Ezekiel 23:34
Ezekiel 23:34 in Multiple Translations
You will drink it and drain it; you will dash it to pieces, and tear your breasts. For I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD.
Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Thou shalt even drink it and drain it out, and thou shalt gnaw the sherds thereof, and shalt tear thy breasts; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord Jehovah.
And after drinking it and draining it out, you will take the last drops of it to the end, pulling off your breasts: for I have said it, says the Lord.
You will drink it all down, smash it to pieces on the ground, and tear at your breasts. This is what I have spoken, declares the Lord God.
Thou shalt euen drinke it, and wring it out to the dregges, and thou shalt breake the sheards thereof, and teare thine owne breasts: for I haue spoken it, sayth the Lord God.
And thou hast drunk it, and hast drained [it], And its earthen ware thou dost gnaw, And thine own breasts thou pluckest off, For I have spoken, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah,
You will even drink it and drain it out. You will gnaw the broken pieces of it, and will tear your breasts; for I have spoken it,’ says the Lord GOD.
Thou shalt even drink it, and empty it to the dregs, and thou shalt break its pieces, and pluck off thy own breasts: for I have spoken it , saith the Lord GOD.
And thou shalt drink it, and shalt drink it up even to the dregs, and thou shalt devour the fragments thereof, thou shalt rend thy breasts: because I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.
You will drink all the liquid that is in that cup; then you will break that cup into pieces anduse those pieces to gash/cut your breastsbecause you will be very sad.’ That will surely happen because I, Yahweh, have said it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:34
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 23:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁתִ֨ית
אוֹתָ֜/הּ
וּ/מָצִ֗ית
וְ/אֶת
חֲרָשֶׂ֛י/הָ
תְּגָרֵ֖מִי
וְ/שָׁדַ֣יִ/ךְ
תְּנַתֵּ֑קִי
כִּ֚י
אֲנִ֣י
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
נְאֻ֖ם
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִֽה
וְ/שָׁתִ֨ית
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
אוֹתָ֜/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וּ/מָצִ֗ית
mâtsâh
H4680
to drain
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חֲרָשֶׂ֛י/הָ
cheres
H2789
earthenware
N-mp | Suff
תְּגָרֵ֖מִי
gâram
H1633
to reserve
V-Piel-Imperf-2fs
וְ/שָׁדַ֣יִ/ךְ
shad
H7699
breast
Conj | N-md | Suff
תְּנַתֵּ֑קִי
nâthaq
H5423
to tear
V-Piel-Imperf-2fs
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:34
וְ/שָׁתִ֨ית
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
אוֹתָ֜/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וּ/מָצִ֗ית
mâtsâh
H4680
"to drain"
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
To drain or suck out something, like water from a container, as seen in the instructions for the Passover in Exodus 12:15. It involves removing liquid from a source.
Definition: 1) to drain, drain out 1a) (Qal) to drain, drain out 1b) (Niphal) to be drained out
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: suck, wring (out). See also: Leviticus 1:15; Psalms 73:10; Psalms 75:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲרָשֶׂ֛י/הָ
cheres
H2789
"earthenware"
N-mp | Suff
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
תְּגָרֵ֖מִי
gâram
H1633
"to reserve"
V-Piel-Imperf-2fs
This verb means to break bones, often in the sense of gnawing or crunching them. It is a vivid and intense image used in some biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to cut off, reserve, lay aside, leave, save 1a) (Qal) to reserve
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: gnaw the bones, break. See also: Numbers 24:8; Ezekiel 23:34; Zephaniah 3:3.
וְ/שָׁדַ֣יִ/ךְ
shad
H7699
"breast"
Conj | N-md | Suff
The Hebrew word for breast, describing a woman's or animal's breast as swollen. It is used in the Bible to describe nursing or motherly care. The KJV translates it as 'breast' or 'pap'.
Definition: 1) breast, bosom, (female) breast 1a) breast (of woman) 1b) breast (of animal) 1c) breast (of both human and animal) Also means: shod (שֹׁד "breast" H7699B)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: breast, pap, teat. See also: Genesis 49:25; Isaiah 28:9; Psalms 22:10.
תְּנַתֵּ֑קִי
nâthaq
H5423
"to tear"
V-Piel-Imperf-2fs
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Definition: 1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw away 1a2) to draw or pull off 1a3) to pull or tear away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out 1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped 1b3) to be separated 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to tear apart, snap 1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to draw away 1d2) to drag away 1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: break (off), burst, draw (away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out. See also: Leviticus 22:24; Isaiah 5:27; Psalms 2:3.
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
נְאֻ֖ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 23:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
- Sermons on Ezekiel 23:34
Context — Oholibah to Be Plagued
32This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, a cup deep and wide. It will bring scorn and derision, for it holds so much.
33You will be filled with drunkenness and grief, with a cup of devastation and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria.
34You will drink it and drain it; you will dash it to pieces, and tear your breasts. For I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD.
35Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and have cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution.’” 36Then the LORD said to me: “Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 75:8 | For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs. |
| 2 | Isaiah 51:17 | Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs— the cup that makes men stagger. |
| 3 | Revelation 18:7 | As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ |
| 4 | Ezekiel 23:3 | and they played in Egypt, prostituting themselves from their youth. Their breasts were fondled there, and their virgin bosoms caressed. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 23:8 | She did not give up the prostitution she began in Egypt, when men slept with her in her youth, caressed her virgin bosom, and poured out their lust upon her. |
Ezekiel 23:34 Summary
This verse is saying that when we disobey God and sin, we will have to face the consequences of our actions, which can be very painful and difficult. It's like drinking a cup of bitter medicine - we have to finish it, even if it's hard. The good news is that God loves us and wants us to return to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3 and Romans 5:8. By turning back to God and following His commands, we can avoid some of the pain and judgment that comes with sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'draining the cup' in Ezekiel 23:34?
Draining the cup is a metaphor for fully experiencing the consequences of one's actions, as seen in this verse where God declares that the people will drink and drain the cup of judgment, similar to what is described in Isaiah 51:17 and Revelation 18:6.
Why does the verse say 'you will dash it to pieces, and tear your breasts'?
This phrase is a vivid description of the emotional and physical distress that will result from God's judgment, much like the mourning and lamentation described in Joel 1:13 and Jeremiah 4:8.
What is the significance of God saying 'For I have spoken' in Ezekiel 23:34?
When God says 'For I have spoken', it emphasizes the certainty and finality of His judgment, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:39 and Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is proclaimed as unchanging and unwavering.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse showcases God's holiness and justice, as He judges sin and holds people accountable for their actions, in line with what is written in Exodus 34:7 and Psalm 92:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'cups' in my life that I am being called to drink, and how will I respond to God's judgment?
- In what ways have I 'forgotten' God, as mentioned in the surrounding verses, and how can I return to a closer relationship with Him?
- How can I apply the principle of Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow, to my own life and decisions?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Matthew 5:19?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:34
Thou shalt even drink it, and suck it out,.... The very dregs of it, that which lies at the bottom, which is the most nauseous and the most pernicious; not through love to it, but through force,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:34
Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
Thou shalt even drink it; nothing shall divert the punishment. And suck it out; the dregs shalt thou drink, and multiply thine own sorrows. Break the sherds; either out of indignation, or to suck out what was imbibed. Pluck off thine own breasts; which tempted others, and undid thyself, for which cause thou now revengest thyself upon thyself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
Ezekiel 23:34 Thou shalt even drink it and suck [it] out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.Ver. 34. And thou shalt break the sherds thereof,] i.e., Of the cup, which thou shalt cast away with utmost indignation: but thou hast thy bane. And pluck off thine own breast.] For a revenge of thy fornication therewith committed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
Verse 34. Thou shalt - pluck off thine own breasts] Thou shalt tear them; a frequent action in extreme sorrow and desolation. Weeping, tearing the bosom, and beating the breasts. Tunc vero rupique sinus, et pectora planxi. OVID'S Ep. 5.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:34
34. Cf. Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 51:17. break the sheards] gnaw the sherds. The act of plucking out her own breasts is that of one intoxicated to madness, Jeremiah 25:16. The words are wanting in LXX. Beating the breasts and tearing the cheeks was a sign of excessive grief (Hamasa, p. 373). “The women rent the breast of their dress, went half-naked, tore their faces, and beat their skin till it was lacerated with shoes (Aghani, xiv. 101, 28; xv. 139, 6; Hudh. 139, 3),” Well., Skizzen, iii. p. 160.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:34
34. Thou shalt break the sherds — Or, “gnaw the sherds” (R.V.). In her madness and pain the drunken woman lacerates her lips with the broken cup and plucks off (mutilates, or tears, Ezekiel 23:25) her own breasts.
Sermons on Ezekiel 23:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
4 Proofs of the Utter Severity by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for faith and total commitment to God. He shares the example of Daniel Rowland, a preacher from the 18th century who experienced se |
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The Duty of Self-Denial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the duty of self-denial, emphasizing the need for Christians to deny their own righteousness and trust only in Christ's righteousness for salvation. He wa |
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Jeremiah 49:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Jesus drinking the cup of God's wrath, a metaphor for divine judgment, as prophesied for Edom. He explains that while Edom will face judg |
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The Demonstration of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and how it is demonstrated throughout the Bible. He emphasizes that God's judgment is predictable and operates |
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K-534 Israel and the Apocalypse (3 of 3) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. He emphasizes that the people have sold themselves for nothing and will be redeemed without |
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The Cup of Trembling by David Wilkerson | This sermon delves into the concept of the 'cup of trembling' as addressed in Isaiah, focusing on the fears and challenges faced by God's people. It emphasizes the need to trust in |
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Summary of Israel's Present Plight and Her Future Glory by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses Israel's current struggles and the prophetic understanding of her future glory, emphasizing that the nation must undergo redemptive suffering before achieving la |