Ezekiel 5:11

KJV

Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore, as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Surely, because thou hast defiled {H2930} my sanctuary {H4720} with all thy detestable things {H8251}, and with all thine abominations {H8441}, therefore will I also diminish {H1639} thee; neither shall mine eye {H5869} spare {H2347}, neither will I have any pity {H2550}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For, as I live,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'because you defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and disgusting practices, therefore I swear that I will cut you off - my eye will not spare, I will have no pity.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you.

American Standard Version

Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, and I also will have no pity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:11 delivers a powerful divine oath from the Lord GOD, declaring an unmitigated judgment upon Jerusalem. This severe pronouncement directly attributes the impending desolation to the city's profound and persistent defilement of God's sanctuary through widespread idolatry and detestable practices. The verse underscores God's unwavering resolve to execute justice, stating that He will diminish them without mercy or pity, highlighting the dire consequences of their spiritual rebellion and moral corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the divine rationale and culmination of the symbolic actions commanded to Ezekiel in the preceding verses of [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Fate of Jerusalem"). In [Ezekiel 5:1-4](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel's Haircut Prophecy"), the prophet is instructed to shave his hair and beard, dividing it into three portions, each representing a distinct fate for Jerusalem's inhabitants: one-third to perish by fire (famine and plague), one-third by the sword (war), and one-third to be scattered by the wind (exile). Verse 11 directly links these impending calamities to the specific sin of defiling God's sanctuary, providing the theological justification for such drastic judgment. It transitions from the symbolic portrayal of judgment to the explicit declaration of its cause and certainty, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of Jerusalem's suffering that follow in [Ezekiel 5:12-17](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12-17 - The Horrors of Judgment").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), ministering to the exiles in Babylon while Jerusalem was still standing but under siege. The people of Judah, particularly those in Jerusalem, had consistently violated their covenant with Yahweh, embracing the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The Temple, intended as the dwelling place of God's holy presence, had become a site of pagan rituals and abominable worship, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). This defilement was not merely ceremonial but deeply spiritual and moral, representing a fundamental betrayal of God's unique relationship with Israel. The cultural norms of the time included widespread polytheism and syncretism, which Israel had unfortunately adopted, provoking God's righteous anger. The "detestable things" and "abominations" would have encompassed various forms of idol worship, child sacrifice, and other practices anathema to the Mosaic Law.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and severity of divine judgment**, emphasized by the solemn divine oath, "as I live, saith the Lord GOD." This phrase signifies God's unchangeable purpose and absolute commitment to His word, a theme echoed in [Ezekiel 14:1-11](/ezekiel/14-1 "Ezekiel 14:1-11 - God's Judgment on Idolatry"). Secondly, the verse highlights the profound concept of **God's holiness and the defilement of His sanctuary**. The Temple was meant to be a sacred space reflecting God's purity, and its desecration by idolatry was a direct affront to His character, a recurring motif in [Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5-18 - The Idolatry in the Temple"). Thirdly, it addresses the pervasive issue of **idolatry and abominations**, which were the root cause of Israel's spiritual decay and God's wrath. These practices represented a complete rejection of the covenant and a pursuit of false gods, as seen in [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History"). Finally, the declaration of no pity or sparing reveals God's **unyielding justice** in response to persistent and unrepentant rebellion, demonstrating that even His mercy has limits when His holiness is continually profaned, a principle also found in [Lamentations 2:21](/lamentations/2-21 "Lamentations 2:21 - No Pity for the Young and Old").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_):** This primitive root (H2930) means "to be foul," especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination. In this context, it signifies Jerusalem's profound spiritual and moral corruption, particularly in relation to the Temple. It's not just a minor transgression but a deep-seated impurity that has rendered God's sacred space unholy in His sight.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh_):** Derived from the root "qadash" (to be holy), this noun (H4720) refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically God's holy dwelling place, the Temple in Jerusalem. The defilement of the _miqdâsh_ was an ultimate affront to God's holiness and presence, indicating that the very heart of Israel's worship had become corrupted.
* **diminish (Hebrew, _gâraʻ_):** This primitive root (H1639) means "to scrape off," and by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, or withhold. Here, it signifies God's active removal or reduction of Jerusalem's population and strength, a direct consequence of their actions. It conveys the idea of God actively stripping away their blessings, protection, and very existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase is a solemn divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unwavering resolve of God's impending judgment. The phrase "as I live" (H2416, _chay_) is God swearing by His own eternal existence, making the subsequent declaration irrevocable. "Lord GOD" combines _ʼĂdônây_ (H136), an emphatic form of "Lord," and _Yᵉhôvih_ (H3069), a variation of YHWH, underscoring the supreme authority and covenant faithfulness of the speaker.
* **"Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary":** This clause states the direct cause of the judgment. The "surely" (often an emphatic particle) reinforces the certainty. The accusation is specific: Jerusalem (represented by "thou") has actively "defiled" (H2930, _ṭâmêʼ_) God's holy "sanctuary" (H4720, _miqdâsh_), the Temple. This defilement was not passive but an active profanation through their actions.
* **"with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations,":** This specifies the nature of the defilement. "Detestable things" (H8251, _shiqqûwts_) and "abominations" (H8441, _tôwʻêbah_) are strong terms referring to idolatrous practices, pagan rituals, and morally repugnant acts that were anathema to God's covenant. The repetition of "all" emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of their sin, indicating that no part of their worship or life was untainted.
* **"therefore will I also diminish thee;":** This introduces the direct consequence of their defilement. "Therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. God declares He will "diminish" (H1639, _gâraʻ_) Jerusalem, meaning He will reduce its population, its strength, its glory, and its very existence, fulfilling the symbolic actions of Ezekiel's haircut.
* **"neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.":** This final declaration underscores the severity and unmitigated nature of the coming judgment. God states that His "eye" (H5869, _ʻayin_) will not "spare" (H2347, _chûwç_, to compassionate or regard) nor will He have "pity" (H2550, _châmal_, to commiserate). This is a stark contrast to God's usual character of mercy and compassion, indicating that the people's persistent rebellion has reached a point where divine justice must be fully executed without restraint.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is the **divine oath**, "as I live, saith the Lord GOD," which functions as a solemn, unbreakable vow, emphasizing the absolute certainty and immutability of God's word. This oath elevates the pronouncement beyond mere threat to an irreversible decree. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** in the concluding phrase, "neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity," reinforcing the complete absence of divine compassion in the face of such egregious sin. The use of "all" in "all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations" serves as **hyperbole** or **amplification**, underscoring the pervasive and comprehensive nature of Jerusalem's spiritual corruption. Furthermore, there is a clear **cause-and-effect** structure, where the people's defilement (cause) directly leads to God's diminishing judgment and lack of pity (effect). The **anthropomorphism** of God's "eye" not sparing emphasizes His direct and personal involvement in the judgment, rather than it being an impersonal consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:11 powerfully articulates the severity of God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice when His covenant is repeatedly violated. It reveals that while God is abundant in mercy and slow to anger, there comes a point where persistent rebellion and the profanation of His sacred presence necessitate unmitigated judgment. The defilement of the sanctuary through idolatry was not merely a ceremonial offense but a profound spiritual betrayal, a rejection of God's unique claim on His people and His dwelling place. This verse underscores the principle that sin, especially idolatry, has severe consequences, leading to the withdrawal of divine favor and protection. It highlights God's righteous indignation against anything that compromises His purity and sovereignty, serving as a stark reminder of the ultimate accountability of those who have been given His truth and presence.

* [Leviticus 26:30](/leviticus/26-30 "Leviticus 26:30 - God's Judgment on Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 7:14](/jeremiah/7-14 "Jeremiah 7:14 - Destruction of the Temple")
* [Deuteronomy 32:21](/deuteronomy/32-21 "Deuteronomy 32:21 - God's Jealousy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:11 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound seriousness of defiling what is sacred to God and the inevitable consequences of persistent spiritual rebellion. While we no longer have a physical Temple in Jerusalem, the principles of this verse remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Our bodies are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple")), and the church, corporately, is the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church, a Holy Temple")). Therefore, we are called to a life of purity and holiness, guarding against anything that would defile these spiritual sanctuaries. Modern idolatry may not involve physical statues but can manifest as anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it wealth, power, pleasure, self-ambition, or even good things that become ultimate things. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts for any "detestable things" or "abominations" that might be subtly or overtly displacing God. It serves as a stark warning that God's justice is real and that while His mercy is vast, it is not infinite in the face of unrepentant sin. The severity of this judgment should not lead to despair but to a deeper appreciation for God's holiness and a fervent desire for genuine repentance and a life lived in humble obedience and reverence, seeking to honor Him in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly defiling the "sanctuary" of my own body or the corporate "sanctuary" of the church through my actions, attitudes, or priorities?**
* **What are the "detestable things" or "abominations" in my life that might be taking God's rightful place, even if they seem harmless?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as expressed in this verse, motivate me to pursue a deeper walk of holiness and repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does "defiled my sanctuary" specifically refer to in Ezekiel's time?**

Answer: In Ezekiel's time, "my sanctuary" (H4720, _miqdâsh_) specifically referred to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the holy dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The defilement was not merely ceremonial impurity but a profound spiritual and moral corruption. This included the introduction of pagan idols and symbols into the Temple courts, the practice of foreign rituals, and the adoption of abominable customs (such as child sacrifice) that were anathema to Yahweh's covenant commands. [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple") provides a vivid and disturbing account of the various forms of idolatry and detestable practices being carried out within the Temple precincts, illustrating the extent of this defilement.

**Does "neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity" mean God is no longer merciful?**

Answer: This phrase (using H2347, _chûwç_ for "spare" and H2550, _châmal_ for "pity") emphasizes the unmitigated nature of the judgment against Jerusalem due to their persistent and unrepentant sin. It does not mean God ceases to be merciful in His character, but rather that for this specific instance of egregious and prolonged rebellion, His justice will be fully executed without restraint. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as merciful and compassionate ([Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion")), but He is also perfectly righteous and holy. There are limits to His forbearance when His holiness is continually profaned and His covenant utterly rejected. This declaration highlights that the people had exhausted God's patience, bringing about a necessary and just consequence for their actions, as seen in other instances of severe judgment in the Old Testament, such as the flood in [Genesis 6](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood") or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:11, with its stark declaration of judgment upon a defiled sanctuary, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the destruction of a physical building, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, which Israel defiled, was a shadow pointing to the true and perfect Temple—Jesus Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the one in whom God's full presence dwells, undefiled by sin. When Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), He demonstrated God's righteous anger against the profanation of His house, echoing the very indignation expressed in Ezekiel. More profoundly, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the full weight of God's judgment for our "detestable things" and "abominations." Through His atoning death, He satisfied the divine justice that had no pity on sin, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification")). Furthermore, in Christ, believers become the new spiritual temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), a sanctuary undefiled by the old covenant's failures, built upon the cornerstone of Christ Himself ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - The Church, a Holy Temple")). Thus, while Ezekiel's prophecy speaks of a past judgment, it ultimately points to Christ as the solution to humanity's defilement and the foundation of a new, holy dwelling place for God.

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 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Ezekiel 11:18

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

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 7:11

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen [it], saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 8:5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

Ezekiel 8:6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

2 Chronicles 36:14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.