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Ezekiel 23:47

Ezekiel 23:47 in Multiple Translations

The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords. They will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses.

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

And the company shall stone them with stones, and despatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

And the meeting, after stoning her with stones, will put an end to her with their swords; they will put her sons and daughters to death and have her house burned up with fire.

The mob will stone them and kill them with their swords, slaughtering their sons and daughters and burning down their houses.

And the multitude shall stone them with stones, and cut them with their swordes: they shall slay their sonnes, and their daughters, and burne vp their houses with fire.

And they have cast at them the stone of the assembly, And cut them with their swords, Their sons and their daughters they do slay, And their houses with fire they burn.

The company will stone them with stones and dispatch them with their swords. They will kill their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn their houses with fire.

And lee the people stone them with stones, and let them be stabbed with their swords: they shall kill their sons and daughters, and their houses they shall burn with fire.

The mob will throw stones at themto kill them; they will cut them into pieces with their swords, they will kill their sons and daughters, and burn down their houses.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 23:47

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 23:47 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/רָגְמ֨וּ עֲלֵי/הֶ֥ן אֶ֨בֶן֙ קָהָ֔ל וּ/בָרֵ֥א אוֹתְ/הֶ֖ן בְּ/חַרְבוֹתָ֑/ם בְּנֵי/הֶ֤ם וּ/בְנֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙ יַהֲרֹ֔גוּ וּ/בָתֵּי/הֶ֖ן בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ יִשְׂרֹֽפוּ
וְ/רָגְמ֨וּ râgam H7275 to stone Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עֲלֵי/הֶ֥ן ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
אֶ֨בֶן֙ ʼeben H68 stone N-fs
קָהָ֔ל qâhâl H6951 assembly N-ms
וּ/בָרֵ֥א bârâʼ H1254 to create Conj | V-Piel-Ptc
אוֹתְ/הֶ֖ן ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/חַרְבוֹתָ֑/ם chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fp | Suff
בְּנֵי/הֶ֤ם bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff
וּ/בְנֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙ bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Conj | N-fp | Suff
יַהֲרֹ֔גוּ hârag H2026 to kill V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ/בָתֵּי/הֶ֖ן bayith H1004 place Conj | N-mp | Suff
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire Prep | N-cs
יִשְׂרֹֽפוּ sâraph H8313 to burn V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 23:47

וְ/רָגְמ֨וּ râgam H7275 "to stone" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word 'râgam' means to stone someone, or kill them by throwing stones. It is used in the Bible to describe a form of punishment.
Definition: 1) to stone, slay or kill by stoning 1a) (Qal) to stone
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, stone. See also: Leviticus 20:2; Numbers 15:36; Ezekiel 23:47.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֥ן ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֶ֨בֶן֙ ʼeben H68 "stone" N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
קָהָ֔ל qâhâl H6951 "assembly" N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
וּ/בָרֵ֥א bârâʼ H1254 "to create" Conj | V-Piel-Ptc
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; Psalms 51:12.
אוֹתְ/הֶ֖ן 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.
בְּ/חַרְבוֹתָ֑/ם chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | N-fp | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בְּנֵי/הֶ֤ם bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּ/בְנֽוֹתֵי/הֶם֙ bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Conj | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יַהֲרֹ֔גוּ hârag H2026 "to kill" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
וּ/בָתֵּי/הֶ֖ן bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יִשְׂרֹֽפוּ sâraph H8313 "to burn" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 23:47

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 16:40–41 They will bring a mob against you, who will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. Then they will burn down your houses and execute judgment against you in the sight of many women. I will put an end to your prostitution, and you will never again pay your lovers.
2 Jeremiah 39:8 The Chaldeans set fire to the palace of the king and to the houses of the people, and they broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
3 Ezekiel 24:21 Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’
4 2 Chronicles 36:17–19 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value.
5 Ezekiel 9:6 Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.
6 Ezekiel 23:29 They will treat you with hatred, take all for which you have worked, and leave you naked and bare, so that the shame of your prostitution will be exposed. Your indecency and promiscuity
7 Jeremiah 33:4–5 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the houses of this city and the palaces of the kings of Judah that have been torn down for defense against the siege ramps and the sword: The Chaldeans are coming to fight and to fill those places with the corpses of the men I will strike down in My anger and in My wrath. I have hidden My face from this city because of all its wickedness.
8 Ezekiel 23:25 And I will set My jealous rage against you, and they will deal with you in fury. They will cut off your noses and ears, and your survivors will fall by the sword. They will seize your sons and daughters, and your remnant will be consumed by fire.
9 Jeremiah 52:13 He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building.
10 Ezekiel 24:6 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents.

Ezekiel 23:47 Summary

This verse describes a severe punishment for the sinful actions of the people, where a mob will stone and cut down the adulteresses with swords, killing their sons and daughters and burning down their houses. This punishment is a consequence of their sinful actions, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22. The purpose of this punishment is to serve as a deterrent to others, to warn them of the severity of God's judgment on sin, as seen in Joshua 7:24-25 and Ezekiel 23:48. By understanding this verse, we can see the importance of repenting from our sins and turning to God, as described in 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19, and trusting in His sovereignty and justice, even when we don't understand the circumstances or outcomes, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God instruct the mob to stone and cut down the adulteresses with swords?

This severe punishment is a consequence of their sinful actions, as seen in Ezekiel 23:45, where righteous men sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, highlighting the gravity of their sins, similar to the punishments described in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22.

What is the purpose of killing the sons and daughters and burning down the houses?

This act of judgment serves as a deterrent to others, as stated in Ezekiel 23:48, where it says that all the women will be admonished not to imitate their behavior, illustrating the severity of God's judgment on sin, as also seen in Joshua 7:24-25.

Is this verse promoting violence against women?

No, this verse is a prophetic declaration of God's judgment on the sinful actions of the people, specifically the idolatrous and adulterous behavior of the women, as described in Ezekiel 23:45-46, and should not be taken as a promotion of violence against anyone, but rather as a call to repentance and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:27-28.

How does this verse relate to God's character?

This verse demonstrates God's holiness and justice, as He will not tolerate sin and will judge it accordingly, as stated in Ezekiel 23:49, where it says that they will repay the consequences of their sins of idolatry, and will know that He is the Lord God, highlighting His righteous and just nature, similar to what is described in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 30:18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be tolerating or even promoting sin in my own life, and how can I repent and turn to God?
  2. How can I balance God's justice and mercy in my understanding of His character, as seen in this verse and others like it, such as Romans 11:22 and Hebrews 10:26-31?
  3. What are some ways that I can be a voice of warning and admonition to others, as described in Ezekiel 23:48, without being judgmental or self-righteous, but rather humble and compassionate, as seen in Matthew 7:1-5 and Galatians 6:1-2?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I don't understand the circumstances or outcomes, as seen in this verse and others like it, such as Job 42:2-3 and Psalm 73:16-17?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones,.... Which was the punishment of adulterers and idolaters, Deuteronomy 13:10, this seems to refer to the Chaldean army casting out stones from their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 23:47

And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:47

The company, Heb. congregation, the Babylonian army. Stone them; the punishment of an adulteress; and this was in a manner done when the engines, which cast mighty stones into the besieged city, dashed out the brains of some, and when chimneys, or walls, or towers, beat down by those stones cast out of the engines, fell on others, and buried them alive. Despatch them with their swords: some of them who escaped the stones fell under the sword of the Babylonian soldier. Slay their sons; either in fight, or when they break into the city, or light on them wandering on mountains, or hiding in dens and caves. And their daughters; either in sacking the city, when they regard no sex, or because they choose to die rather than yield to the lust of those vile ones. Burn up their houses; as the cities, and houses abroad in the country; so the Babylonish army destroyed what they could not carry away with them, as .

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:47

Ezekiel 23:47 And the company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire.Ver. 47. And the company shall stone them.] As by the law they did adulteresses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:47

(47) With stones . . . with swords.—The figure and the reality are here designedly mixed. Stoning was the legal punishment of adultery, but the actual overthrow of Jerusalem was by the sword.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 23:47

Verse 47. Shall stone them with stones] As they did adulteresses under the law. See Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22, compared with John 8:3.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 23:47

36–49. New exposure of the immoralities of Oholah and Oholibah (Ezekiel 23:36-44), and threat of their punishment (Ezekiel 23:45-49) The passage is not a continuation of Eze 23:1-35, but an independent description, parallel to these verses. (1) Ezekiel 23:36-37. The adulteries, that is, idolatries, and bloodshed of which the two women are guilty. (2) vv, 38, 39. Their profaning the house of Jehovah, and breaking; his Sabbaths—the former particularly in their entering his house fresh from the sacrifice of their children. (3) Ezekiel 23:40-44. Their alliances with idolatrous nations and receiving their gods, under the figure of a harlot receiving and entertaining men. (4) Ezekiel 23:45-49. Their punishment with the death of an adulteress at the hands of righteous men.—The text in some passages is extremely difficult.

Sermons on Ezekiel 23:47

SermonDescription
Thomas Brooks If You Attempt to Enthrone the Creature! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of overvaluing earthly comforts and mercies, warning that when we prioritize them over Christ, we risk losing them. He illustrates that our hear
Thomas Brooks I Am About to Desecrate My Sanctuary by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy within the church, warning that many engage in religious activities while their hearts remain distant from God. He highlights that
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
Sir Robert Anderson Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in
Gareth Evans Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors
Andrew Murray Judgment Must Begin at the House of God if We Are to Be Witnesses to the World by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes that judgment must start within the house of God, as seen in the prophetic vision of abominations in Jerusalem. He highlights that God is aware of the sins

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