In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.

EZEKIEL 22:7KJV
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Ezekiel 22:7 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 22:7 mean?

Ezekiel 22:7 says that the people in Jerusalem have shown disrespect for their parents, have treated foreigners unfairly, and have mistreated orphans and widows. The verse lists these actions as examples of the serious wrongs happening among the people.

The prophet Ezekiel is speaking God’s message to the people of Jerusalem, warning them about the ways they have broken God’s laws and harmed each other. This verse highlights specific ways the people have failed to care for those who are most vulnerable in society, showing how far they have turned from what God expects.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 22:7

  • The word "light" (קָלַל, qalal) means to treat something or someone as unimportant or to show contempt. Here, it describes how people have dishonored their father (אָב, av) and mother (אֵם, em), which was a serious violation of family and social values in ancient Israel.
  • "Oppression" (עוֹשֶׁק, osheq) refers to unjust or harsh treatment, especially of those who are powerless. The verse uses this word to show that strangers (גֵּר, ger)—foreigners living among them—were being taken advantage of, not protected.
  • "Vexed" (יָנָה, yanah) means to mistreat or abuse. The verse says the fatherless (יָתוֹם, yatom) and the widow (אַלְמָנָה, almanah) were being wronged, highlighting neglect of those who most needed care.

Why Ezekiel 22:7 matters

  • Ezekiel 22:7 shows that God’s concern is not just for ritual or religious observance, but for how people treat each other, especially the weak and vulnerable.
  • This verse connects personal and social sins—disrespect within families and injustice in society—making clear that both are serious in God’s eyes.
  • By naming these specific wrongs, Ezekiel 22:7 helps the reader see the depth of the corruption in Jerusalem and sets the stage for understanding why judgment is coming in the rest of the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“oppression” Hebrew H6233 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 6:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
  • Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
  • Jeremiah 6:6 For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the midst of her.

“vexed” Hebrew H3238 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
  • Psalms 123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
  • Ezekiel 18:7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

“fatherless” Hebrew H3490 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
  • Job 6:27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
  • Psalms 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

“widow” Hebrew H490 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 38:11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.
  • 2 Samuel 14:5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.