That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 16:63KJV
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Ezekiel 16:63 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 16:63 mean?

Ezekiel 16:63 describes a time when God says the people will remember their shameful actions and feel so humbled that they will not try to justify themselves, even as God shows them mercy and forgiveness. The verse emphasizes both the depth of their shame and the surprising kindness of God in choosing to be reconciled with them.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to Jerusalem, pictured as a woman who has been unfaithful. The people’s past actions have brought shame, but God promises a future where, despite everything they have done, He will be "pacified" toward them. This is not just about punishment but about a relationship being restored, with the people left speechless by God's mercy.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 16:63

  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakhar): This word means more than just recalling facts; it often carries the idea of deeply reflecting or being mindful, which here points to a heartfelt realization of past wrongs.
  • "Confounded" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to be ashamed or humiliated. The sense is of being so overwhelmed by shame that one cannot respond or defend oneself.
  • "Pacified" (כָּפַר, kapar): This word is often used for atonement or making amends. Here, it means God will be reconciled or satisfied, choosing to forgive despite the people’s guilt.

Why Ezekiel 16:63 matters

  • Ezekiel 16:63 clarifies that God’s forgiveness is not because the people deserve it or can explain away their actions, but because God chooses to show mercy.
  • The verse highlights the emotional impact of true repentance—realizing the weight of one’s actions and being left without excuses.
  • In the context of Ezekiel 16, which details Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness, this verse marks a turning point from judgment to the possibility of restoration, showing that even deep betrayal can be met with unexpected grace.

Where else these words appear

“open” Hebrew H6610 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 29:21 In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

“shame” Hebrew H3639 · used in 29 verses

  • Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
  • Isaiah 30:3 Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
  • Ezekiel 32:24 There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

“pacified” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:21 And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;
  • Numbers 25:13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

“confounded” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 65:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: