33:24 33:24

Ezekiel 33:25

33:26 33:26

Bible Versions

Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land?
Wherefore say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Ye eat {H398} with the blood {H1818}, and lift up {H5375} your eyes {H5869} toward your idols {H1544}, and shed {H8210} blood {H1818}: and shall ye possess {H3423} the land {H776}?
Therefore, tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'You eat [flesh] with the blood, you raise your eyes to your idols, and you shed blood - and you still expect to possess the land?
Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land?
Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes unto your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land?

Ezekiel 33:25 KJV Commentary

Ezekiel 33:25 delivers a stern rebuke from the Lord GOD to the inhabitants remaining in the land of Judah after the initial waves of Babylonian exile, particularly after the fall of Jerusalem. These individuals, despite witnessing the devastation, continued in their sinful ways, yet presumed they had a right to the land.

Context

Chapter 33 of Ezekiel marks a significant shift in the prophet's ministry. After the news of Jerusalem's destruction reaches Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:21), his role as a "watchman" for Israel is re-emphasized. While the earlier part of the book focused on warning Jerusalem before its fall, this section now addresses the remnant and those in exile, clarifying God's righteous judgment and individual responsibility. Verse 25 specifically targets those who remained in the desolate land, clinging to a false sense of security and entitlement based on their lineage from Abraham, despite their blatant disobedience to God's covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Disobedience: The verse highlights specific violations of God's covenant law given through Moses, demonstrating that outward affiliation or lineage (like Abraham) was meaningless without obedience.
  • Defilement by Forbidden Practices: "Ye eat with the blood" refers to a strict prohibition in Mosaic law against consuming blood, often associated with pagan rituals or a disregard for life (see Leviticus 17:10-14 and Deuteronomy 12:23-25). This act symbolized a deep spiritual defilement.
  • Idolatry: "lift up your eyes toward your idols" points to the persistent sin of idolatry, a direct violation of the first commandments (Exodus 20:3-5). This act represented a betrayal of their exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh.
  • Violence and Injustice: "and shed blood" indicates acts of murder, violence, or severe injustice, further demonstrating their moral decay and disregard for human life, a core tenet of God's law (Genesis 9:6, Exodus 20:13).
  • Consequence of Disobedience: The rhetorical question, "and shall ye possess the land?" carries a resounding "No." God's promise of the land to Israel was conditional upon their faithfulness to the covenant (Leviticus 26:33, Deuteronomy 28:63). Their continued sin disqualified them from inheriting or retaining their dwelling in the promised land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lord GOD" in the KJV translates the Hebrew אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה (Adonai Yahweh), a powerful combination emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. The term "eat with the blood" (Hebrew: אֲכַל עַל־הַדָּם, 'akal 'al-haddam) literally means "eat upon the blood," which could imply consuming meat from an animal not properly bled, or even participating in pagan rituals where blood was used in divination or as a symbol of life force offered to idols.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:25 serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual privilege or heritage (like being a descendant of Abraham) does not exempt one from God's righteous judgment when accompanied by persistent sin. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of genuine repentance and obedience:

  • True Faith Requires Obedience: It's not enough to claim a spiritual heritage; one must live in accordance with God's commands. Our actions reveal the true state of our hearts (James 2:20).
  • Warning Against Spiritual Defilement: Modern "idols" might not be physical statues but can include anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—money, power, possessions, reputation. "Shedding blood" can extend to any form of injustice, hatred, or disregard for human dignity.
  • God's Justice is Unwavering: While God is merciful, He is also just. Continued unrepentant sin will ultimately lead to consequences, just as it did for ancient Israel. The "wages of sin" remain death (Romans 6:23), but God offers forgiveness and new life through Christ.
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.

  • Genesis 9:4

    But flesh with the life thereof, [which is] the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

  • Jeremiah 7:9

    Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

  • Jeremiah 7:10

    And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

  • Deuteronomy 12:16

    Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

  • Ezekiel 22:27

    Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

  • Ezekiel 22:6

    Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

  • Ezekiel 18:6

    [And] hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
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