Ezekiel 22:12

KJV

In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

In thee have they taken {H3947} gifts {H7810} to shed {H8210} blood {H1818}; thou hast taken {H3947} usury {H5392} and increase {H8636}, and thou hast greedily gained {H1214} of thy neighbours {H7453} by extortion {H6233}, and hast forgotten {H7911} me, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In you, people take bribes to shed blood; you demand and accept interest on loans; in greed you make profits off your neighbors by extorting them; and you have forgotten me,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

In thee have they taken bribes to shed blood; thou hast taken interest and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbors by oppression, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:12 delivers a searing indictment against Jerusalem, exposing a society riddled with deep-seated corruption and economic exploitation. The verse details how the city's inhabitants, particularly its leaders, engaged in judicial bribery leading to bloodshed, practiced usury and excessive interest on loans, and unjustly gained from their neighbors through extortion. These pervasive sins are ultimately rooted in a profound spiritual amnesia, a forgetting of the Lord God who established their covenant and righteous laws, signifying a complete breakdown of their relationship with Him and a perversion of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 initiates a powerful prophetic oracle against Jerusalem, specifically labeling it the "bloody city" in [Ezekiel 22:2](/ezekiel/22-2 "Ezekiel 22:2 - Jerusalem, the Bloody City"). This chapter serves as a comprehensive catalog of the city's egregious sins, building upon the themes of idolatry, moral decay, and covenant unfaithfulness developed throughout the book, particularly in earlier chapters like [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Verse 12 is part of a longer list of specific transgressions (verses 6-12) that exemplify the city's pervasive wickedness, culminating in God's declaration of judgment. The enumeration of sins moves from judicial corruption to economic exploitation, demonstrating a holistic societal breakdown that necessitated divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, Jerusalem was on the brink of its final destruction by Babylon, with many, including Ezekiel, already in exile. The city's inhabitants, particularly the remaining leadership, continued in their corrupt ways despite repeated warnings. The practices condemned in [Ezekiel 22:12](/ezekiel/22-12 "Ezekiel 22:12 - Sins of Jerusalem") were direct violations of the Mosaic Law, which prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Laws on Lending and Usury"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - Prohibition of Usury")), and emphasized justice and care for the vulnerable ([Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Justice for the Poor")). The "gifts to shed blood" likely refers to bribery within the judicial system, where judges or officials accepted payments to condemn the innocent or acquit the guilty, leading to wrongful executions or severe punishments. This cultural backdrop reveals a society that had completely abandoned its covenant obligations and embraced self-serving, oppressive practices, mirroring the broader moral decline that led to God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 22:12](/ezekiel/22-12 "Ezekiel 22:12 - Sins of Jerusalem") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Systemic Corruption and Injustice**, revealing how sin had permeated every level of society, from the courts to economic dealings. The perversion of justice and exploitation of the poor demonstrate a complete disregard for God's righteous standards. Secondly, the verse highlights **Covenant Unfaithfulness**, as the people's actions directly violated the Mosaic Law, which was the foundation of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their greed and oppression were not merely ethical failings but acts of rebellion against their divine King. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD," emphasizes the theme of **Spiritual Amnesia and Apostasy**. The root of all these societal ills is a profound forgetfulness of God and His commands, leading to a breakdown of moral order and a severing of the divine-human relationship, a concept frequently warned against in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win." In this context, it signifies the active acquisition of illicit gains, whether bribes or usurious interest, highlighting the deliberate nature of their sinful acts.
* **greedily gained (Hebrew, _bâtsaʻ'_):** From H1214, meaning "a primitive root to break off, i.e. (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop; (be) covet(-ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily), get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded." This word powerfully conveys the aggressive, rapacious nature of their acquisition, suggesting a violent or ruthless pursuit of profit at the expense of others. It implies a willingness to "cut off" or harm others for personal gain.
* **forgotten (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** From H7911, meaning "a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention; [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget." This is a crucial theological term here, indicating not merely a lapse of memory but a willful disregard or neglect of God's commands and His very presence. It implies a conscious turning away from the covenant relationship and the responsibilities it entailed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood":** This clause indicts Jerusalem for its pervasive judicial corruption. "Gifts" (H7810, _shachad_) refers to bribes accepted by those in authority, particularly judges or officials. The purpose of these bribes was "to shed blood" (H8210, _shâphak_ H1818, _dâm_), meaning to cause the death or condemnation of innocent people. This reveals a horrifying perversion of justice, where human lives were sacrificed for illicit gain, turning the legal system into an instrument of murder.
* **"thou hast taken usury and increase":** This points to widespread economic exploitation. "Usury" (H5392, _neshek_) refers to interest charged on loans, specifically prohibited among Israelites, especially to the poor. "Increase" (H8636, _tarbîyth_) denotes any additional percentage or bonus beyond the principal, reinforcing the idea of exploitative lending practices. These actions directly violated the Mosaic Law designed to protect the vulnerable and foster community solidarity, demonstrating a profound lack of compassion and an insatiable desire for wealth.
* **"and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion":** This clause further emphasizes the rapacious nature of their economic crimes. "Greedily gained" (H1214, _bâtsaʻ_) implies a violent or ruthless acquisition of wealth. "Extortion" (H6233, _ʻôsheq_) refers to unjust gain or oppression, often through coercion or fraud. The victims are explicitly identified as "thy neighbours" (H7453, _rêaʻ_), highlighting the betrayal of communal trust and the violation of the command to love one's neighbor.
* **"and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase identifies the ultimate spiritual root of all the preceding sins. The "forgetting" (H7911, _shâkach_) of God (H136, _ʼĂdônây_ H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_) signifies a deliberate abandonment of their covenant relationship and a disregard for His laws and His very being. This spiritual amnesia is presented as the foundational sin from which all other societal and moral corruptions flowed, demonstrating that their actions were not just ethical failures but direct affronts to the sovereign God who had chosen and sustained them.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Anaphora** is evident in the repeated "thou hast taken" and "thou hast greedily gained," creating a rhythmic, accusatory tone that emphasizes the pervasive and active nature of Jerusalem's sins. The phrase "gifts to shed blood" is a stark example of **Metonymy**, where "gifts" (bribes) are directly linked to their devastating consequence (murder), highlighting the corrupting power of illicit gain. The enumeration of specific economic crimes ("usury and increase," "extortion") serves as **Synecdoche**, where these particular examples represent the broader systemic economic injustice pervading the society. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD," acts as a powerful **Climax**, revealing the ultimate spiritual root of all the city's moral decay. This final pronouncement, spoken by the sovereign Lord, underscores the theological gravity of their actions and their direct affront to the divine covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:12 profoundly illustrates the interconnectedness of social justice, economic ethics, and spiritual faithfulness within the biblical worldview. The prophet reveals that societal corruption—manifested in judicial bribery, exploitative lending, and extortion—is not merely a failure of human morality but a direct consequence of forgetting God. This "forgetting" is not an innocent oversight but a deliberate turning away from the covenant relationship, where God's character as just and merciful is reflected in the laws He gives for human interaction. When a people forget their Creator and Redeemer, they inevitably abandon His righteous standards, leading to the oppression of the vulnerable and the perversion of justice. The verse thus serves as a timeless theological warning: true piety cannot be separated from ethical conduct, and a society's spiritual health is directly mirrored in its treatment of the least of its members.

* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Favoritism")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:12 resonates powerfully in any age, serving as a mirror for contemporary societies and individual lives. It compels us to examine the systems and practices within our communities that might perpetuate injustice, economic exploitation, or a disregard for human dignity. Are there "gifts" (bribes, undue influence, or even systemic advantages) that lead to the "shedding of blood" (literal violence, or the metaphorical destruction of lives through unjust policies)? Do we, individually or corporately, engage in "usury and increase" or "extortion" through predatory financial practices, unfair labor, or consumer exploitation? Most critically, the verse challenges us to confront the spiritual root of these issues: have we "forgotten" God? This forgetting manifests not just in overt rebellion but in a subtle drift away from His character and commands, leading to a diminished sense of accountability and compassion. True spiritual health demands a vibrant, active remembrance of God, which translates into a passionate pursuit of justice, generosity, and integrity in all our dealings, especially with our neighbors and the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern societies, or even our own communities, exhibit forms of "taking gifts to shed blood" or "greedily gaining by extortion"?**
* **How does the concept of "forgetting God" manifest in our personal lives or in the broader culture, and what are its practical consequences?**
* **What specific actions can individuals and the church take to counteract economic exploitation and promote justice in our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "gifts to shed blood" mean in this context?**
Answer: In [Ezekiel 22:12](/ezekiel/22-12 "Ezekiel 22:12 - Sins of Jerusalem"), "gifts to shed blood" refers to the practice of accepting bribes, particularly by those in positions of judicial authority, to condemn innocent people to death or severe punishment. It highlights a profound corruption within the legal system where justice was perverted for personal gain, leading to the wrongful taking of life. This was a direct violation of God's law, which demanded impartial justice and protection for the vulnerable, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice").

**Why were "usury and increase" forbidden in ancient Israel, and how does this apply today?**
Answer: "Usury and increase" (charging interest on loans) were explicitly forbidden among Israelites, especially when lending to the poor, as detailed in [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Laws on Lending and Usury") and [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - Prohibition of Usury"). The Law aimed to foster community solidarity and protect the vulnerable from economic exploitation, emphasizing compassion over profit within the covenant community. While modern economies differ, the underlying principle remains relevant: God's people are called to avoid predatory lending, unfair financial practices, and any form of economic exploitation that preys on the vulnerable. It calls for ethical financial stewardship and a commitment to justice in all economic dealings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:12, with its stark portrayal of a people forgetting God and succumbing to injustice and greed, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The pervasive corruption detailed in the verse—judicial bribery, economic exploitation, and a profound spiritual amnesia—underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a new covenant. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not take "gifts to shed blood" but rather freely gave His own blood to atone for the sins of humanity, including the very injustices condemned here. He perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands for justice and mercy, embodying the righteous character of God that Israel had forgotten. Through His life, Jesus demonstrated radical generosity and compassion, teaching His followers to love their neighbor as themselves ([Mark 12:31](/mark/12-31 "Mark 12:31 - The Second Great Commandment")) and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). In Christ, the cycle of forgetting God and falling into sin is broken; His Spirit empowers believers to remember God's commands, pursue justice, and live lives marked by integrity and love, reflecting the Kingdom values that stand in stark contrast to the corrupt practices of ancient Jerusalem. He is the ultimate answer to humanity's spiritual amnesia, restoring fellowship with God and empowering a life of true righteousness that overcomes the greed and oppression detailed in Ezekiel's lament.

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

Deuteronomy 27:25

Cursed [be] he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Ezekiel 23:35

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast forgotten me, and cast me behind thy back, therefore bear thou also thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Micah 7:3

That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Jeremiah 2:32

Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Psalms 106:21

They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;