Ezekiel 8:15

KJV

Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations than these.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto me, Hast thou seen {H7200} this, O son {H1121} of man {H120}? turn {H7725} thee yet again, and thou shalt see {H7200} greater {H1419} abominations {H8441} than these.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being," he asked me, "have you seen this? You will see practices even more disgusting than these."

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Yet you will see even greater abominations than these.”

American Standard Version

Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? thou shalt again see yet greater abominations than these.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:15 stands as a pivotal moment within Ezekiel's profound vision of Jerusalem's spiritual decay. Following earlier revelations of various idolatrous practices within the Temple precincts, the divine guide challenges Ezekiel to witness an even more profound and egregious series of acts, signaling an escalating depth of sin that fully justifies the severe divine judgment soon to befall Judah and Jerusalem. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute awareness of human rebellion and the dire consequences of persistent, unrepentant apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a dramatic visionary experience granted to Ezekiel, commencing in [Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - The Vision of Abominations"). Spiritually transported from his exile in Babylon to Jerusalem, Ezekiel is led on a guided tour through the very heart of the Temple, where God systematically exposes the hidden idolatry defiling His sacred dwelling. Prior to [Ezekiel 8:15](/ezekiel/8-15 "Ezekiel 8:15 - Greater Abominations"), Ezekiel has already been shown the "image of jealousy" at the north gate ([Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")), the seventy elders secretly worshipping detestable images of "creeping things and detestable beasts" in a dark chamber ([Ezekiel 8:10-12](/ezekiel/8-10-12 "Ezekiel 8:10-12 - The Elders' Idolatry")), and women weeping for the pagan deity Tammuz at the Temple's north gate ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Weeping for Tammuz")). Verse 15 functions as a chilling and suspenseful transition, explicitly preparing Ezekiel—and the reader—for an even more shocking and offensive display of sacrilege, which culminates in the most egregious act: the priests themselves worshipping the sun at the Temple entrance in [Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Worshipping the Sun").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's vision is set around 593 BC, during the initial phase of the Babylonian exile. Many Judeans, including Ezekiel, had been forcibly deported after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. Despite this clear act of divine judgment, the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, including its religious and political leaders, stubbornly persisted in their idolatrous practices, often clinging to a false sense of security due to the physical presence of the Temple. The pagan practices described—the worship of "creeping things" (likely Egyptian animal cults), the mourning for Tammuz (a Mesopotamian fertility cult), and sun worship (a widespread form of astral idolatry, often associated with Baal)—were common throughout the ancient Near East. These practices were explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:19](/deuteronomy/4-19 "Deuteronomy 4:19 - Warning Against Idolatry") and [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices"). The profound scandal lies in the fact that these "abominations" were not merely occurring within the nation, but specifically within the sacred Temple precincts, the very symbol of God's covenant presence and dwelling place with Israel. This highlights the deep-seated spiritual corruption that had permeated the nation's core.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 8:15](/ezekiel/8-15 "Ezekiel 8:15 - Greater Abominations") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost among these is the theme of the **escalation of sin** and its direct, inevitable link to **divine judgment**. The phrase "greater abominations" underscores that Judah's spiritual decline was not static but a progressive worsening, pushing God's patience to its absolute limit. This vision also profoundly emphasizes God's **holiness and jealousy** for His name and His dwelling place; He cannot and will not tolerate the defilement of His sacred space or the worship of other gods. Furthermore, the passage vividly illustrates God's **omniscience**, revealing that no sin, however hidden or secretly practiced, escapes His discerning gaze ([Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Knowledge")). The entire chapter, culminating in this verse and the subsequent revelations, serves as a comprehensive **justification for the impending destruction of Jerusalem** and the Temple, demonstrating that God's actions are not arbitrary acts of wrath but a righteous and just response to profound and unrepentant apostasy. The vision ultimately sets the stage for the departure of God's glory from the Temple in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, a primitive root meaning "to see," encompassing literal and figurative perception, discernment, and observation. The repetition of this word in the verse ("Hast thou seen... thou shalt see") emphasizes the visual and experiential nature of Ezekiel's prophetic encounter. It's not a casual glance but an imperative for the prophet to truly comprehend and witness the depth of the spiritual corruption, implying a deeper understanding and acknowledgment beyond mere sight.
* **greater (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, meaning "great" in various senses, including magnitude, importance, or intensity. When applied to "abominations," it signifies a qualitative and quantitative increase in the severity of the offense. It denotes a higher degree of spiritual rebellion, indicating an escalating intensity of sin that surpasses what has already been revealed, highlighting the profound moral gravity of the acts.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, properly describing "something disgusting (morally)," an abhorrence, particularly referring to idolatry or an idol itself. This term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to denote practices utterly detestable and repugnant to God, violating His covenant and holiness. Its usage here, especially with the qualifier "greater," underscores the profound moral and spiritual offense caused by these actions within God's holy Temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man?":** The divine guide, likely a manifestation of God's glory or an angelic interpreter, directly addresses Ezekiel, employing the characteristic prophetic title "son of man." This opening is a rhetorical question, not seeking new information but rather drawing Ezekiel's attention to the gravity of the idolatry he has already witnessed. It serves as a solemn prompt for reflection and a dramatic prelude, preparing him for a deeper, even more disturbing revelation.
* **"turn thee yet again,":** This is a direct command instructing Ezekiel to reorient his focus, to look further and more intently into the Temple's hidden chambers. It signifies a continuation and intensification of the vision, suggesting that the previous sights, though shocking, were merely a prelude. This phrase implies a deliberate and progressive uncovering by God of the full, horrifying extent of the people's sin, leading Ezekiel into the deepest recesses of their spiritual defilement.
* **"[and] thou shalt see greater abominations than these.":** This declarative statement reveals the explicit purpose of the renewed gaze. The phrase "greater abominations" signifies not just a quantitative increase in the number of detestable acts, but a qualitative escalation in their severity and offensiveness to God's holiness. This statement builds dramatic tension and underscores the escalating nature of Judah's rebellion, culminating in acts that are even more abhorrent than those previously exposed, justifying the severity of the impending divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:15 is rich with potent literary devices that amplify its message of escalating sin and impending judgment. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Hast thou seen [this], O son of man?"). This question is not posed to elicit an answer from Ezekiel but to underscore the gravity of what he has already witnessed and to prepare him—and by extension, the reader—for the even more shocking revelations to come. It serves to engage the prophet directly, drawing him deeper into the unfolding horror. Central to the verse's impact is the device of **Escalation**, explicitly stated in the phrase "thou shalt see greater abominations than these." This builds dramatic tension and highlights the progressive nature of sin, where one act of rebellion, left unaddressed, leads to another, increasingly severe one. This escalation powerfully foreshadows the inevitable and severe judgment that will follow. Furthermore, there is a powerful use of **Repetition** of the verb "see" (Hebrew: `râʼâh`), emphasizing the visual and experiential nature of the prophetic revelation. God is not merely telling Ezekiel about the sin; He is showing him its full, detestable reality, forcing a direct confrontation with the depth of Judah's apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:15 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's unwavering holiness and His absolute intolerance for spiritual defilement, particularly within the very precincts dedicated to His worship. It powerfully reveals that God is not a distant, passive observer but is intimately and fully aware of the hidden sins and secret idolatries of His people. The escalating nature of the abominations underscores a profound theological truth: unrepentant sin does not remain static but deepens, leading to greater rebellion, hardening of the heart, and ultimately, inevitable divine judgment. This verse provides crucial justification for God's impending judgment on Jerusalem, demonstrating that His actions are not arbitrary acts of wrath but a righteous and just response to a people who have persistently and increasingly scorned His covenant, profaned His name, and desecrated His holy dwelling. It stands as a somber reminder that God's patience, while vast and merciful, is not infinite, and His justice demands a decisive response to such profound and widespread apostasy.

* [Deuteronomy 29:18-20](/deuteronomy/29-18-20 "Warning Against Secret Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 7:8-11](/jeremiah/7-8-11 "The Temple Sermon")
* [Psalm 78:58](/psalms/78-58 "Provoking God with Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 8:15 offers a profound and challenging mirror for both individual believers and the corporate body of Christ today. The progression from "these" abominations to "greater abominations" serves as a sobering warning: sin rarely remains confined or static. What might begin as a small compromise, a hidden transgression, or a subtle idolatry, if left unaddressed and unrepented of, can metastasize into deeper forms of rebellion, progressively hardening the heart and dulling spiritual sensitivity. This verse calls us to a rigorous and honest self-examination, prompting us to ask what "abominations," however subtle or disguised, might be defiling the "temple" of our own hearts or the corporate life of the church. It challenges us to confront any form of idolatry—whether it be the worship of material possessions, personal ambition, comfort, pleasure, or even self-righteousness—that displaces God from His rightful, supreme position of authority and affection. The divine revelation of hidden sin reminds us that God sees all, even the most private thoughts and actions, prompting us to live lives of genuine integrity, seeking true holiness rather than mere outward conformity or superficial piety. Ultimately, this passage urges prompt and sincere repentance, a turning away from all forms of spiritual defilement, and a wholehearted return to devoted worship, recognizing that God's holiness demands purity and His justice will ultimately prevail against all unrighteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tolerating "smaller" compromises or hidden sins that could, if left unchecked, lead to "greater abominations"?**
* **What are the modern "idols" that subtly compete for God's rightful place and ultimate affection in my heart or in our community of faith?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's omniscience—that He sees all, even hidden sins and intentions—impact my pursuit of genuine holiness and integrity?**
* **What specific steps can I take today to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to God, actively seeking to be free from all forms of spiritual defilement?**

### FAQ
**Why does God reveal these abominations to Ezekiel in such detail?**

Answer: God reveals these abominations to Ezekiel in such graphic and escalating detail for several crucial, interconnected reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful **justification for the impending judgment** on Jerusalem and Judah. The exiles, and indeed all future generations, needed to understand unequivocally that God's severe actions—the destruction of Jerusalem, the desecration of the Temple, and the continuation of the exile—were not arbitrary acts of wrath but a righteous, necessary, and proportionate response to profound, persistent, and unrepentant spiritual rebellion. Secondly, it was an act of **divine revelation and exposure**. The sins were often hidden, practiced secretly in "dark chambers" ([Ezekiel 8:12](/ezekiel/8-12 "Ezekiel 8:12 - The Elders' Idolatry")) or behind closed doors, yet God, in His omniscience, saw them all ([Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7-12 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Knowledge")). By revealing them to Ezekiel, God publicly unmasked the hypocrisy, the deep-seated apostasy, and the spiritual blindness of His people, particularly their religious and political leaders. Thirdly, it functioned as a **prophetic warning and a call to repentance**. While judgment was inevitable for Jerusalem, the detailed vision served as a stark, unforgettable lesson for the exiles, urging them to learn from the catastrophic failures of the past and to turn back to God with sincere hearts, thereby laying the groundwork for future restoration. Finally, it profoundly underscored God's **holiness and His zealous jealousy** for His name and His dwelling place. The defilement of His Temple was not a minor transgression but a direct affront to His very character and covenant, which He would not tolerate indefinitely ([Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - God's Vow Against Defilement")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:15, with its chilling revelation of escalating abominations within God's Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel witnessed the physical defilement of a stone temple by idolatry and moral corruption, Jesus directly confronted the spiritual defilement of both the physical Temple of His day and, more profoundly, the sinful hearts of humanity. The "greater abominations" of human rebellion, culminating in outright defiance of God's perfect will, were ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became the ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby providing atonement and cleansing humanity from the deepest abominations of sin, making a way for reconciliation with a holy God. Furthermore, Jesus' dramatic cleansing of the Temple in [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13-17 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") echoes God's righteous indignation at the desecration of His house. However, Jesus' act was not merely against commercialism but a profound prophetic sign of His divine authority to purify and establish a new spiritual temple. This new temple is not made with human hands but is the corporate body of believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, the "greater abominations" that defiled the old covenant temple are ultimately overcome by the "greater righteousness" and perfect holiness found in Christ, who purifies His people and establishes them as His holy dwelling, a fulfillment that far surpasses the physical cleansing Ezekiel longed for, ushering in an era where true worship is in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship")).

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 8:9

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

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 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Ezekiel 8:13

¶ He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.