Ezekiel 22:5

KJV

[Those that be] near, and [those that be] far from thee, shall mock thee, [which art] infamous [and] much vexed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Those that be near {H7138}, and those that be far {H7350} from thee, shall mock {H7046} thee, which art infamous {H2931}{H8034} and much {H7227} vexed {H4103}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those close by and those far off will taunt you, you who have such a defiled reputation and such great disorder.

Berean Standard Bible

Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.

American Standard Version

Those that are near, and those that are far from thee, shall mock thee, thou infamous one and full of tumult.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:5 delivers a stark prophetic indictment against Jerusalem, foretelling its profound public humiliation and internal turmoil. Due to its pervasive sin and spiritual corruption, the once-revered city would become an object of widespread scorn, mocked by both near and distant nations, thereby solidifying its infamous reputation and experiencing deep internal distress. This verse encapsulates the severe consequences of unfaithfulness to God, highlighting the city's fall from grace to a state of utter disgrace and vexation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful and relentless oracle of judgment against Jerusalem, which God, through the prophet Ezekiel, graphically labels a "bloody city" in [Ezekiel 22:2](/ezekiel/22-2 "Ezekiel 22:2 - Jerusalem, the Bloody City"). This chapter serves as a detailed indictment, cataloging a litany of grievous sins committed by all strata of society—from princes and priests to prophets and common people. These transgressions include idolatry, bloodshed, injustice, sexual immorality, and a complete disregard for God's covenant and law. The divine judgment pronounced is severe, culminating in the city's destruction and the Babylonian exile, which was already underway for some, but fully anticipated for the city itself. Verse 5 specifically articulates one aspect of this judgment: the ruination of Jerusalem's reputation and its subsequent internal suffering, serving as a direct consequence of the moral decay detailed in the preceding verses. It underscores that the city's spiritual sickness would manifest in public shame and internal chaos.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Jerusalem was teetering on the brink of its final destruction by Babylon. The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel himself, had already been taken to Babylon in 597 BCE. The city, however, remained defiant, clinging to a false sense of security based on its status as God's chosen city and the location of His Temple. Culturally, reputation and honor were paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies. A city's standing among its neighbors was crucial for trade, alliances, and overall security. To be "infamous" and "mocked" was the ultimate disgrace, signifying a complete loss of honor and a profound vulnerability. The prophecy reflects the reality that Jerusalem's unfaithfulness had not only broken its covenant with God but had also severely damaged its standing among the nations, turning it into a byword for wickedness rather than holiness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that unrepentant moral and spiritual corruption, particularly among those blessed by God, inevitably leads to devastating repercussions, both external (shame, mockery) and internal (vexation, disarray). It powerfully illustrates the **Loss of Reputation**, as Jerusalem, once renowned as the holy city and the dwelling place of God's presence, becomes "infamous," a symbol of depravity and an object of derision for all to see. This underscores the devastating impact of spiritual rebellion on a community's identity and standing. Furthermore, the verse is a clear manifestation of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the mockery and internal distress are not random misfortunes but are part of God's righteous and just response to a city that has profoundly violated His covenant. God allows the nations to scorn Jerusalem as a direct consequence of its unfaithfulness, fulfilling the curses of the covenant found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations"). Finally, the phrase "those that be near, and those that be far from thee" emphasizes the **Universal Scorn** Jerusalem would face, underscoring the completeness and public nature of its downfall, a stark warning against spiritual apostasy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Infamous (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_ H2931, _shêm_ H8034):** This KJV translation of a Hebrew phrase combines two significant concepts. _Ṭâmêʼ_ (H2931) denotes ritual or moral uncleanness and defilement, indicating Jerusalem's profound spiritual corruption and its violation of God's holy standards. _Shêm_ (H8034) refers to a name, reputation, or character. Thus, "infamous" conveys that Jerusalem's very name, which should have been associated with holiness and God's presence, has instead become synonymous with defilement and wickedness. It is a reputation earned through pervasive sin, a stark contrast to its former holy designation.
* **Mock (Hebrew, _qâlaç'_ H7046):** This verb signifies to disparage, ridicule, or scoff with contempt. It implies a strong sense of derision and open scorn. The use of _qâlaç'_ emphasizes the public humiliation Jerusalem would endure, becoming an object of open mockery and disdain for both its immediate neighbors and distant empires. This mockery is not incidental but a direct, humiliating consequence of its spiritual abandonment and moral decay.
* **Vexed (Hebrew, _mᵉhûwmâh'_ H4103, with _rab_ H7227 for "much"):** The core word _mᵉhûwmâh'_ (H4103) denotes confusion, tumult, or discomfiture, often implying a state of panic or internal disturbance. When intensified by _rab_ (H7227), meaning "much" or "great," it paints a picture of extreme, widespread internal distress, chaos, and disarray within Jerusalem. This is not merely annoyance but a profound, pervasive inner turmoil and social breakdown, a direct and painful consequence of divine judgment and the city's self-inflicted spiritual wounds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Those that be near, and those that be far from thee":** This clause emphasizes the universal nature of Jerusalem's disgrace. It signifies that the city's fall and its infamous reputation would be observed and condemned by both its immediate geographical neighbors (e.g., Edom, Philistia) and distant empires (e.g., Babylon, Egypt). This highlights the completeness and inescapable nature of its public humiliation, demonstrating that its shame would be known far and wide.
* **"shall mock thee":** This phrase directly states the consequence of Jerusalem's widespread infamy. The nations, both near and far, would not merely observe but actively engage in ridicule and scorn. This mockery is a form of public shaming, a divine judgment enacted through the contempt of other peoples, underscoring the depth of Jerusalem's fall from grace and its loss of honor.
* **"which art infamous and much vexed":** This final clause provides the dual reasons and results of the mockery. "Infamous" (literally, "a defiled name") reiterates Jerusalem's corrupted reputation, earned through its pervasive sins and unfaithfulness. It signifies that the city's very identity has become synonymous with moral degradation. "Much vexed" describes the internal state of the city—a profound, widespread turmoil, confusion, and distress. This internal chaos is a direct result of its spiritual abandonment and the impending judgment, mirroring the external scorn with an inner anguish.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of judgment. The verse utilizes **Prophecy**, as Ezekiel delivers a direct divine pronouncement about Jerusalem's future state, foretelling its humiliation and distress. **Personification** is evident in the way Jerusalem is addressed directly as "thee," as if the city itself is a living entity capable of being infamous and vexed, intensifying the emotional impact of its impending fate. The phrase "those that be near, and those that be far from thee" is a form of **Merism**, using two contrasting parts to represent a whole, thereby emphasizing the universal scope of Jerusalem's disgrace. There is also a strong sense of **Irony**, as Jerusalem, chosen by God to be a holy city and a light to the nations, becomes instead an object of mockery and infamy due to its rebellion. This reversal of destiny underscores the severity of its spiritual failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:5 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that divine judgment is a just and inevitable response to persistent sin, particularly when committed by those who bear God's name. Jerusalem's public disgrace and internal turmoil are not random misfortunes but direct consequences of its profound spiritual corruption and covenant unfaithfulness. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness demands accountability, and His people are not exempt from the consequences of their rebellion. The city's fall from a state of privilege to one of infamy underscores the devastating impact of sin on reputation, identity, and internal well-being, demonstrating that spiritual decay inevitably leads to societal breakdown and public shame.

* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations")
* [Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - A Horror and a Byword")
* [Lamentations 2:15-16](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15-16 - Nations Mock Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:5 serves as a profound and timeless warning, not only for ancient Jerusalem but for all communities and individuals who claim to be God's people. It compels us to examine the state of our own hearts and societies, asking whether our actions truly reflect the holiness and righteousness of God, or if we are, like Jerusalem, accumulating a reputation for spiritual compromise and moral decay. The verse challenges us to consider the public witness of our lives and communities: are we bringing honor or dishonor to the name of Christ? It reminds us that unaddressed sin leads not only to external scorn but also to deep internal vexation and disarray, disrupting peace and well-being. True spiritual health, rooted in genuine repentance and obedience, is the only safeguard against such a dire fate, inviting us to live lives of integrity that reflect God's glory rather than our own shame.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal life or community inadvertently be bringing disrepute to the name of Christ?**
* **What "vexations" or internal turmoils in my life could be linked to unconfessed sin or spiritual compromise?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's holiness and His justice regarding sin, even among His chosen people?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Jerusalem to be "infamous"?**

Answer: For Jerusalem to be "infamous" means that its reputation, once associated with holiness, God's presence, and righteousness, had become utterly corrupted and known for its pervasive wickedness. The Hebrew behind "infamous" connects the city's "name" (_shêm_) with "defilement" (_ṭâmêʼ_), signifying that Jerusalem's identity had become synonymous with spiritual uncleanness and moral degradation. This was a direct consequence of its widespread idolatry, injustice, and bloodshed, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - The Bloody City"). It implies a complete loss of honor and a public shaming before all nations.

**How does Jerusalem being "much vexed" relate to its "infamy"?**

Answer: Jerusalem being "much vexed" is the internal consequence that mirrors its external "infamy." The Hebrew word for "vexed" (_mᵉhûwmâh_) denotes confusion, tumult, or discomfiture, suggesting a state of profound internal distress, chaos, and disarray within the city itself. This internal turmoil is a direct result of its spiritual abandonment and the impending divine judgment. While "infamy" describes its ruined reputation among other nations, "much vexed" describes the widespread panic, social breakdown, and inner anguish experienced by its inhabitants. The two are inextricably linked: the city's moral corruption led to its public disgrace, which in turn contributed to its internal chaos and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 22:5 vividly portrays the consequences of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jerusalem's infamy and vexation were a result of its sin, a testament to humanity's inability to maintain covenant faithfulness. However, Jesus, the true Israel and the perfect Son, lived a life of flawless obedience, never becoming "infamous" for sin but rather renowned for His holiness and righteousness. He willingly became "vexed" and suffered, not for His own sin, but for the sins of the world, bearing the ultimate shame and mockery on the cross (cf. [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Jesus Mocked on the Cross")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus took upon Himself the "infamy" of humanity's sin, becoming "a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), so that those who believe in Him might be declared righteous and gain a new, honorable reputation in God's sight (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His suffering and death transform our shame into glory, offering true peace from internal vexation and a spotless name before the Father, fulfilling the deepest longings that Jerusalem's judgment highlighted.

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 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Jeremiah 15:3

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

Isaiah 22:2

Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain [men are] not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.