Ezekiel 8:15

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.

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.

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

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

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

Ezekiel 8:15 is a pivotal moment in one of Ezekiel’s most vivid and disturbing prophetic visions. In this verse, the Lord, or the angelic guide accompanying Ezekiel, challenges the prophet to observe even more profound acts of spiritual rebellion than what has already been revealed. It serves as a stark warning of escalating sin and impending divine judgment.

Context of Ezekiel 8:15

This verse is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel while he was among the exiles in Babylon (Ezekiel 8:1). Transported by the Spirit to Jerusalem, Ezekiel is given a supernatural tour of the Temple precincts, revealing the rampant idolatry being practiced within its very walls. Prior to verse 15, Ezekiel had already witnessed several "abominations" (idolatrous practices) in various parts of the Temple complex:

  • The "image of jealousy" at the north gate (Ezekiel 8:5).
  • Seventy elders secretly worshipping images of creeping things and detestable beasts in a hidden chamber (Ezekiel 8:10-12).
  • Women weeping for Tammuz, a Babylonian fertility god, at the north gate (Ezekiel 8:14).

Verse 15 acts as a transition, preparing Ezekiel (and the reader) for an even more egregious display of disrespect towards God and His holy dwelling place, implying that the worst is yet to come.

Meaning and Key Themes

Ezekiel 8:15 conveys several critical messages:

  • Escalating Sin: The phrase "greater abominations than these" highlights the progressive nature of sin. What begins with subtle compromises or hidden acts can quickly devolve into more overt and severe rebellion. The people of Judah had not repented from their initial idolatry but had deepened their spiritual apostasy, pushing the boundaries of God's patience.
  • Divine Revelation of Sin: God actively reveals the depth of His people's sin. This vision was not just for Ezekiel's personal understanding but was intended to expose the spiritual depravity of Jerusalem to the exiles, demonstrating that God's impending judgment was entirely justified.
  • Justification for Judgment: The cumulative effect of these "abominations" provides the divine rationale for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. God's holiness demands a response to such defilement of His sacred space and covenant relationship.
  • God's Omniscience: Despite the secrecy of some of these acts, God sees all. No sin, however hidden, escapes His notice (Psalm 139:7-12).

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "abominations" is to'evah (תּוֹעֵבָה). This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices that are utterly detestable or abhorrent to God, particularly idolatry, sexual perversion, and unjust dealings. Its repeated use in this chapter emphasizes the profound spiritual offense caused by the actions of the people of Jerusalem. The escalating nature ("greater abominations") underscores the intensifying severity of their rebellion against God's holy character.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 8:15 serves as a timeless warning for individuals and communities:

  • Beware of Progressive Sin: This verse reminds us that sin often escalates. Small compromises, if left unchecked, can lead to deeper forms of rebellion against God. It encourages vigilance and immediate repentance.
  • God Sees All: Even our hidden sins are known to God. This should prompt a life of integrity and genuine worship, not merely outward conformity.
  • The Seriousness of Idolatry: While modern idolatry may not involve physical statues, it can manifest as worshipping money, power, possessions, self, or anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives. This passage calls us to examine what truly holds the highest place in our hearts.
  • God's Patience Has Limits: Though God is patient and merciful, there comes a point where continued, unrepentant sin leads to inevitable consequences. This should motivate us to seek repentance and spiritual renewal.

The subsequent verses in Ezekiel 8 reveal the climax of Jerusalem's wickedness, where the priests themselves turn their backs on the Temple and worship the sun (Ezekiel 8:16), leading directly to God's declaration of judgment in Ezekiel 8:18.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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