Ezekiel 22:6

KJV

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the princes {H5387} of Israel {H3478}, every one {H376} were in thee to their power {H2220} to shed {H8210} blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The leaders of Isra'el in you all use their power in order to shed blood.

Berean Standard Bible

See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood.

American Standard Version

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one according to his power, have been in thee to shed blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:6 serves as a stark prophetic indictment against the corrupt leadership of Jerusalem, specifically the "princes of Israel," who, instead of upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable, leveraged their authority and might to commit acts of violence and injustice, leading to the shedding of innocent blood. This verse encapsulates the widespread moral decay and abuse of power that permeated Judahite society, ultimately contributing to the nation's impending divine judgment and destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 22 is a powerful oracle of judgment, often referred to as the "bloody city" chapter, which meticulously details the pervasive sin and corruption within Jerusalem just prior to its final destruction and the Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with God's direct confrontation of Jerusalem's abominations ([Ezekiel 22:1-5](/ezekiel/22-1 "Ezekiel 22:1-5 - Jerusalem's Sins Indicted")), highlighting its idolatry, violence, and disregard for the Law. Verse 6 specifically shifts focus to the culpability of the nation's leadership, the "princes," setting the stage for subsequent verses that condemn various societal groups, including priests ([Ezekiel 22:26](/ezekiel/22-26 "Ezekiel 22:26 - Corruption of Priests")), prophets ([Ezekiel 22:28](/ezekiel/22-28 "Ezekiel 22:28 - False Prophets")), and the common people ([Ezekiel 22:29](/ezekiel/22-29 "Ezekiel 22:29 - Oppression by the People")). This verse, therefore, pinpoints the highest echelons of society as primary agents of the nation's moral collapse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is delivered during the late Judahite kingdom, likely after the first deportation in 597 BC but before the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The "princes of Israel" would refer to the royal officials, nobles, and judicial authorities who held significant power and influence in Jerusalem. In ancient Near Eastern societies, rulers were expected to be guardians of justice and upholders of cosmic order, often seen as God's representatives on earth. However, the period leading up to the exile was marked by political instability, idolatry, and social injustice, as evidenced by other prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Micah](/micah/1 "The Book of Micah"). The cultural expectation of justice was severely violated by these leaders, who instead exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to oppression and violence against their own people, a direct affront to the covenant relationship God had established with Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 22:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the profound **corruption of leadership**, demonstrating how those entrusted with authority gravely abused their power, transforming their role from protectors to predators. This highlights the biblical principle of **divine accountability**, where leaders are held to a higher standard for their stewardship of power and will face judgment for their actions, particularly concerning justice and the sanctity of life. Secondly, the phrase "to shed blood" emphasizes the theme of **injustice and violence**, which is a recurring motif in Ezekiel's indictment of Jerusalem. This is not merely literal murder but encompasses judicial perversion, oppression, and any act that leads to the suffering or death of the innocent, rendering the city defiled and worthy of divine wrath, as described in [Ezekiel 22:2-4](/ezekiel/22-2 "Ezekiel 22:2-4 - The Bloody City"). Finally, the verse speaks to the consequences of **covenant unfaithfulness**, as the actions of these princes directly violated the Mosaic Law's commands regarding justice and the protection of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, _nâsîy'_):** This term refers to an exalted one, a king, sheik, captain, chief, governor, or ruler. In the context of Ezekiel, it denotes the highest political and judicial authorities in Jerusalem. Their role was to govern justly and protect the people, but here they are depicted as the primary agents of corruption and violence, demonstrating a severe inversion of their divinely appointed responsibility.
* **power (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** Literally meaning "arm" or "foreleg," this word figuratively signifies force, strength, or might. The phrase "to their power" (KJV: "to their power") implies that these princes fully leveraged their authority, influence, and physical might—the very strength meant to enforce justice—for the wicked purpose of shedding blood. It emphasizes the intentional and systemic misuse of their God-given capabilities.
* **shed blood (Hebrew, _shâphak dam'_):** _Shâphak_ is a primitive root meaning "to spill forth" or "pour out," often used for blood, libations, or even expending life or soul. _Dam_ refers to "blood," specifically as that which, when shed, causes death. Figuratively, especially in the plural, it denotes bloodshed or bloodguiltiness. Together, "shed blood" is a powerful biblical idiom for committing murder, inflicting unjust violence, or being guilty of capital crimes. In this context, it encompasses not only literal murder but also judicial corruption, oppression, and any act that leads to the unjust suffering or death of innocent people, marking the city as defiled and deserving of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the princes of Israel,"**: The opening "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) serves as an emphatic interjection, drawing immediate attention to the grave accusation that follows. "The princes of Israel" specifically identifies the ruling elite of Judah as the primary culprits. This is a direct accusation against those holding the highest positions of authority, highlighting their central role in the nation's moral decay, in contrast to their expected role as upholders of justice and protectors of the people.
* **"every one were in thee to their power"**: This phrase emphasizes the pervasive and systematic nature of the corruption. "Every one" suggests that this was not an isolated incident but a widespread pattern among the leadership. "In thee" refers to Jerusalem, the city where these abuses of power were taking place. "To their power" indicates that these princes fully utilized their authority, influence, and strength—their very resources for governance—not for the good of the people, but to achieve their nefarious ends. It implies a deliberate and forceful application of their might for wicked purposes.
* **"to shed blood."**: This climactic phrase reveals the ultimate consequence and intention behind the princes' abuse of power. "To shed blood" is a stark biblical idiom for committing murder, inflicting unjust violence, or being responsible for the death of the innocent. It encompasses not only literal killings but also judicial perversion, oppression, and any act that unjustly leads to suffering or death. This highlights the extreme moral depravity of the leadership, who, instead of safeguarding life, actively participated in its destruction, rendering the city guilty of blood.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of condemnation. The opening "Behold" acts as an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and signaling the gravity of the accusation. The phrase "every one were in thee to their power" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and universal nature of the corruption among the princes, suggesting that virtually no leader was exempt from this abuse. The core accusation, "to shed blood," functions as **Metonymy**, where the act of shedding blood stands in for the broader concept of unjust violence, oppression, and murder, which defiled the city. It also serves as a powerful **Image** of the horrific consequences of the princes' actions, painting a vivid picture of the violence and injustice that permeated Jerusalem under their rule. The entire verse is a direct **Indictment**, a formal and severe accusation against the ruling class, highlighting their profound moral failure and culpability in the nation's impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:6 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that leadership is a sacred trust, and its abuse carries severe divine consequences. The princes, entrusted with upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable, instead became agents of oppression and violence, thereby violating God's covenant and defiling the land. This verse underscores the Lord's unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance for unrighteousness, especially when perpetrated by those in authority. It reveals that the shedding of innocent blood is an abomination in God's sight, demanding divine intervention and judgment. The failure of Israel's leadership is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating humanity's persistent struggle with power and the inherent need for righteous governance, ultimately pointing to a future, perfect King.

* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Roaring Lion and a Ranging Bear")
* [Jeremiah 22:17](/jeremiah/22-17 "Jeremiah 22:17 - Unjust Gain and Innocent Blood")
* [Micah 3:9-11](/micah/3-9 "Micah 3:9-11 - Corrupt Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:6 serves as a timeless warning about the corrupting influence of power and the dire consequences of leadership failure. For contemporary believers, this passage calls for a deep reflection on the nature of authority, whether in government, business, community, or the church. It reminds us that all power is ultimately derived from God and is given for the purpose of serving others, upholding justice, and protecting the vulnerable. When power is wielded for selfish gain, oppression, or violence, it becomes an affront to God's character and invites His judgment. This verse challenges us to pray for our leaders, to hold them accountable to standards of righteousness and integrity, and to actively participate in advocating for justice in our own spheres of influence. It also prompts personal introspection: where do we, even in small ways, abuse our own power or neglect our responsibility to protect the innocent and promote righteousness? The call is to embody the justice and compassion of God in all our interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, contribute to or tolerate systems of injustice in our communities or workplaces?**
* **How does the abuse of power by leaders, as described in this verse, impact the spiritual health and witness of a nation or community?**
* **What practical steps can believers take to advocate for justice and hold leaders accountable in a way that honors God?**
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of what true "power" entails in a biblical sense?**

### FAQ
**What does "princes of Israel" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 22:6, "the princes of Israel" refers to the ruling elite, including royal officials, nobles, and judicial authorities of Judah in Jerusalem during the pre-exilic period. These were the individuals entrusted with significant political and legal power, responsible for governing justly and maintaining order according to God's Law. The prophet Ezekiel condemns them for grossly abusing their authority, turning it into a tool for oppression and violence against their own people, rather than for their protection and well-being, as God intended for leaders in [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Judges and Officers").

**What does "to their power to shed blood" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that the princes fully leveraged their authority, influence, and might for the wicked purpose of committing unjust violence and murder. "To their power" (Hebrew: _li-zᵉrôwaʻām_) emphasizes the full extent to which they employed their strength and position. "To shed blood" (Hebrew: _lishpōk dām_) is a strong biblical idiom that goes beyond literal murder to include judicial corruption, oppression, and any act of injustice that leads to the suffering or death of innocent people. It highlights a systemic and intentional misuse of their God-given role, leading to widespread bloodshed and defilement within Jerusalem, making the city a "bloody city" as described in [Ezekiel 22:2](/ezekiel/22-2 "Ezekiel 22:2 - The Bloody City").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:6, with its searing indictment of Israel's corrupt princes who used their power to shed innocent blood, profoundly illuminates the necessity and glory of Christ's perfect kingship. The earthly rulers of Israel, meant to be shepherds of God's flock and upholders of justice, became ravenous wolves, preying on the very people they were called to protect. Their failure underscores the deep human need for a righteous King, one whose power is wielded not for oppression, but for redemption. Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to these wicked princes. He is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), the [King of Kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), who did not use His divine power to shed the blood of others unjustly, but willingly [shed His own innocent blood](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Pierced Side") on the cross for the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). While the princes of Israel brought judgment upon their nation through their violence, Christ's sacrifice brings salvation and establishes a kingdom of righteousness and justice that will never end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Everlasting Dominion")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the righteous ruler, embodying perfect justice and mercy, and His reign brings life, not death, to all who believe ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

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.

Isaiah 1:23

Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

Nehemiah 9:34

Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

Zechariah 3:3

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Micah 3:9

Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.