Ezekiel 24:23

KJV

And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

KJV (with Strong's)

And your tires {H6287} shall be upon your heads {H7218}, and your shoes {H5275} upon your feet {H7272}: ye shall not mourn {H5594} nor weep {H1058}; but ye shall pine away {H4743} for your iniquities {H5771}, and mourn {H5098} one {H376} toward another {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

put your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet, and neither observe mourning nor cry. Rather, because of your crimes you will pine away and groan to one another.

Berean Standard Bible

Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves.

American Standard Version

And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away in your iniquities, and moan one toward another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:23 vividly portrays the profound and unique suffering of the Jewish exiles in Babylon following the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. This verse, part of a larger prophetic sign-act involving Ezekiel's own personal grief, describes a state where traditional outward mourning is forbidden, replaced instead by a deep, internal "pining away" and a shared, silent anguish among themselves, all directly attributed to the devastating consequences of their unrepentant iniquities. It underscores the severe spiritual and emotional toll of rebellion against God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's dramatic command to Ezekiel regarding the sudden death of his wife, whom God calls "the desire of thine eyes" ([Ezekiel 24:16](/ezekiel/24-16 "Ezekiel 24:16 - The Death of Ezekiel's Wife")). Ezekiel is explicitly forbidden from performing any customary mourning rites—no weeping, no tears, no baring of the head, no eating the bread of mourners ([Ezekiel 24:17](/ezekiel/24-17 "Ezekiel 24:17 - Ezekiel's Forbidden Mourning")). This deeply personal and agonizing experience for the prophet serves as a powerful prophetic sign to the exiles. Just as Ezekiel's grief is suppressed and internalized, so too will the people of Judah be overwhelmed by the destruction of their "desire of their eyes"—the Temple and Jerusalem—to the point where their sorrow is too profound for traditional expression. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 24](/ezekiel/24 "Ezekiel 24 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot and Ezekiel's Wife") use the parable of the boiling pot to symbolize Jerusalem's judgment, setting the stage for the personal sign-act that follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, mourning customs were highly ritualized and public. Upon the death of a loved one or in times of national calamity, individuals would typically remove their head coverings (like turbans or "tires"), take off their shoes, tear their clothes, sit in ashes, and engage in loud lamentation, wailing, and weeping ([2 Samuel 1:2](/2_samuel/1-2 "2 Samuel 1:2 - David's Mourning for Saul"), [Job 1:20](/job/1-20 "Job 1:20 - Job's Initial Response to Loss")). These actions were visible expressions of profound grief and humility. The command in [Ezekiel 24:23](/ezekiel/24-23 "Ezekiel 24:23 - The Exiles' Suppressed Mourning") for the exiles to keep their "tires upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet" is a direct inversion of these deeply ingrained cultural norms. It signifies a forced, unnatural suppression of outward grief, a state of shock and despair so overwhelming that it paralyzes the very capacity for traditional lamentation. The historical backdrop is the impending, and then realized, destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (586 BC), which was the ultimate national catastrophe for Judah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Sin:** The suffering described is explicitly linked to "your iniquities." This highlights God's unwavering justice and the severe, inevitable consequences of persistent rebellion against His covenant. It echoes the warnings found in the Mosaic Law concerning disobedience, such as those detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience"). The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple is presented not as arbitrary cruelty, but as a righteous response to generations of idolatry, injustice, and spiritual apostasy.
* **Internalized Grief and Unutterable Despair:** Unlike the public lamentations often depicted in the Bible, the exiles' suffering is characterized by a silent, internal "pining away" and a shared, unspoken sorrow. This signifies a grief so profound and shocking that it transcends conventional expression, leading to a slow, agonizing spiritual and emotional deterioration. It is a unique form of judgment, where the very capacity for cathartic mourning is removed.
* **God's Sovereignty and the Fulfillment of His Word:** The precise fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy, including the specific manner of the exiles' grief, served to validate God's word and His absolute control over historical events. The accuracy of these foretellings would confirm to the exiles that the Lord God was indeed sovereign, and that their suffering was not random but part of His just plan, as declared through His prophet ([Ezekiel 24:24](/ezekiel/24-24 "Ezekiel 24:24 - Fulfillment of the Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pᵉʼêr (Hebrew, _pᵉʼêr'_):** From H6287, meaning "an embellishment, i.e. fancy head-dress; beauty, bonnet, goodly, ornament, tire." This word refers to a turban or ornamental head-covering, typically worn by men as a symbol of dignity, status, or celebration. In the context of mourning, it was customary to remove such headgear as a sign of humility, sorrow, and dishevelment. The command to keep their "tires upon your heads" thus signifies a forced suppression of natural grief, an unnatural composure in the face of overwhelming tragedy, stripping them of the culturally appropriate outlet for their sorrow.
* **mâqaq (Hebrew, _mâqaq'_):** From H4743, a primitive root meaning "to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish; consume away, be corrupt, dissolve, pine away." This word vividly describes a slow, internal deterioration. It's not a sudden collapse but a gradual wasting away, a gnawing despair that eats at one's spirit and body. This "pining away" is far more agonizing than outward weeping, representing a deep, soul-crushing anguish that results from the unaddressed weight of their iniquities and the shock of their national devastation.
* **ʻâvôn (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This term encompasses not only the sin itself but also the guilt associated with it and the punishment that results from it. The phrase "pine away for your iniquities" directly links their internal decay and suffering to their moral culpability and the divine judgment for their persistent rebellion. It emphasizes that their dire situation is a direct consequence of their own actions and spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet":** This clause describes the outward appearance of the exiles. Contrary to the customary practice of removing head coverings and shoes during mourning as signs of grief and humility, they are compelled to maintain their normal attire. This signifies a state of shock so profound, or a divine decree so absolute, that it prevents them from engaging in the culturally expected, cathartic expressions of sorrow. Their grief is to be stifled, held internally, without the relief of public lamentation.
* **"ye shall not mourn nor weep":** This is a direct prohibition against traditional, outward displays of grief, such as loud wailing (mourn, H5594, _çâphad_) and the shedding of tears (weep, H1058, _bâkâh_). This command parallels God's instruction to Ezekiel regarding his wife's death, emphasizing the unprecedented and overwhelming nature of the calamity that would befall Jerusalem. The inability to mourn outwardly compounds their suffering, trapping their sorrow within.
* **"but ye shall pine away for your iniquities":** This clause reveals the true nature of their suffering: a slow, internal decay of spirit and body. The Hebrew word _mâqaq_ (pine away) suggests melting, dissolving, or wasting away, indicating a deep, gnawing despair rather than an acute, expressed sorrow. This internal anguish is explicitly linked to "your iniquities" (_ʻâvôn_), underscoring that their suffering is a direct, just consequence of their persistent sin and rebellion against God. Their unaddressed guilt and the weight of their moral failures will consume them from within.
* **"and mourn one toward another":** This final phrase describes a unique and poignant form of communal grief. Instead of public wailing toward God or in open lamentation, their "mourning" (H5098, _nâham_ - to growl, roar, mourn) is directed silently and internally "one toward another." This suggests a shared, unspoken anguish, a mutual recognition of their collective guilt and despair, expressed not through outward cries but through a quiet, desperate acknowledgment of their shared fate and culpability. It's a silent, internalized lament, a communal sigh of despair.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of profound and unique suffering. **Symbolism** is central, with the "tires upon your heads" and "shoes upon your feet" symbolizing the forced suppression of traditional mourning rites. These everyday items become powerful symbols of a grief so overwhelming that it paralyzes the very capacity for outward expression. The phrase "pine away" utilizes vivid **Imagery** of internal decay and dissolution, painting a picture of a slow, agonizing spiritual and emotional decline. This contrasts sharply with the expected **Pathos** of public lamentation, creating a sense of **Irony** where the magnitude of the tragedy leads not to an outpouring of grief, but to its complete internalization. The prophet's own experience, forbidden from mourning his wife, serves as a **Sign-Act**, a dramatic, embodied prophecy that mirrors and foreshadows the people's future state, intensifying the emotional impact and prophetic weight of the verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:23 stands as a stark testament to the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin and rebellion against God. It reveals a divine judgment so severe that it strips the people of even the cathartic release of outward mourning, forcing their grief inward to fester as a "pining away" due to their iniquities. This unique form of suffering underscores the profound spiritual and emotional toll exacted by persistent disobedience, demonstrating that sin not only incurs external punishment but also internal decay. The verse highlights God's unwavering holiness and justice, affirming that He will not tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely, and that the wages of sin are indeed grievous, impacting the very soul and spirit of a people.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin") - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
* [Lamentations 1:1-22](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation") - Describes the desolation of Jerusalem and the deep, yet often internalized, sorrow of its inhabitants, mirroring the despair of Ezekiel 24:23.
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Your Own Wickedness Will Punish You") - "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:23 offers a profound and sobering reflection for believers today. It challenges us to consider the insidious nature of unaddressed sin, which, if left unconfessed and unrepented of, can lead to a spiritual "pining away"—a slow, internal decay of joy, peace, and vitality, even if outwardly we maintain a facade of normalcy. This verse reminds us that true spiritual health requires honest self-examination and a willingness to confront our iniquities, allowing God's grace to heal the inner wounds caused by sin. It calls us to move beyond superficial expressions of faith to a deep, transformative repentance that addresses the root causes of spiritual malaise. Understanding the severity of God's justice in this passage should cultivate a deeper reverence for His holiness and a greater appreciation for the boundless mercy offered through Christ, which prevents us from succumbing to such despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might unaddressed sin be leading to a spiritual "pining away" or internal despair, even if not outwardly visible?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views rebellion and iniquity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate genuine repentance and ensure that my grief over sin leads to healing and restoration, rather than internal decay?**

### FAQ
**Why were the exiles forbidden from mourning in a traditional way?**

Answer: The prohibition against traditional mourning (removing head coverings, shoes, weeping) was a prophetic sign-act, mirroring God's command to Ezekiel concerning the death of his own wife ([Ezekiel 24:16-18](/ezekiel/24-16 "Ezekiel 24:16 - The Death of Ezekiel's Wife")). The magnitude of Jerusalem's destruction, the "desire of their eyes," would be so overwhelming and shocking that the people would be paralyzed by grief, unable to perform the customary rituals. Their sorrow would be too deep for outward expression, leading instead to a silent, internalized despair. This unique judgment emphasized the unprecedented nature of the catastrophe and the direct link between their suffering and their iniquities.

**What does "pine away for your iniquities" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "pine away" (Hebrew _mâqaq_) signifies a slow, internal deterioration, a wasting away or dissolving of spirit and vitality. It describes a gnawing despair and anguish that consumes a person from within, rather than a sudden, acute sorrow. This internal decay is directly attributed to "your iniquities" (Hebrew _ʻâvôn_), meaning their sins, guilt, and the punishment resulting from them. It implies that the weight of their unconfessed and unrepented sin, combined with the shock of God's judgment, would lead to a soul-crushing, debilitating despair that was more agonizing than any outward lamentation.

**How does this prophecy relate to Ezekiel's personal experience?**

Answer: Ezekiel's personal experience of his wife's sudden death and God's command for him not to mourn outwardly ([Ezekiel 24:16-18](/ezekiel/24-18 "Ezekiel 24:18 - Ezekiel's Obedience")) served as a powerful, living parable for the exiles. Just as Ezekiel was forbidden from expressing his profound personal grief in traditional ways, so too would the people of Judah be unable to mourn when their "desire of their eyes"—the Temple and Jerusalem—was destroyed. Ezekiel's silent suffering became a tangible, relatable demonstration of the unique and internalized grief that would soon afflict the entire nation, confirming the truth and severity of God's impending judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 24:23 paints a grim picture of humanity's natural state under the weight of sin: a "pining away" for iniquities, an internal decay and despair that external mourning cannot alleviate. This deep, soul-crushing anguish, a direct consequence of rebellion against God, finds its ultimate remedy and reversal in Jesus Christ. While the exiles were consumed by their own guilt, Christ became the ultimate sin-bearer, taking upon Himself the "iniquities" of humanity, so that we might not "pine away" but find life and peace ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). 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"), offering true forgiveness and cleansing that addresses the root cause of spiritual decay ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). Where the exiles were forbidden to mourn outwardly and were left to internal despair, Christ invites all who are weary and heavy-laden with the burden of sin to come to Him for rest and true solace ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His sacrifice, the curse of pining away for iniquity is broken, replaced by the indwelling Spirit who brings life, hope, and the freedom to truly grieve with hope, knowing that sorrow can be turned into joy through the transforming power of the Gospel ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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

Leviticus 26:39

And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

Ezekiel 33:10

¶ Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins [be] upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?

Ezekiel 4:17

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Job 27:15

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

Psalms 78:64

Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.

Isaiah 59:11

We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but [there is] none; for salvation, [but] it is far off from us.