Ezekiel 23:32

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Thou shalt drink {H8354} of thy sister's {H269} cup {H3563} deep {H6013} and large {H7342}: thou shalt be laughed to scorn {H6712} and had in derision {H3933}; it containeth {H3557} much {H4767}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM says: 'You will drink from your sister's cup, a cup both deep and wide, full right up to the brim with scorn and derision,

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup deep and wide. It will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Thou shalt drink of thy sister’s cup, which is deep and large; thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:32 delivers a stark divine pronouncement to Oholibah (Jerusalem/Judah), condemning her profound spiritual infidelity and idolatry. Through the vivid imagery of a "cup," the Lord GOD declares that Jerusalem will be forced to drink the full measure of divine judgment, a punishment that mirrors and even intensifies the fate of her "sister," Oholah (Samaria/Israel). This judgment will be deep, extensive, and result in public humiliation and derision, underscoring the severe consequences of abandoning the covenant with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 stands as a powerful and extended allegory, a prophetic lament and condemnation against the two kingdoms of Israel, personified as two sisters: Oholah (Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah). The chapter meticulously details their history of spiritual harlotry, illicit political alliances with pagan nations (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon), and adoption of idolatrous practices, all of which constitute a grave betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh. This verse, [Ezekiel 23:32](/ezekiel/23-32 "Ezekiel 23:32 - The Cup of Judgment for Oholibah"), immediately follows a detailed recounting of Oholibah's escalating unfaithfulness, even after witnessing Oholah's downfall. It serves as a direct, inescapable declaration of the impending judgment, emphasizing that Jerusalem's fate will be as bitter, if not more so, than Samaria's. The "cup" imagery is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, signifying a predetermined portion of suffering or wrath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period following the initial deportations of Judah (597 BC) and preceding the final destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). Jerusalem, Oholibah, had indeed witnessed the fall of Samaria to Assyria in 722 BC, yet failed to heed the warning. Instead, Judah continued to engage in political alliances with foreign powers, such as Egypt and Babylon, and adopted their idolatrous practices, mirroring and even surpassing the apostasy of her northern sister. The cultural understanding of a "cup" in the ancient Near East often involved a communal drink, a shared destiny, or a portion allotted by a deity. To "drink the cup" of someone else's fate implies experiencing a similar, if not identical, destiny. The concept of public shame and derision was a potent form of punishment in ancient societies, designed to strip individuals or nations of their honor and standing.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God's righteous wrath is poured out against covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry. The "cup" here is a potent symbol of this inescapable judgment, a predetermined measure of suffering. This connects deeply with the theme of **Consequences of Spiritual Adultery**, as Jerusalem's persistent "harlotry" directly leads to her humiliating downfall, illustrating that sin has severe repercussions. The concept of **Shared and Exacerbated Fate** is also prominent; Jerusalem is condemned to "drink of thy sister's cup," indicating that she will endure a judgment analogous to, but potentially more intense than, Samaria's because she ignored the lessons of history. This reinforces the principle that greater light brings greater accountability, as seen in [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given"). Finally, the phrase "laughed to scorn and had in derision" highlights the theme of **Humiliation and Disgrace**, a significant component of divine punishment in the ancient world, emphasizing the public shame that accompanies national ruin due to sin. This shame is a direct result of their spiritual nakedness, a theme echoed in [Hosea 2:10](/hosea/2-10 "Hosea 2:10 - God Exposes Israel's Shame").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, used here as "the Lord GOD," emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. H136 (_ʼĂdônây_) is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name of God, signifying His mastership. H3069 (_Yᵉhôvih_) is a variation of YHWH, the ineffable covenant name of God, used specifically after _ʼĂdônây_ to avoid repetition of the same sound, highlighting both God's majestic authority and His personal relationship with His people, which they have now violated. The declaration "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the prophecy.
* **cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** H3563 (_kôwç_) refers to a physical container, but here it is used figuratively to represent a "lot" or "potion," specifically a measure of destiny or suffering. In biblical prophecy, the "cup" is a powerful and recurring metaphor for divine wrath and judgment, as seen in [Psalm 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalm 75:8 - The Cup of Wrath"). The act of drinking from it signifies the full, inescapable experience of the decreed punishment.
* **derision (Hebrew, _laʻag'_):** H3933 (_laʻag_) signifies "scoffing" or "derision." This word, paired with "laughed to scorn" (H6712, _tsᵉchôq_), emphasizes the public and humiliating aspect of Jerusalem's impending judgment. It speaks to the utter contempt and mockery that will be heaped upon her by her enemies, a direct consequence of her betrayal and a profound loss of honor in the eyes of the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase firmly establishes the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is not a human opinion or prediction, but a direct, unalterable decree from the sovereign God of Israel.
* **"Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large:":** This is the core of the judgment. "Thou" refers to Oholibah (Jerusalem/Judah). To "drink of thy sister's cup" means to experience a similar fate to Oholah (Samaria), who had already fallen to Assyria due to her idolatry. The descriptors "deep and large" (Hebrew _ʻâmôq vᵉrâchâb_) emphasize the profound, extensive, and overwhelming nature of the suffering and punishment. It signifies a full, unsparing measure of divine wrath.
* **"thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision;":** This clause highlights the public and humiliating aspect of the judgment. Jerusalem's downfall will not be private but will be witnessed by the nations, leading to mockery and contempt. This public shame is a direct consequence of her spiritual harlotry, which brought disgrace upon God's name.
* **"it containeth much.":** This final, concise statement reinforces the previous descriptions of the cup's depth and largeness. "Much" (Hebrew _mirbâh_) underscores the abundance and completeness of the judgment. The cup of suffering will be filled to the brim, leaving no part of the bitter experience untasted.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:32 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The overarching device for the entire chapter, including this verse, is **Allegory**, where the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, represent the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. This allows for a vivid, personified depiction of their spiritual infidelity. The central image of the "cup" is a powerful **Metaphor** for divine wrath and judgment. Drinking from this cup symbolizes the inescapable experience of a decreed punishment, a common biblical motif. The description of the cup as "deep and large" and containing "much" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and comprehensive nature of the impending suffering. Furthermore, the phrase "laughed to scorn and had in derision" uses **Irony**, as Jerusalem, once God's chosen city, will become an object of public ridicule, a reversal of her intended glorious status. This also functions as a form of **Poetic Justice**, where the shame she brought upon God's name through her idolatry is returned upon her.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:32 powerfully articulates God's unwavering justice and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It underscores the truth that divine patience, while vast, is not infinite, and persistent rebellion against God's commands and His covenant will inevitably lead to judgment. The "cup" imagery is a profound theological symbol, representing the full measure of God's righteous indignation against sin. It reveals that God is not merely a loving Father but also a holy Judge who holds His people accountable, especially those who have been given great light and privilege. The public humiliation described highlights that sin not only incurs divine wrath but also brings shame and disgrace, diminishing the very honor God intended for His people. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true security and blessing come only through faithful adherence to God's covenant, not through worldly alliances or idolatrous practices.

* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury")
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - The Wine of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:32 confronts us with the sobering reality of God's justice and the severe repercussions of spiritual infidelity. For us today, this passage serves as a potent warning against any form of idolatry, whether it be the worship of tangible idols or the more subtle idolatry of placing our trust, hope, or security in anything other than God—be it wealth, power, human approval, or worldly ideologies. Just as Jerusalem sought alliances with foreign nations instead of relying on God, we too can be tempted to compromise our faith for perceived worldly benefits or to conform to cultural norms that contradict God's Word. This verse calls us to examine our loyalties and to repent of any divided affections. It reminds us that God's standards of holiness and faithfulness are unchanging, and while His grace is abundant, His justice is also certain. We are called to learn from the historical consequences of disobedience, both in biblical narratives and in the present day, to cultivate a deep and unwavering devotion to the Lord alone, ensuring that our "cup" is one of blessing, not judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek security or satisfaction outside of my relationship with God, effectively creating "spiritual alliances" that compromise my devotion?**
* **How can I ensure that I am learning from the historical and biblical examples of God's judgment on unfaithfulness, rather than repeating similar errors?**
* **What "idols" (material possessions, career, relationships, self-image) might be subtly competing for the ultimate allegiance of my heart, and how can I re-center my worship on God alone?**
* **How does the concept of public shame and derision in this verse challenge my understanding of the consequences of sin, both personally and corporately?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cup" imagery in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: The "cup" in biblical prophecy, as seen in [Ezekiel 23:32](/ezekiel/23-32 "Ezekiel 23:32 - The Cup of Judgment for Oholibah"), is a powerful and recurring metaphor for a predetermined portion or destiny, often representing divine wrath, suffering, or judgment. To "drink the cup" signifies the full, inescapable experience of this decreed fate. Examples include the cup of God's fury ([Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury")), the cup of trembling ([Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling")), and the cup of the Lord's right hand ([Habakkuk 2:16](/habakkuk/2-16 "Habakkuk 2:16 - The Cup of Shame")). It underscores God's sovereign control over the destinies of nations and individuals, dispensing justice according to their deeds.

**Who are Oholah and Oholibah, and why are they used in this allegory?**

Answer: Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names used in [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Prostitutes Oholah and Oholibah") to represent the two kingdoms of Israel. Oholah (meaning "her tent") symbolizes Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which fell to Assyria in 722 BC. Oholibah (meaning "my tent is in her") symbolizes Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. They are portrayed as sisters who engaged in spiritual harlotry by abandoning their covenant with God, forming illicit alliances with pagan nations, and adopting their idolatrous practices. This allegory vividly depicts the depth of their unfaithfulness and serves as a prophetic condemnation, explaining why God's judgment was necessary and just for both kingdoms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:32 speaks of Jerusalem drinking the cup of God's wrath due to her own sin, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "cup" that would be drunk by another, for the sins of many. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, the true and faithful Israel, wrestled with the bitter "cup" of God's wrath against humanity's sin ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Unlike Oholibah, who drank the cup of her *own* deserved judgment, Christ, who knew no sin ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), willingly drank the cup of divine wrath on our behalf. He fully exhausted its "deep and large" contents, enduring the scorn and derision of men ([Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross")) and the abandonment of God, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from drinking that cup themselves. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), transforming the cup of judgment into a cup of salvation and blessing for all who trust in Him ([1_corinthians/10-16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing")).

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

Psalms 60:3

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Ezekiel 22:4

Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come [even] unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

Ezekiel 22:5

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

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Psalms 79:3

Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and [there was] none to bury [them].

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?