the purity that ancient Jerusalem failed to uphold, living as a holy people set apart for God's glory, reflecting the transforming power of Christ (cf. [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")). In Christ, the defilement of sin is overcome, and true purity and intimacy with God are made possible.

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

Leviticus 18:19

¶ Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness.

Leviticus 20:11

And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Ezekiel 18:6

[And] hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,

Leviticus 18:7

The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she [is] thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Leviticus 18:8

The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it [is] thy father's nakedness.

Leviticus 20:18

And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath discovered her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

1 Corinthians 5:1

¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.