Ezekiel 22:3

KJV

Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then say {H559} thou, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, The city {H5892} sheddeth {H8210} blood {H1818} in the midst {H8432} of it, that her time {H6256} may come {H935}, and maketh {H6213} idols {H1544} against herself to defile {H2930} herself.

Complete Jewish Bible

Say that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'City that sheds blood within yourself, thus speeding your own doom, and that makes idols for yourself that defile you:

Berean Standard Bible

and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: A city that sheddeth blood in the midst of her, that her time may come, and that maketh idols against herself to defile her!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:3 delivers a profound divine indictment against Jerusalem, personified as a city deeply entrenched in sin. Through the authoritative declaration of the Lord GOD, the prophet reveals that Jerusalem is actively accumulating bloodguilt through rampant violence and injustice within its very core. This pervasive wickedness is not merely an offense against God but a self-destructive act, directly accelerating the city's destined judgment and destruction. Furthermore, Jerusalem is condemned for its profound spiritual apostasy, manifested in the making of idols, which serves not only as a direct affront to God but also as a self-inflicted defilement, rendering the city utterly impure and unfit for divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a crucial chapter within a larger prophetic section (chapters 20-24) dedicated to pronouncing God's severe judgment against Jerusalem. This particular chapter functions as a systematic and relentless indictment, often referred to as "the bloody city" (Ezekiel 22:2), meticulously detailing the full spectrum of its moral and spiritual depravity. Verse 3 serves as a foundational declaration, establishing the pervasive nature of Jerusalem's sin and setting the tone for the subsequent enumeration of specific transgressions committed by various segments of its society—from its princes and priests to its common people. It underscores that corruption had permeated every level of the city's fabric, thereby justifying the severe divine judgment that was imminent. The repeated prophetic formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes the divine authority and certainty behind these pronouncements, leaving no room for doubt regarding the source or the inevitability of the coming destruction, as vividly described in later chapters like [Ezekiel 24](/ezekiel/24 "Ezekiel 24 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 22 was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, but its message was directed at Jerusalem prior to its final catastrophic destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. During this period, Jerusalem, though under Babylonian vassalage, was still a functioning city, yet its moral and spiritual state was in severe decline. The "shedding of blood" refers not only to literal murder but also encompasses judicial corruption, the oppression of the vulnerable, and potentially even the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, a horrific act condemned throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). The "making of idols" points to widespread syncretism and apostasy, where the people of Judah had adopted the worship of foreign gods alongside, or even in place of, Yahweh. This was a direct violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the first two commandments (cf. [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")), and was seen as a profound defilement of the land and the people, rendering them ritually and morally impure. The city's actions were perceived as a direct provocation of God, leading to the "time" of His righteous wrath.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent in Ezekiel and throughout the prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Systemic Violence and Injustice**, revealing a society where the shedding of innocent blood was not an anomaly but an ingrained characteristic, reflecting a profound disregard for human life and divine law. Secondly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Self-Inflicted Judgment**. The phrase "that her time may come" emphasizes that Jerusalem's demise was not an arbitrary divine punishment but a direct, inevitable consequence of its own persistent wickedness and rebellion. The city's sins were actively drawing judgment upon itself, illustrating the principle that actions have consequences and unrepentant sin leads to destruction. Lastly, the verse highlights **Pervasive Idolatry and Defilement**. Idolatry, the ultimate act of spiritual adultery against God, led to deep moral and ritual impurity, rendering the city "defiled." This defilement was not merely external but corrupted the very heart and soul of the nation, making it unfit for God's holy presence and necessitating His withdrawal, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory of the Lord Departs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** (H136, H3069) This compound divine title, frequently employed in Ezekiel, signifies the absolute sovereignty and authority of God. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) emphasizes God as the supreme Master and Owner, while `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069), a variation of YHWH, points to His covenant-keeping, self-existent nature. The combination underscores that the pronouncements against Jerusalem are not mere human opinions but the authoritative decree of the sovereign, covenant God who demands holiness and justice from His people.
* **sheddeth blood (Hebrew, _shâphak dâm'_):** (H8210, H1818) The verb `shâphak` (H8210) means "to spill forth" or "pour out," often used in the context of violent acts. When combined with `dâm` (H1818), "blood," it carries a strong connotation of violent, often unjust, killing or bloodshed. The continuous action implied by the Hebrew participle indicates an ongoing, habitual practice of violence and murder within Jerusalem, signifying a deep-seated problem rather than isolated incidents. This term encompasses not only literal murder but also the broader concept of bloodguilt incurred through injustice and oppression.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** (H1544) This term is a derogatory, contemptuous word for idols, used almost exclusively by Ezekiel (and occasionally in Leviticus and Deuteronomy). Deriving from a root meaning "to roll," it literally refers to "dung-pellets" or "logs." By using this term, Ezekiel highlights the utter worthlessness, defilement, and repulsive nature of these objects in the eyes of God, underscoring the abject spiritual degradation of Jerusalem for embracing such vile objects of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, establishing the absolute authority and certainty of the message to follow. Ezekiel is merely the mouthpiece; the words originate directly from `ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih` (the Lord GOD), emphasizing that the impending judgment is not a human accusation but a solemn, authoritative decree from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God.
* **"The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it":** This clause directly accuses Jerusalem of pervasive violence and injustice. "Sheddeth blood" refers to murder, bloodshed, and the unjust taking of life, indicating a society where innocent blood is routinely spilled. "In the midst of it" highlights that this corruption is internal, central, and widespread, not confined to its periphery. It signifies a deep-seated moral decay that has infected the very heart of the city's communal life and institutions.
* **"that her time may come":** This phrase reveals the direct and inevitable consequence of the city's actions. The rampant sin, particularly the bloodshed, is not merely offensive to God but actively hastens Jerusalem's own downfall. The "time" refers to the appointed moment of divine judgment and destruction, implying that the city's wickedness is self-destructive, bringing about its own inevitable reckoning and the fulfillment of God's righteous wrath.
* **"and maketh idols against herself to defile herself":** This clause points to Jerusalem's profound spiritual apostasy. The city is not only violent but also deeply idolatrous. "Maketh idols against herself" suggests that the act of idolatry is inherently self-destructive; it is an offense not only against God but also against the city's own well-being and covenant relationship. By embracing these vile idols, Jerusalem actively pollutes and contaminates itself, rendering itself morally and spiritually unclean and unfit for the presence of a holy God, thus compounding its guilt and sealing its fate.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "the city" (Jerusalem) is treated as a living entity capable of intentional actions: "sheddeth blood," "maketh idols," and "defile herself." This device makes the indictment more vivid and direct, attributing moral agency to the collective entity of Jerusalem and emphasizing its corporate responsibility for its sins. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "sheddeth blood," suggesting an overwhelming and pervasive amount of bloodshed, implying that violence has become a defining characteristic of the city's daily life. The phrase "maketh idols against herself" functions as a **Metaphor** for self-inflicted harm; idolatry is not just an external act of worship but an internal corruption that ultimately harms the worshiper and the community. Finally, the entire verse is framed as a **Divine Oracle**, beginning with "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which lends absolute authority and solemnity to the pronouncement, emphasizing that this is not human accusation but divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:3 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that sin, particularly systemic injustice and spiritual idolatry, carries inherent consequences and leads to self-destruction. The shedding of innocent blood and the embrace of false gods are direct violations of God's covenant and His holy character, demonstrating a profound spiritual rebellion. This rebellion defiles not only the people but also the land, making it unfit for God's presence and necessitating His righteous judgment. The verse underscores God's unwavering justice, where persistent unrepentant sin inevitably brings about a "time" of reckoning, highlighting that divine judgment is often a natural outcome of human choices, allowing sin to run its course to its destructive end.

* [Deuteronomy 21:9](/deuteronomy/21-9 "Atonement for Unsolved Murder")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "The Futility of Idols")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:3 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the enduring consequences of a society—or an individual—that deviates from God's righteous standards. It calls us to examine our own hearts and communities for any forms of "blood-shedding," which today might manifest as systemic injustices, neglect of the vulnerable, or even the shedding of spiritual "blood" through gossip, character assassination, or the perpetuation of harmful narratives. It also warns against "making idols," reminding us that anything that displaces God from the supreme position in our lives—be it wealth, power, comfort, self-image, or even ideology—becomes a defiling idol that ultimately harms us and hinders our relationship with the Holy One. The verse powerfully reminds us that sin is not merely an external act but an internal corruption that brings about its own "time" of spiritual, emotional, and societal decay. It is a profound call to repentance, urging us to pursue purity, justice, and exclusive devotion to God, recognizing that true flourishing comes only from aligning our lives with His holy character and submitting to His sovereign will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society, or even our own lives, be "shedding blood" through injustice or neglect, even if not through literal violence?**
* **What "idols" might we be making today that, like those in Jerusalem, are ultimately "against ourselves" and lead to spiritual defilement?**
* **How does the concept of sin bringing about its own "time" of judgment challenge our understanding of God's justice and our responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What does "that her time may come" mean in this context?**

This phrase signifies that Jerusalem's pervasive wickedness, particularly its bloodshed and idolatry, was actively hastening its own divine judgment and destruction. It implies that the city's unrepentant sins were accumulating to a point where God's righteous "time" for reckoning had arrived. It's not an arbitrary punishment but a direct, inevitable consequence of their actions, demonstrating the principle that sin, when left unchecked, leads to its own ruin. This concept is echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as when God's patience with nations reaches its full measure before bringing judgment (e.g., [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites")).

**How can a "city" shed blood and make idols?**

In this prophetic context, the "city" (Jerusalem) is personified, representing the collective actions and moral character of its inhabitants—its leaders, priests, and common people. When Ezekiel says "the city sheddeth blood," he means that the people within Jerusalem are committing acts of violence, murder, and injustice. Similarly, "maketh idols" refers to the widespread practice of idolatry among the populace. The city becomes a symbolic representation of the moral and spiritual state of its people, indicating that corruption was pervasive and deeply ingrained in the societal fabric, leading to its corporate guilt and judgment (cf. [Jeremiah 5:1](/jeremiah/5-1 "Searching for a Righteous Person")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:3, with its stark indictment of Jerusalem's bloodguilt and idolatry leading to self-defilement and judgment, finds its ultimate resolution and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "shedding of blood" for sin, which Jerusalem was guilty of, is perfectly atoned for by the voluntary shedding of Christ's innocent blood on the cross. He became the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment that humanity's sin, including bloodshed and idolatry, deserved. While Jerusalem defiled herself with `gillûlîm` (vile idols), Christ, through His sacrifice, offers true cleansing and purification, enabling believers to be presented as [holy and blameless before Him](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). He is the one who makes us clean, not through ritualistic washing, but through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (cf. [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")). Furthermore, the "time" of judgment that Jerusalem brought upon herself is transformed in Christ into a "time" of grace and salvation for all who believe. He came to fulfill the law and the prophets, not to condemn, but to save (cf. [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). In Christ, the defilement of sin is overcome, and a new covenant is established where God's people are indwelt by His Spirit, enabling them to truly worship Him in spirit and truth, free from the defilement of idols (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")).

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

Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Zephaniah 3:3

Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Ezekiel 23:37

That they have committed adultery, and blood [is] in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through [the fire], to devour [them].

2 Kings 21:2

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

2 Kings 21:9

But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

Romans 2:5

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Ezekiel 23:45

And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they [are] adulteresses, and blood [is] in their hands.