Ezekiel 24:13

KJV

In thy filthiness [is] lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

In thy filthiness {H2932} is lewdness {H2154}: because I have purged {H2891} thee, and thou wast not purged {H2891}, thou shalt not be purged {H2891} from thy filthiness {H2932} any more, till I have caused my fury {H2534} to rest {H5117} upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of your filthy lewdness, because you refused to be purified when I wanted to purify you; now you will not be purified from your filth until I have satisfied my fury on you.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the indecency of your uncleanness I tried to cleanse you, but you would not be purified from your filthiness. You will not be pure again until My wrath against you has subsided.

American Standard Version

In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have cleansed thee and thou wast not cleansed, thou shalt not be cleansed from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my wrath toward thee to rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:13 pronounces a severe judgment upon Jerusalem, declaring that its deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption, likened to an incurable "filthiness" and "lewdness," has reached a point beyond purification by ordinary means. Despite God's prior attempts to cleanse the city through prophetic warnings and disciplinary measures, Jerusalem remained unrepentant. Therefore, the divine declaration is that no further internal purification will occur; instead, the city will endure the full, unmitigated outpouring of God's wrath, culminating in its devastating destruction by the Babylonians. The verse underscores the irreversible consequences of persistent rebellion and the exhaustion of divine patience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 24 marks a pivotal and somber turning point in the prophet's ministry and the unfolding prophecy against Jerusalem. It opens with a precise dating, specifying the very day Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem began, transforming the prophetic word into a present reality for the exiles in Babylon ([Ezekiel 24:1-2](/ezekiel/24-1 "Ezekiel 24:1-2 - The Siege of Jerusalem Begins")). Immediately following this, the chapter introduces the vivid and disturbing parable of the boiling pot ([Ezekiel 24:3-5](/ezekiel/24-3 "Ezekiel 24:3-5 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot")), which graphically illustrates Jerusalem as a pot filled with its inhabitants, destined to be consumed by the fire of divine judgment. The "filthiness" mentioned in verse 13 is explicitly linked to the "scum" and "blood" within the pot in [Ezekiel 24:6-8](/ezekiel/24-6 "Ezekiel 24:6-8 - The Scum and Blood in the Pot"), representing the city's profound moral and ritual impurity. Verse 13 serves as a climactic declaration within this parable, emphasizing the depth of Jerusalem's depravity and the finality of God's decision to judge rather than purify unto repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 24:13 is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which commenced on January 15, 588 BC. This was a period of immense national crisis for Judah. For decades, the people had oscillated between nominal obedience to Yahweh and rampant idolatry, social injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, often adopting the detestable practices of surrounding Canaanite nations. The "filthiness" and "lewdness" refer to these ingrained sins, including child sacrifice, prostitution in cultic worship, and the shedding of innocent blood ([Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery") and [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - Oholah and Oholibah")). Culturally, purification rituals were central to Israelite worship, signifying a return to a state of holiness before God. The declaration that Jerusalem "wast not purged" despite God's efforts implies a complete failure to respond to the numerous warnings and disciplinary actions (like earlier deportations) that were intended to bring about repentance and cleansing. The final "rest" of God's fury signifies a complete and devastating judgment, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern conquest narratives where the victor's wrath was fully unleashed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to hold His covenant people accountable for their persistent sin, even when it means devastating consequences. It highlights the **Consequences of Unrepentant Sin**, illustrating that there comes a point where God's long-suffering is exhausted, and the opportunity for restorative purification gives way to punitive judgment. The repeated phrase "purged... not purged" underscores the theme of **Stubborn Rebellion and Spiritual Hardening**, revealing Jerusalem's deep-seated resistance to God's attempts to cleanse them, despite repeated warnings and interventions, as seen throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel"). Furthermore, it speaks to the **Sovereignty of God** over history and nations, as He orchestrates even the actions of foreign empires (like Babylon) to execute His righteous decrees against His rebellious people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **filthiness (Hebrew, _ṭumʼâh'_):** This word, derived from the root _ṭamêʼ_, denotes religious impurity, often associated with ritual defilement, idolatry, or moral corruption. In Ezekiel 24:13, it signifies Jerusalem's profound and pervasive spiritual and moral uncleanness, encompassing their idolatry, bloodshed, and injustice, which rendered them unfit for God's presence and covenant relationship. It is not merely a superficial stain but a deep-seated state of defilement.
* **lewdness (Hebrew, _zimmâh'_):** From the root _zâmam_, this term refers to a plan, especially a bad one, signifying heinous crime, depravity, or wicked thought. It emphasizes the deliberate, premeditated, and egregious nature of Jerusalem's sins. This is not accidental wrongdoing but a calculated and deep-seated perversion, indicating a complete moral breakdown and a conscious turning away from God's commands.
* **purged (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be bright," and by implication, "to be pure." It encompasses physical cleanness, Levitical purity (uncontaminated), and moral innocence or holiness. The repetition of this verb in Ezekiel 24:13 ("I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged") highlights God's repeated, earnest, and persistent efforts to cleanse Jerusalem through warnings, prophets, and disciplinary actions, and the city's utter failure to respond to these divine overtures.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** Derived from _yâcham_, meaning "heat," this word figuratively denotes anger, hot displeasure, rage, or wrath. It describes the intense, burning indignation of God against Jerusalem's unrepentant sin. The "rest" of this fury signifies its full, unmitigated outpouring and completion, indicating that God's judgment will be exhaustive and final, leaving no room for further attempts at purification through less severe means.
* **rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rest," "settle down," or "cease." In this context, when combined with "fury," it implies that God's wrath will not merely touch Jerusalem but will fully settle upon it, exhaust itself, and complete its devastating work. It signifies the cessation of the judgment process only when its full, destructive purpose has been achieved, rather than a cessation of wrath due to repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In thy filthiness [is] lewdness:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound spiritual and moral corruption of Jerusalem. Their "filthiness" (ritual and moral impurity) is not just an external stain but is inherently characterized by "lewdness"—deliberate, heinous wickedness. It suggests that their impurity is not accidental or unwitting but a chosen path of depravity, deeply ingrained in their character and actions.
* **"because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged,"** This phrase reveals God's patient and persistent attempts to cleanse Jerusalem. The divine "purging" refers to His numerous warnings through prophets, His disciplinary actions (such as earlier sieges or famines), and His covenant instructions, all designed to bring the city to repentance and purification. However, Jerusalem's stubborn resistance and unresponsiveness are highlighted by the stark contrast: despite God's efforts, the city remained unpurified, demonstrating their hardened hearts and refusal to yield.
* **"thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more,"** This declares a divine turning point and a definitive judgment. Because Jerusalem consistently rejected God's previous attempts at restorative cleansing, the opportunity for such purification is now irrevocably withdrawn. The city has crossed a line where its spiritual condition is deemed incurable by anything short of destructive judgment. This is not a statement about God's inability to cleanse, but His determination not to offer further means of *restorative* cleansing to an unrepentant people.
* **"till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee."** This final clause specifies the nature and extent of the impending "cleansing"—it will be the complete and devastating outpouring of God's wrath. The "resting" of God's fury signifies its full and exhaustive application, implying that the judgment will be thorough and final, bringing an end to Jerusalem's active rebellion through its destruction. This "cleansing" is punitive, not redemptive; it is a cessation of their sin through their demise, rather than a purification leading to restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:13 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated use of the verb "purged" (Hebrew _ṭâhêr_). This triple repetition—"I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged"—creates a strong sense of divine exasperation and the finality of Jerusalem's unresponsiveness. It underscores the futility of God's past efforts and the irreversible nature of the impending judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Climax** within the larger **Parable of the Boiling Pot** ([Ezekiel 24:3-14](/ezekiel/24-3 "Ezekiel 24:3-14 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot")), serving as the definitive pronouncement of judgment that the parable illustrates. The "filthiness" and "lewdness" are vivid **Metaphors** for Jerusalem's deep-seated moral and spiritual corruption, transforming abstract sin into tangible, repulsive impurities that resist cleansing. Finally, the phrase "till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee" uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (fury) and action (resting) to God, making His righteous indignation and its complete execution more relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:13 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the consequences of prolonged spiritual rebellion. It articulates the sobering truth that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, His patience is not limitless. There comes a point where persistent rejection of His grace and repeated refusal to be cleansed leads to a state of incurable depravity, necessitating a different form of divine intervention—one of judgment rather than purification unto repentance. This verse underscores the gravity of human accountability and the principle that unaddressed sin ultimately invites the full measure of God's righteous wrath. It serves as a stark reminder that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering justice, and that His holiness cannot indefinitely tolerate unrepentant wickedness.

* [Proverbs 1:24-31](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-31 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")
* [Jeremiah 7:27-28](/jeremiah/7-27 "Jeremiah 7:27-28 - Unheeded Prophecy")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No Sacrifice Left for Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:13, though a severe prophecy against ancient Jerusalem, holds enduring spiritual lessons for individuals and communities today. It challenges us to honestly examine the "filthiness" and "lewdness" within our own lives—our hidden sins, unconfessed transgressions, and areas of stubborn rebellion against God's will. The divine declaration "thou wast not purged" should prompt a deep introspection: are we resisting the Holy Spirit's conviction, ignoring God's Word, or dismissing the gentle discipline He sends to purify us? This verse serves as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency and the hardening of one's heart, reminding us that there is a point of no return for those who persistently refuse God's grace. It calls us to embrace God's ongoing work of sanctification, to confess our sins readily, and to allow His Word and Spirit to continually cleanse and transform us, lest we face the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "filthiness" or "lewdness" (unconfessed sin, unrepentant habits, or deliberate rebellion) might be present in my own life or community that God is seeking to purge?**
* **In what ways have I, like Jerusalem, resisted God's attempts to cleanse or correct me through His Word, circumstances, or the counsel of others?**
* **How does the concept of God's "fury" resting upon unrepentant sin shape my understanding of His justice and holiness?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to actively cooperate with God's purifying work in my life, rather than resisting it?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 24:13 mean God stops trying to cleanse people?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God gives up on cleansing individuals or that His grace is ultimately exhausted for all time. Rather, it speaks to a specific historical context concerning Jerusalem's corporate, persistent, and deliberate rebellion against the covenant, which had reached a point of no return regarding *restorative* cleansing *before* judgment. For Jerusalem, the opportunity for purification that would avert the impending destruction had passed. For individuals today, God's grace for repentance and cleansing through Christ is always available for those who genuinely turn to Him ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). However, it does serve as a solemn warning that persistent rejection of God's overtures can lead to a hardening of heart and severe consequences, as seen in [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24-32 - God Gives Them Over to Their Sins").

**What is the significance of the "boiling pot" parable in relation to this verse?**

Answer: The "boiling pot" parable in [Ezekiel 24:3-14](/ezekiel/24-3 "Ezekiel 24:3-14 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot") vividly illustrates the very "filthiness" and "lewdness" mentioned in verse 13 and the reason for the irreversible judgment. The pot represents Jerusalem, and its contents (meat and bones) represent its inhabitants. The "scum" or "filthiness" that cannot be boiled away even by intense heat symbolizes the deep-seated moral corruption, idolatry, and bloodshed within the city that resisted all of God's previous attempts at purification. Verse 13 is the theological explanation of the parable's grim outcome: because the "scum" (filthiness) could not be purged, the only remaining action is for the fire (God's fury) to consume the pot and its contents, signifying the city's complete destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 24:13 speaks of a judgment that brings an end to active rebellion through destruction, the New Testament reveals a Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for purification. Humanity, like ancient Jerusalem, is inherently steeped in "filthiness" and "lewdness" (sin), unable to purge itself. The Old Covenant system of sacrifices and rituals, though pointing to purification, could not ultimately cleanse the conscience ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect")). However, in Jesus Christ, God provides the definitive and perfect means of purification. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus")). Unlike Jerusalem, which resisted God's purging, those who come to Christ in faith are truly "purged" and made clean, not by their own merit or resistance to sin, but by His atoning sacrifice and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit")). His "fury" against sin was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross, so that believers might be spared that wrath and instead receive His righteousness ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood, Saved from Wrath")). Thus, while Ezekiel 24:13 highlights the consequences of rejecting divine cleansing, Christ offers the complete and final cleansing, transforming the unpurifiable into a holy people for God's own possession ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")).

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 22:24

Son of man, say unto her, Thou [art] the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.

Ezekiel 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

Zephaniah 3:2

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Ezekiel 16:42

So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Jeremiah 6:28

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.