Ezekiel 22:11

KJV

And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H376} hath committed {H6213} abomination {H8441} with his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802}; and another {H376} hath lewdly {H2154} defiled {H2930} his daughter in law {H3618}; and another {H376} in thee hath humbled {H6031} his sister {H269}, his father's {H1} daughter {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In you, one commits an abomination with his neighbor's wife; another commits some lewd act defiling his daughter-in-law; still another humbles his sister, his own father's daughter.

Berean Standard Bible

One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter.

American Standard Version

And one hath committed abomination with his neighbor’s wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father’s daughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:11 delivers a scathing indictment of the profound moral and spiritual decay that had permeated Jerusalem, meticulously detailing specific acts of sexual perversion—adultery and various forms of incest—that flagrantly violated God's covenant laws and utterly defiled the very fabric of society. This verse functions as a critical component within a larger prophetic catalog of sins, serving to justify God's righteous judgment upon the city and illustrating the deep-seated corruption that necessitated divine intervention and the impending Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 opens with a direct divine charge against Jerusalem, labeling it a "bloody city" and a place of utter spiritual corruption. The chapter systematically lists a litany of transgressions, beginning with bloodshed ([Ezekiel 22:1-6](/ezekiel/22-1-6 "Ezekiel 22:1-6 - Jerusalem's Sins of Bloodshed")), progressing to contempt for parents, oppression of the vulnerable, and profanation of sacred things ([Ezekiel 22:7-8](/ezekiel/22-7-8 "Ezekiel 22:7-8 - Sins Against the Vulnerable and Sacred")). The enumeration of sexual sins in Ezekiel 22:11 follows a pattern of escalating moral depravity, demonstrating that no sphere of life, not even the most intimate family relationships, remained untouched by the pervasive sin. This detailed catalog serves to justify God's impending judgment, which is explicitly declared in the subsequent verses, culminating in the promise of scattering and consuming the people with divine wrath ([Ezekiel 22:15-16](/ezekiel/22-15-16 "Ezekiel 22:15-16 - God's Fiery Judgment")). The verse fits squarely within Ezekiel's broader prophetic message of judgment against Judah for its persistent rebellion and idolatry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Ezekiel's ministry (c. 593-571 BC), Jerusalem was on the precipice of its final destruction by Babylon, having already experienced the first wave of exiles in 597 BC. The city was rife with social injustice, idolatry, and moral depravity, despite the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel himself. The sexual sins detailed in Ezekiel 22:11—adultery, incest with a daughter-in-law, and incest with a sister—were not merely private moral failings but public affronts to the Mosaic Law and the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Such acts were explicitly forbidden in the Torah (e.g., [the prohibitions in Leviticus 18](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relationships")), and their widespread practice indicated a complete breakdown of covenant fidelity and societal order. The cultural context reveals a society that had abandoned the moral framework given by God, leading to a state of internal rot that made it vulnerable to external judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 22:11 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel. First, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Violation**, demonstrating how Israel's persistent disregard for God's explicit commands, particularly those related to sexual purity and family integrity, broke the covenant established at Sinai. These sins were not merely social transgressions but acts of rebellion against God Himself. Second, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **Moral and Spiritual Corruption**, showing that the "bloody city" was not only guilty of physical violence but also deeply defiled by sexual immorality, which permeated all levels of society, from the public square to the private home. This corruption was a symptom of a deeper spiritual apostasy. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as these specific sins are presented as direct justifications for God's impending wrath and the subsequent scattering of His people among the nations, as prophesied in [Ezekiel's declaration of judgment](/ezekiel/22-15 "Ezekiel 22:15 - God's Judgment and Scattering"). The severity of the judgment directly correlates with the heinousness of the sins committed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term (H8441) signifies something utterly disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol; abominable (custom, thing), abomination. In the context of adultery, it elevates the sin beyond a mere social transgression to an act of profound spiritual defilement, placing it on par with the most grievous offenses against God's character and covenant.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This primitive root (H2930) means "to be foul," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. When used in conjunction with "lewdly" (H2154, _zimmâh_, meaning a plan, especially a bad one; heinous crime, lewd(-ly, -ness), mischief, purpose, thought, wicked (device, mind, -ness)), it emphasizes the profound impurity and desecration caused by the incestuous act with the daughter-in-law. This defilement was not just personal but also affected the community and the land.
* **Humbled (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root (H6031) means "to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows); abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for עָנָה), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for עָנָה), speak (by mistake for עָנָה), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. In this context, it is a euphemism for sexual violation, often implying rape or forced sexual intercourse. The phrase "humbled his sister, his father's daughter" underscores the violence, degradation, and profound betrayal inherent in the act, especially when perpetrated against a close family member, highlighting the complete breakdown of familial respect and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife":** This clause condemns adultery, a direct violation of the Seventh Commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")). The use of "abomination" (tôwʻêbah) indicates that this act was not merely a social misstep but a deeply offensive sin against God's holy character and the sacred institution of marriage, which He ordained. It speaks to a widespread disregard for marital fidelity and covenant faithfulness.
* **"and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law":** This clause refers to incest with a daughter-in-law, an act explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 18:15](/leviticus/18-15 "Leviticus 18:15 - Prohibitions against Incest with Daughter-in-Law")). The phrase "lewdly defiled" emphasizes the deliberate and heinous nature of the sin, highlighting the moral corruption and the desecration of family bonds. This act of "defilement" (ṭâmêʼ) renders the individual and, by extension, the community, ritually and morally unclean.
* **"and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter":** This final clause describes incest with a sister, also strictly prohibited by God's law ([Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibitions against Incest with Sister")). The term "humbled" (ʻânâh) is a euphemism for sexual violation, implying coercion or rape. The specific phrasing "his sister, his father's daughter" underscores the close familial relationship, making the act even more egregious and a profound betrayal of trust and natural affection. This highlights the complete collapse of moral boundaries within Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the depth of Jerusalem's depravity. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of "and one... and another... and another..." at the beginning of each clause. This rhetorical device emphasizes the widespread and pervasive nature of these heinous sins, suggesting they were not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a systemic moral collapse within the city. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Catalog of Sins**, meticulously listing specific transgressions to build a cumulative case for divine judgment, a common feature in prophetic literature. The use of **Euphemism** in "humbled his sister" for sexual violation softens the explicit language while still conveying the violent and degrading nature of the act, drawing attention to the profound betrayal and abuse of power within familial relationships. The graphic detail, though euphemistic, serves to shock the audience and underscore the severity of the moral decay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:11 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that God's holiness demands purity and that sin, particularly sexual sin, is a direct affront to His character and covenant. The specific acts enumerated—adultery and various forms of incest—are not merely social taboos but grave violations of divine law, reflecting a society that had utterly abandoned the moral framework given by Yahweh. These transgressions defiled the land and the people, demonstrating a profound spiritual apostasy that necessitated God's righteous judgment. The breakdown of family integrity and sexual purity was a clear sign of Israel's broken relationship with God, mirroring their spiritual unfaithfulness (often depicted as spiritual adultery in prophetic literature).

* [Leviticus 18:6-18](/leviticus/18-6-18 "Leviticus 18:6-18 - Laws Concerning Sexual Relationships")
* [Deuteronomy 27:20, 22-23](/deuteronomy/27-20-23 "Deuteronomy 27:20, 22-23 - Curses for Incest and Adultery")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable and the Marriage Bed Undefiled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:11 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of moral decay, particularly in the realm of sexual purity and family integrity. For individuals, it underscores the profound importance of personal holiness, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1_corinthians/6-19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). The verse calls us to guard against the insidious creep of impurity in thought, word, and deed, understanding that even seemingly private sins have broader implications for our relationship with God and the health of our communities. For societies, it warns that the erosion of foundational moral standards, especially those concerning marriage and family, inevitably leads to spiritual sickness and vulnerability to judgment. As believers, we are called to live counter-culturally, upholding God's design for sexuality and relationships, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in a world increasingly desensitized to sin. Our pursuit of holiness is not merely about avoiding judgment but about reflecting the character of our holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific nature of the sins in Ezekiel 22:11 highlight the depth of Jerusalem's spiritual corruption?**
* **In what ways might contemporary society be exhibiting similar patterns of disregard for God's standards concerning sexual purity and family integrity?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and the church take to uphold and promote God's design for sexuality and relationships in a challenging cultural climate?**
* **How does understanding the severity of these Old Testament sins deepen our appreciation for God's grace and forgiveness offered in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific sexual sins highlighted in Ezekiel's prophecy?**

Answer: These specific sins—adultery, incest with a daughter-in-law, and incest with a sister—are highlighted because they represent the most egregious violations of God's covenant laws concerning sexual purity and family structure, as detailed in [Leviticus 18, which lists forbidden sexual relationships](/leviticus/18 "Leviticus 18 - Forbidden Sexual Relationships") and [Deuteronomy 27, which pronounces curses for such acts](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Curses for Disobedience"). Their prevalence in Jerusalem indicated a complete breakdown of moral order and a profound disregard for God's holiness. These were not just social transgressions but acts of covenant rebellion that defiled the land and warranted severe divine judgment. By listing them, Ezekiel underscores the depth of Israel's apostasy and the justness of God's impending wrath.

**What does "humbled his sister" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "humbled his sister" (Hebrew: *ʻânâh*) is a common biblical euphemism for sexual violation, often implying rape or forced sexual intercourse. It signifies the act of debasing, degrading, or violating someone sexually. In the context of a sister, particularly "his father's daughter," it emphasizes the heinous nature of the act as a profound betrayal of familial trust and a violent abuse of power within a close relationship. This specific phrasing highlights the utter breakdown of natural affection and protection that should exist within a family, further illustrating the moral depravity of Jerusalem.

**What were the consequences of these sins for Jerusalem?**

Answer: The consequences of these widespread sins, along with other transgressions listed in Ezekiel 22, were severe divine judgment, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. God declared that He would "scatter them among the nations" and "disperse them through the countries" ([Ezekiel 22:15](/ezekiel/22-15 "Ezekiel 22:15 - God's Scattering Judgment")), consuming them with His wrath. The city, once God's chosen dwelling place, became a "bloody city" deserving of purification by fire. These sins contributed directly to the spiritual sickness that led to national ruin, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their moral and spiritual fidelity to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 22:11 vividly portrays the depths of human sin and the necessity of divine judgment under the Old Covenant, it also implicitly points to the redemptive work of Christ. The pervasive sexual immorality and defilement described highlight humanity's inability to perfectly uphold God's holy standards, demonstrating the desperate need for a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, came not only to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law but also to bear the full weight of humanity's sin, including sexual impurity, on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers cleansing from all defilement and the power to live a life of holiness. The New Testament calls believers to flee sexual immorality, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-19](/1-corinthians/6-18-19 "1 Corinthians 6:18-19 - Flee Sexual Immorality; Your Body is a Temple")), and to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord ([Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")). In Christ, the purity demanded by the Law is not only forgiven but also made possible through the indwelling Spirit, enabling a transformed life that honors God's design for sexuality and relationships, ultimately presenting the Church as a pure bride to her Groom, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Presents the Church without Blemish")).

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 18:9

The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, [whether she be] born at home, or born abroad, [even] their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.

2 Samuel 13:14

Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.

Leviticus 20:17

And if a man shall take his sister, his father's daughter, or his mother's daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it [is] a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister's nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 18:15

Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she [is] thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.

Leviticus 20:12

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Leviticus 20:10

¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Ezekiel 18:11

And that doeth not any of those [duties], but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,