Ezekiel 22:29 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 22:29 mean?

Ezekiel 22:29 describes how the people living in the land were guilty of oppressing others, committing robbery, and mistreating the poor, needy, and foreigners. The verse highlights widespread injustice and abuse, showing that not just leaders but ordinary people were acting wrongly.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Jerusalem, describing the corrupt state of society before the city's destruction. The verse lists specific wrongs: oppression, robbery, and the mistreatment of vulnerable groups, including foreigners. This is part of a larger passage where God lays out the reasons for judgment against the city.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 22:29

• "Oppression" (עָשַׁק, ʿāshaq): This word means to wrongfully take from or exploit others, often through force or deceit. It emphasizes the active harm done to those who are powerless.
• "Robbery" (גָּזֵל, gāzēl): This word refers specifically to taking something by force, highlighting the violent nature of the people's actions.
• "Vexed" (יָנָה, yānāh): This word means to mistreat or abuse, especially those who are already in need or vulnerable, such as the poor and needy.
• "Stranger" (גֵּר, gēr): This term refers to a foreigner or resident alien, someone without the protection of family or tribe, making their mistreatment especially serious in the context of ancient Israelite society.

Why Ezekiel 22:29 matters

• This verse shows that the problem was not limited to leaders or priests; ordinary people were also deeply involved in wrongdoing, making the corruption widespread.
• The verse highlights God's concern for justice, especially for those who are most vulnerable: the poor, needy, and foreigners.
• Ezekiel 22:29 connects to the larger theme of the chapter, which is a detailed indictment of Jerusalem's sins, explaining why judgment was coming upon the city.