Ezekiel 5:14

KJV

Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that [are] round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover I will make {H5414} thee waste {H2723}, and a reproach {H2781} among the nations {H1471} that are round about {H5439} thee, in the sight {H5869} of all that pass by {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'I will make you a ruin and an object of reproach among the nations around you, in the sight of all passing by.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make you a ruin and a disgrace among the nations around you, in the sight of all who pass by.

American Standard Version

Moreover I will make thee a desolation and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:14 serves as a climactic declaration of divine judgment against Jerusalem, prophesying its transformation into a desolate ruin and an object of public scorn among the surrounding nations. This pronouncement underscores the profound and visible humiliation that would befall God's covenant people, not only as a consequence of their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness but also as a stark, undeniable warning to all who witnessed their downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:14 concludes a powerful prophetic action and oracle that began in [Ezekiel 5:1](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1 - The Hair Prophecy as a Sign of Judgment"). In this dramatic passage, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded to shave his hair and beard, dividing it into three symbolic portions. Each portion represents a distinct fate for Jerusalem's inhabitants: one-third to perish by plague and famine within the besieged city, another third to fall by the sword outside its walls, and the final third to be scattered to the winds, with only a remnant saved. Verse 14, therefore, acts as a summarizing statement, emphasizing the public and devastating nature of the judgment detailed in the preceding verses. It solidifies the certainty and visibility of God's punitive action against a rebellious people who had defiled His sanctuary, turning their once-holy city into a spectacle of divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically to the exiles who had already been deported to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. His prophecies were aimed at both the exiles, to explain the reasons for their displacement and to instill a future hope, and the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, to warn them of the impending and final destruction. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the revered site of the Temple, was considered the very dwelling place of God and the epicenter of Israel's national and religious identity. For it to become "waste" and a "reproach" was the ultimate humiliation, a direct reversal of God's original intention for Israel to be a light and a praise among the nations, as articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations"). The surrounding nations, often hostile or idolatrous, would interpret Jerusalem's downfall as a sign of their own gods' superiority or the weakness of Israel's God, thereby intensifying the depth of the "reproach."
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable and just consequence of covenant unfaithfulness and persistent idolatry. God, in His absolute holiness, cannot tolerate sin within His chosen people, and His justice demands retribution. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Public Shame and Desecration**, as Jerusalem, once God's holy city and a symbol of His presence, is reduced to an object of scorn and mockery. This public display of judgment serves as a witness to the nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples and His righteous indignation against sin. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating that Israel's persistent rebellion, despite repeated divine warnings, culminated in utter devastation, thereby fulfilling the curses outlined in the covenant law (e.g., [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering Among the Nations")). The "waste" signifies utter desolation and abandonment, while "reproach" denotes the profound disgrace and derision from those who observe the catastrophic downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waste (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2723), derived from a root signifying "drought" or "dryness," denotes a state of utter desolation, ruin, or destruction. It conveys not merely physical emptiness but also a sense of horror, astonishment, and abandonment that such a place could become so utterly ruined. In Ezekiel 5:14, it emphasizes the complete and devastating physical destruction that will befall Jerusalem, rendering it uninhabitable and a shocking spectacle of divine wrath.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** This term (H2781) signifies contumely, disgrace, insult, or shame. It highlights the public humiliation and contempt Jerusalem would face from the surrounding nations. Far from being a respected city, it would become an object of scorn and mockery, its downfall serving as a byword for divine judgment and a source of derision for those who once might have envied or feared its prominence.
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This word (H1471), referring to foreign nations or Gentiles, emphasizes the global audience to whom Jerusalem's judgment will be visible. The downfall is not a private affair but a public demonstration of God's power and justice, intended to be observed and understood by all peoples surrounding Israel, underscoring the universal implications of God's dealings with His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover I will make thee waste,"**: This opening clause powerfully asserts God's direct and sovereign agency in the impending destruction. The verb "make" (H5414, _nâthan'_) here signifies God's active role in orchestrating and bringing about this state of utter desolation. Jerusalem will not merely become waste by chance, or solely by human armies, but by divine decree and execution, highlighting the unwavering hand of God orchestrating the judgment.
* **"and a reproach among the nations that [are] round about thee,"**: This part specifies both the nature and the audience of the judgment. Jerusalem will not only be physically devastated ("waste") but also publicly shamed ("reproach"). The "nations that are round about thee" (H1471, _gôwy'_, and H5439, _çâbîyb'_) are the immediate neighbors who will witness this downfall, transforming Jerusalem into a spectacle of disgrace. This public humiliation is an integral part of the judgment itself, fulfilling the curses outlined in the covenant.
* **"in the sight of all that pass by."**: This final phrase broadens the audience beyond just the immediate neighbors, encompassing anyone who travels through or observes the region. It reinforces the idea of a highly visible, undeniable, and inescapable judgment. The desolation and disgrace will be so profound and evident that it will be apparent even to casual observers, serving as a universal object lesson on the dire consequences of rebellion against the Almighty God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment with dramatic impact. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "waste" and "reproach" are not merely descriptive terms but powerful symbols of the complete and utter devastation that awaits Jerusalem, representing the spiritual emptiness and physical ruin resulting from unfaithfulness. There is also a profound sense of **Irony** present; Jerusalem, once intended to be a glorious city and a beacon of God's presence, a praise among the nations, is now destined to become a byword for ruin and shame. This stark reversal of destiny highlights the severity of their sin and the depth of their fall. Furthermore, the phrase "in the sight of all that pass by" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the widespread and undeniable nature of the judgment, ensuring its impact as a public spectacle and a warning to all who would observe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:14 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that a covenant relationship does not negate accountability; in fact, it heightens it, as Israel's privileged position brought greater responsibility. The public nature of Jerusalem's downfall demonstrates that God's judgment is not only an internal matter for His people but also serves as a powerful testimony to the watching world, revealing His sovereignty, righteousness, and the inevitable consequences of rebellion. This verse resonates with the broader biblical theme that persistent sin, especially against light and knowledge, inevitably leads to severe consequences, often involving public shame and the loss of divine favor. It is a powerful illustration of the enduring principle articulated in the New Testament: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")).

* [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations")
* [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Jerusalem's Scorn")
* [Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - A Reproach and a Byword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:14, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds timeless spiritual truths relevant for believers today. It compels us to consider the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly among those who claim His name. Just as ancient Israel was called to be a distinct and holy people, so too is the Church called to live in holiness and faithfulness, reflecting God's character to the world. When the Church, or individual believers, compromise their faith through idolatry (which can manifest as materialism, self-worship, or anything that takes God's rightful place), moral corruption, or spiritual apathy, it not only grieves God but also diminishes its witness and can bring reproach upon the name of Christ in the eyes of the world. This verse is a sober call to examine our lives, individually and corporately, ensuring that our walk aligns with our confession, lest we become a "reproach" rather than a "light" to those around us. It reminds us that true blessing comes from faithful obedience, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail, calling us to a life of integrity and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might "idolatry" manifest in my life or in the church today, even without physical idols?**
* **How does my personal conduct or the collective witness of my faith community reflect upon the name of God to "those that pass by" in our contemporary society?**
* **What specific areas of my life or our communal practices might need to be brought into greater alignment with God's holiness to avoid spiritual "waste" or "reproach"?**

### FAQ
**Does God still bring "waste" and "reproach" upon people or nations today?**

Answer: While God's covenant relationship with ancient Israel was unique and involved specific national judgments with physical manifestations, the underlying principles of sowing and reaping, and the consequences of sin, remain universal. God's character as a holy and just God is unchanging. Today, "waste" and "reproach" might not manifest as literal national destruction in the same way, but spiritual desolation, moral decay, and loss of influence can certainly be consequences of persistent unfaithfulness, both for individuals and for communities that claim to follow God yet live contrary to His will. The New Testament warns against the consequences of sin for believers, though our ultimate salvation in Christ is secure. For instance, [Romans 1:24-32](/romans/1-24-32 "Romans 1:24-32 - God Gives Them Over to Their Sins") describes God "giving over" those who reject Him to the natural and spiritual consequences of their sin, which can lead to various forms of societal and personal decay and dishonor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:14, with its stark imagery of waste and reproach, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in Christ suffering this judgment for Himself, but in His bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and its resulting shame on the cross. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became the ultimate "reproach" for us, enduring public humiliation and scorn "in the sight of all that pass by" ([Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Those Who Passed By Reviled Him")) as He was crucified outside the city gates, identifying with the outcasts and bearing the curse ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). He took upon Himself the "waste" of humanity's spiritual desolation, the curse of the broken covenant, and the full measure of divine judgment, so that we might inherit life, glory, and reconciliation with God. Through His sacrificial death, He absorbed the divine judgment that our unfaithfulness deserved, transforming the "reproach" into redemption and the "waste" into new creation. The judgment depicted in Ezekiel 5:14, which Israel experienced due to their covenant breaking, points forward to the perfect obedience of Christ, who, though He knew no sin, "was made sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). His suffering and public shame ensure that those who believe in Him will never face the ultimate "waste" of eternal separation from God or the "reproach" of divine condemnation, but rather receive eternal life and an imperishable inheritance ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and an Imperishable Inheritance")).

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

Nehemiah 2:17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Psalms 74:3

Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; [even] all [that] the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.

Psalms 74:10

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Psalms 79:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

Psalms 79:4

We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

Ezekiel 22:4

Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come [even] unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.