Ezekiel 23:37

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

That they have committed adultery {H5003}, and blood {H1818} is in their hands {H3027}, and with their idols {H1544} have they committed adultery {H5003}, and have also caused their sons {H1121}, whom they bare {H3205} unto me, to pass for them through {H5674} the fire, to devour {H402} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they committed adultery, and their hands are dripping with blood. They committed adultery with their idols; and they offered their sons, whom they bore to me, for these idols to eat.

Berean Standard Bible

For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. They have committed adultery with their idols. They have even sacrificed their children, whom they bore to Me, in the fire as food for their idols.

American Standard Version

For they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands; and with their idols have they committed adultery; and they have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass through the fire unto them to be devoured.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 23:37 delivers a stark indictment against the sister nations, Aholah (Samaria/Israel) and Aholibah (Jerusalem/Judah), meticulously detailing their profound spiritual apostasy and heinous practices. The verse encapsulates a dual sin: their pervasive spiritual adultery, manifested through idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, and the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, where children consecrated to the Lord were offered to pagan deities. This passage underscores the depth of their rebellion against God, providing the divine rationale for the severe judgments pronounced throughout the book of Ezekiel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 23 presents a vivid and graphic allegorical prophecy, extending the theme of spiritual harlotry introduced in [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery"). Here, God personifies Samaria (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) as Aholah and Jerusalem (the Southern Kingdom of Judah) as Aholibah, two sisters who, despite being chosen by God and entering into a sacred covenant with Him, relentlessly pursued illicit relationships with foreign nations and their gods. The chapter meticulously details their escalating depravity, moving from initial flirtations with Assyria and Egypt to full-blown spiritual prostitution. Verse 37 functions as a climactic summary of their transgressions, articulating the core reasons for God's impending judgment, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 23:38-49](/ezekiel/23-38-49 "Ezekiel 23:38-49 - The Judgment of Aholibah")), describing their deserved punishment. This verse is a pivotal moment, explicitly stating the charges that warrant the divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy is the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of Judah's persistent unfaithfulness. Both Israel and Judah, despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance and covenant faithfulness, repeatedly succumbed to the allure of surrounding pagan cultures. This included forming political alliances with nations like Assyria, Egypt, and Babylon, which invariably led to the adoption of their religious practices. The most abhorrent of these practices was child sacrifice, particularly to the Ammonite god Molech, a ritual explicitly forbidden and condemned by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")). This practice was not merely a cultural anomaly but a profound act of rebellion, signifying a complete disregard for the sanctity of life and the exclusive worship due to Yahweh. The "blood in their hands" likely refers to the violence and injustice prevalent in society, often intertwined with the corrupting influence of idolatry and the literal shedding of innocent blood through child sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 23:37 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and prophetic literature. Central among these is the theme of **spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry**, depicted through the pervasive metaphor of harlotry. This spiritual adultery represents Israel's betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, their divine "husband," by pursuing other gods and relying on human alliances rather than divine provision. Another crucial theme is the **sanctity of life and the abomination of child sacrifice**. The chilling detail of offering "sons, whom they bare unto me" underscores the profound sacrilege and moral depravity of this act, highlighting God's righteous anger against such practices. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **covenant betrayal** and the inevitable **divine justice**. Israel and Judah's persistent rebellion, despite repeated warnings, ultimately led to the severe consequences outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His holiness and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adultery (Hebrew, _nâʼaph'_):** This term (H5003) is a primitive root meaning "to commit adultery." While it can refer to literal marital infidelity, in the Old Testament, it is frequently used figuratively to denote apostasy or spiritual unfaithfulness. In Ezekiel 23:37, its repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of Israel and Judah's betrayal of their covenant relationship with God, portraying their idolatry as a profound act of spiritual harlotry against their divine "husband."
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** The word (H1818) refers to blood, specifically that which, when shed, causes death. Figuratively, especially in the plural, it signifies bloodshed or bloodguiltiness. In the context of Ezekiel 23:37, "blood in their hands" denotes their culpability not only for the literal shedding of innocent blood (e.g., through child sacrifice or unjust violence) but also for the moral pollution and guilt associated with their idolatrous practices and societal injustices.
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This term (H1544) literally means "a log (as round)" and by implication refers to an idol. It is often used in a derogatory sense, implying something worthless, defiled, or detestable. Its inclusion here directly links their "adultery" to the worship of these false, detestable gods, underscoring the specific nature of their spiritual betrayal and the objects of their illicit devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they have committed adultery":** This initial clause sets the primary charge, establishing the metaphor of spiritual harlotry. It signifies Israel and Judah's unfaithfulness to their covenant with Yahweh, their divine spouse, by pursuing other gods and relying on foreign alliances, thus breaking their sacred vows.
* **"and blood [is] in their hands":** This phrase adds a layer of moral culpability, indicating their guilt not only in spiritual unfaithfulness but also in the shedding of innocent blood. This could refer to judicial murders, oppression of the vulnerable, or, most directly, the blood of their own children offered in sacrifice. It points to a deep moral corruption that permeates their actions and defiles them.
* **"and with their idols have they committed adultery":** This reiterates and clarifies the nature of their "adultery," explicitly linking it to their worship of "idols." This repetition emphasizes that their spiritual betrayal was a direct act of devotion to false gods, a flagrant violation of the first commandment against having other gods before Yahweh.
* **"and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through [the fire]":** This clause reveals the most horrifying aspect of their sin: child sacrifice. The phrase "whom they bare unto me" underscores the profound sacrilege, as these children were considered a heritage from the Lord, meant to be consecrated to Him, yet were offered to pagan deities. "To pass through the fire" is a euphemism for the ritual immolation of these children.
* **"to devour [them]":** This final, chilling phrase describes the gruesome outcome of the child sacrifice. It signifies the complete consumption and destruction of the children by fire, emphasizing the brutality and finality of this abominable act, highlighting the ultimate desecration of life and God's holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 23:37 is rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, central to Ezekiel's prophetic style. The entire chapter employs a sustained **Allegory**, personifying Samaria and Jerusalem as two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, whose lives are a dramatic portrayal of Israel's spiritual decline. The core **Metaphor** is that of "adultery" or "harlotry," which represents the nation's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, contrasting sharply with the covenant fidelity expected of a bride to her husband (God). The phrase "blood in their hands" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where "blood" represents guilt, violence, and the shedding of innocent life. The description of causing "sons... to pass through the fire, to devour them" uses stark, horrifying **Imagery** to depict the abomination of child sacrifice, evoking visceral revulsion and emphasizing the depth of their depravity. The repetition of "committed adultery" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the pervasive and persistent nature of their spiritual betrayal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 23:37 powerfully encapsulates the profound theological truth that God demands exclusive devotion from His people. The spiritual adultery described is a direct violation of the covenant relationship, where Israel, as God's chosen bride, repeatedly prostituted herself with foreign gods and nations. This betrayal highlights the inherent danger of syncretism and the human tendency to replace divine authority with self-made idols or worldly alliances. Furthermore, the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice exposes the ultimate consequence of spiritual depravity: a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life, particularly the innocent, and a profound desecration of God's holiness. The verse serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is righteous and inevitable when His covenant is repeatedly broken and His commands flagrantly violated.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 23:37, though ancient in its specific historical context, presents timeless truths about the nature of sin, the demands of divine holiness, and the consequences of spiritual compromise. For contemporary believers, this passage serves as a sobering mirror, prompting us to examine our own hearts for any "idols" that compete for God's rightful place. These modern idols may not be physical statues but can manifest as materialism, career ambition, self-worship, comfort, or anything that consumes our ultimate devotion and trust, diverting our allegiance from the one true God. The condemnation of child sacrifice also compels us to reflect on the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death, and to consider how our societal values align with God's profound regard for every individual created in His image. Ultimately, this verse calls us to radical, exclusive devotion to God, urging us to repent of any divided loyalties and to live lives that genuinely reflect His holiness and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" in my life or culture might be competing for the exclusive devotion that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does the condemnation of child sacrifice in this verse inform my understanding of the sanctity of human life today?**
* **In what ways might I be guilty of "spiritual adultery" by seeking security or fulfillment in worldly things rather than in God?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more undivided heart and a deeper, more exclusive devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What is "spiritual adultery" in the context of Ezekiel 23:37?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 23:37, "spiritual adultery" is a powerful metaphor used to describe Israel and Judah's profound unfaithfulness to God. Just as a wife is bound in exclusive covenant to her husband, Israel was bound in covenant to Yahweh. Their "adultery" refers to their abandonment of this exclusive relationship by worshipping other gods (idolatry) and forming illicit political alliances with pagan nations, relying on them for security and prosperity rather than on God. This was a direct violation of the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

**What does "blood in their hands" signify?**

Answer: "Blood in their hands" signifies their guilt and culpability for violent acts and the shedding of innocent blood. While it could refer to general societal injustice and oppression, in the immediate context of Ezekiel 23:37, it strongly implies their involvement in child sacrifice. The children offered to pagan deities were innocent, and their blood was literally shed or consumed by fire, making the nations guilty of their deaths. This phrase underscores the moral pollution and profound sinfulness that accompanied their idolatry, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's law and the sanctity of human life.

**What was "passing sons through the fire" and why was it so abhorrent to God?**

Answer: "Passing sons through the fire" refers to the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, most notably associated with the worship of the Ammonite god Molech. This practice involved offering children as burnt offerings to these pagan deities. It was abhorrent to God for several reasons: it was a direct violation of His command against idolatry, it desecrated human life which is made in God's image, it involved the sacrifice of children whom God had given and claimed as His own ("whom they bare unto me"), and it represented the ultimate spiritual degradation and moral depravity of His people. God explicitly forbade this practice in His law, calling it an "abomination" ([Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 23:37, with its stark portrayal of Israel's spiritual adultery and child sacrifice, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel, but in the profound contrast and the redemptive solution offered through Jesus Christ. The persistent unfaithfulness of Israel, culminating in the horrific offering of their children to false gods, highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect sacrifice and a faithful covenant partner. While Israel offered their sons to false gods, God the Father, in His infinite love, willingly offered His own Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, not to pagan deities, but for the sins of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world, including the spiritual harlotry and bloodguiltiness that plagued Israel ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning work, believers are cleansed from the "blood in their hands" and freed from the bondage of idolatry, entering into a new covenant relationship characterized by true faithfulness and exclusive devotion to God, mediated by Christ ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). Where Israel failed in covenant fidelity, Christ perfectly fulfilled the covenant, establishing a way for all who believe to be reconciled to God and worship Him in spirit and truth, free from the defilement of idols and the stain of sin ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious 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

Ezekiel 16:36

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them;

Jeremiah 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Ezekiel 20:26

And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through [the fire] all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

Ezekiel 16:38

And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

Ezekiel 16:20

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter,

Ezekiel 16:21

That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through [the fire] for them?