Ezekiel 23:34

KJV

Thou shalt even drink it and suck [it] out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt even drink {H8354} it and suck it out {H4680}, and thou shalt break {H1633} the sherds {H2789} thereof, and pluck off {H5423} thine own breasts {H7699}: for I have spoken {H1696} it, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will drink it, you will drain it, and then you will gnaw it to shreds and tear out your own breasts! For I have spoken it' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

You will drink it and drain it; you will dash it to pieces, and tear your breasts. For I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt even drink it and drain it out, and thou shalt gnaw the sherds thereof, and shalt tear thy breasts; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:34 delivers a profoundly stark pronouncement of divine judgment upon Aholibah, representing Jerusalem, for her egregious spiritual harlotry and idolatry. Through vivid and disturbing imagery, the verse declares that Jerusalem will be forced to fully consume the bitter cup of God's wrath, experiencing complete desolation, utter humiliation, and self-inflicted shame, all sealed by the unchangeable and sovereign word of the Lord GOD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 continues the prophet's extended and graphic allegory of two sisters, Aholah (Samaria, the Northern Kingdom) and Aholibah (Jerusalem, the Southern Kingdom), introduced in [Ezekiel 23:1-4](/ezekiel/23-1-4 "Ezekiel 23:1-4 - The Parable of the Two Sisters"). Both sisters are depicted as engaging in spiritual prostitution, symbolizing their idolatry and illicit political alliances with foreign nations, which constituted a profound betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh. Aholah's judgment, detailed in [Ezekiel 23:5-10](/ezekiel/23-5-10 "Ezekiel 23:5-10 - Samaria's Harlotry and Judgment"), serves as a dire warning, yet Aholibah, despite witnessing her sister's downfall, plunged into even deeper and more perverse depravity, as described in [Ezekiel 23:11-21](/ezekiel/23-11-21 "Ezekiel 23:11-21 - Jerusalem's Greater Depravity"). The verses immediately preceding [Ezekiel 23:34](/ezekiel/23-34 "Ezekiel 23:34 - The Cup of Judgment") detail the specific instruments of God's judgment—the very "lovers" she pursued, the Babylonians, would turn against her to execute divine wrath. The "cup" imagery, first introduced in [Ezekiel 23:31](/ezekiel/23-31 "Ezekiel 23:31 - Drinking Aholah's Cup"), is central, symbolizing the full measure of inescapable punishment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 23:34 is the turbulent late monarchical period of Judah, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). Jerusalem (Aholibah) had repeatedly turned away from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, forming strategic but faithless alliances with powerful foreign empires like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon. These political pacts were often accompanied by the adoption of their pagan religious practices and idols, a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant. The vivid imagery of a woman's public shame and exposure was a deeply powerful cultural motif in the ancient Near East, universally understood as a representation of national humiliation, defeat, and utter disgrace. The act of "plucking off breasts" would have been perceived as a profoundly shocking and graphic representation of extreme self-mutilation, the loss of all that was once a source of pride, beauty, and sustenance, signifying complete desolation and public shaming. The "cup of wrath" was a common prophetic metaphor for divine judgment, found not only in Israelite prophecy but also in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying the inescapable and bitter experience of punishment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **seriousness of spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness**, portraying it not merely as a transgression but as a heinous act of harlotry against God that demands severe and certain judgment. Secondly, it highlights the **unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty of God**, emphasizing that His declared word of judgment will come to pass with absolute certainty, regardless of human resistance or denial. The concluding phrase, "for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD," reinforces divine immutability and authority, echoing similar declarations of God's faithfulness and power found throughout Scripture, such as in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie"). Finally, the graphic imagery vividly illustrates the **self-destructive nature of sin**, where the very actions chosen by the unfaithful ultimately lead to their own profound suffering, shame, and ruin, stripping away all dignity, comfort, and former glory. This theme resonates with the consequences of sin seen from the [fall in Genesis](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") onward.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suck it out (Hebrew, _mâtsâh'_):** H4680, a primitive root; to suck out; by implication, to drain, to squeeze out. In this context, applied to the "cup" of judgment, it emphasizes the complete and exhaustive consumption of its contents. Jerusalem will not merely sip but will drain every last drop, experiencing the full bitterness and exhaustion of God's wrath without any residue or possibility of escape or partial judgment.
* **break (Hebrew, _gâram'_):** H1633, a primitive root; to be spare or skeleton-like; used only as a denominative from גֶּרֶם; (causative) to bone, i.e. denude (by extensive, craunch) the bones; gnaw the bones, break. When applied to the "sherds" (pieces of pottery) of the cup, it signifies a violent and thorough shattering, leaving nothing whole or usable. This denotes the utter destruction and ruin that would befall Jerusalem, reducing it to fragmented, irreparable pieces, symbolizing complete desolation.
* **pluck off (Hebrew, _nâthaq'_):** H5423, a primitive root; to tear off; break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. In this deeply disturbing context, applied to "breasts," it conveys an act of extreme self-mutilation and profound public disgrace. It symbolizes the violent stripping away of dignity, beauty, and all sources of comfort or pride, leaving behind only raw pain, abject shame, and utter desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt even drink it and suck [it] out":** This initial clause emphasizes the inescapable and complete nature of the divine judgment. The "it" refers to the "cup" of God's fury and punishment, a metaphor established in preceding verses. Jerusalem is compelled to consume this cup to its absolute fullest, draining every last drop of the bitter consequences of her spiritual infidelity and rebellion. There will be no partial judgment or opportunity for evasion; the punishment will be exhaustive and fully experienced, leaving no room for reprieve.
* **"and thou shalt break the sherds thereof":** Following the complete consumption of the cup, this phrase signifies the utter destruction and ruin that will ensue. The "sherds" are the broken pieces of the pottery cup after its contents have been consumed. The act of breaking them further emphasizes that nothing of the vessel (symbolizing Jerusalem's former state, dignity, or integrity) will remain intact or useful. It points to a violent, irreversible desolation, reducing the once-proud city to mere fragments of what it once was.
* **"and pluck off thine own breasts":** This is a deeply graphic, shocking, and culturally resonant image. "Breasts" (Hebrew, _shad_) symbolize beauty, nurture, pride, and perhaps even the source of life or comfort. The act of "plucking off" one's own breasts represents extreme self-inflicted pain, profound shame, and the violent stripping away of all dignity and cherished aspects. It powerfully illustrates the self-destructive nature of Jerusalem's sin, where her choices ultimately lead to her own abject humiliation, public disgrace, and the loss of all that she held dear or that defined her former glory and identity.
* **"for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding declaration serves as a divine seal and immutable guarantee on the prophecy. It underscores the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of God's word. The judgment is not a mere threat or possibility but a decreed reality, guaranteed by the sovereign authority of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God (Lord GOD, _Adonai YHWH_). His word is final and will inevitably come to pass, signifying the unyielding nature of His justice and His absolute control over historical events.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:34 is richly woven with powerful **Metaphor** and **Graphic Imagery**, which are hallmarks of prophetic literature, particularly Ezekiel's style. The "cup" is a central **Metaphor** for divine wrath and judgment, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. The actions of "drinking it and sucking it out" extend this metaphor, emphasizing the complete and exhaustive experience of this judgment. The subsequent acts of "breaking the sherds" and especially "plucking off thine own breasts" employ vivid **Graphic Imagery** and **Hyperbole** to convey the extreme shame, desolation, and self-inflicted pain that Jerusalem would endure. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, with the two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, personifying the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, respectively. This **Personification** allows the prophet to convey complex theological truths about national sin and divine retribution through a relatable, albeit shocking, human narrative. The concluding phrase, "for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD," acts as a divine **Seal** or **Attestation**, lending ultimate authority and certainty to the prophetic pronouncement, reinforcing the immutability of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:34 powerfully articulates the severity of God's judgment against spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. It reveals a God who, though patient and merciful, will ultimately bring His righteous indignation to bear upon persistent rebellion and covenant breaking. The imagery of the "cup of wrath" is a profound theological concept, signifying the full measure of divine justice that must be consumed by those who defiantly reject His covenant and pursue spiritual harlotry. This passage serves as a stark reminder that sin, particularly the betrayal of God through idolatry, is not a trivial matter to God; its consequences are both certain and devastating, often leading to self-inflicted pain, public shame, and utter ruin. The concluding affirmation, "I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD," reinforces the absolute sovereignty and immutability of God's word, ensuring that His declarations of both blessing and judgment will inevitably come to pass.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:34 serves as a sobering and enduring warning for all generations, highlighting the profound seriousness of spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In a world constantly vying for our allegiance, this verse challenges us to examine what truly occupies the throne of our hearts. Any pursuit, pleasure, or possession that takes precedence over our singular devotion to God becomes an idol, leading us down a path of spiritual harlotry that, though initially alluring, ultimately results in profound self-inflicted pain, shame, and desolation. The "cup of wrath" reminds us that God's justice is not to be trifled with, and His warnings are as certain and unavoidable as His promises. For believers, this passage calls for a renewed commitment to singular devotion, recognizing that true flourishing, dignity, and peace are found only in unwavering faithfulness to the One who truly sustains and defines us. It prompts us to consider the subtle forms of idolatry in our own lives—whether it be career, reputation, comfort, or even good causes—and to repent, turning back to the Lord before we are forced to drink the bitter consequences of our own making.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cups" of self-inflicted pain or shame have I experienced as a result of pursuing things other than God's will and ways?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly engaging in "spiritual harlotry" by prioritizing worldly desires, achievements, or comforts over my relationship with God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's word ("I have spoken it") impact my understanding of His promises, His warnings, and His ultimate control over all things?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to ensure my devotion to God is singular and unwavering, preventing the need to "drink" from a cup of judgment that results from my own unfaithfulness?**

### FAQ

**What does the "cup" symbolize in Ezekiel 23:34 and other biblical passages?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 23:34 and throughout the Bible, the "cup" is a powerful and recurring symbol of divine judgment, wrath, and suffering. It represents the full measure of punishment that God pours out upon those who have sinned against Him. To "drink" or "suck out" the cup signifies experiencing this judgment completely and exhaustively, with no escape or alleviation. Examples include [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Fury"), where Jerusalem is commanded to drink the "cup of staggering," and [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Wine Cup of God's Fury"), where God gives the "wine cup of this fury" to all nations. This imagery underscores the bitterness, pain, and inescapable nature of God's righteous indignation against sin, emphasizing that His justice will be fully served.

**Why is the imagery of "plucking off thine own breasts" so graphic and disturbing?**

Answer: The imagery of "plucking off thine own breasts" (Hebrew: _natak shadayikh_) is intentionally graphic and disturbing, designed to convey the extreme depth of shame, humiliation, and self-inflicted pain that Jerusalem would experience as a consequence of her spiritual harlotry. In ancient cultures, breasts symbolized beauty, dignity, and a source of nurture and pride, often associated with a woman's honor and identity. To violently tear them off oneself would represent the ultimate act of self-mutilation and public disgrace, stripping away all that was once cherished or a source of honor and leaving one utterly exposed and defiled. It powerfully highlights the self-destructive nature of sin, where the very actions that promised pleasure or gain ultimately lead to profound loss, defilement, and a complete stripping away of dignity, leaving behind only pain and desolation. This vivid imagery underscores the horrific consequences of spiritual infidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 23:34 vividly portrays the bitter cup of God's wrath poured out upon unfaithful Jerusalem, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, in its pervasive spiritual harlotry and rebellion against God, justly deserved to drink this cup of divine judgment to its fullest, experiencing utter desolation and eternal shame. However, in an act of unparalleled love and substitutionary atonement, Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, willingly drank this terrifying cup on our behalf. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He agonized, praying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This "cup" was not merely physical suffering but the full, concentrated wrath of God against the sin of the entire world. By drinking it to its dregs on the cross, Christ bore the judgment that was due to us, effectively "breaking the sherds" of divine fury so that we might be spared. His perfect sacrifice means that those who are in Him will never have to "pluck off their own breasts" in shame, for He has taken our shame and given us His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work, the judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 23:34 is fulfilled in Him, offering redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life instead of desolation for all who believe, ushering in a new covenant sealed by His precious blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")).

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 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

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 23:8

Neither left she her whoredoms [brought] from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

Revelation 18:7

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Ezekiel 23:3

And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats of their virginity.