Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou shalt drink of thy sister's cup deep and large: thou shalt be laughed to scorn and had in derision; it containeth much.

EZEKIEL 23:32KJV
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Ezekiel 23:32 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 23:32 mean?

Ezekiel 23:32 says that God declares the people will experience the same harsh judgment as their "sister," facing deep shame and ridicule from others, and that this punishment will be overwhelming. The verse uses the image of drinking from a large, deep cup to show that the suffering and disgrace will be great and unavoidable.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to Jerusalem, comparing her to her "sister" Samaria, which had already faced judgment for unfaithfulness. The "cup" is a symbol for the fate or punishment that must be endured. The verse emphasizes that Jerusalem will not escape what happened to Samaria, but will fully share in the consequences, including being mocked and scorned by others.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 23:32

  • "Cup" (כּוֹס, kos): This word often symbolizes a person's fate or destiny, especially when it comes to judgment or suffering. Here, it highlights that Jerusalem will have to fully accept the consequences, just as Samaria did.
  • "Deep" (עָמֹקָה, amoqah) and "large" (רָחֲבָה, rachavah): These words stress the extent and intensity of the coming punishment. The cup is not just ordinary; it is unusually big and deep, meaning the suffering will be more than enough.
  • "Scorn" (שָׂחֹק, sachoq) and "derision" (לַעַג, la'ag): These terms show that Jerusalem's punishment will include public humiliation and ridicule, not just private suffering.

Why Ezekiel 23:32 matters

  • This verse clears up that Jerusalem is not being singled out unfairly, but is receiving the same treatment as Samaria, emphasizing the fairness and consistency of God's judgment.
  • The strong language about the "deep and large" cup highlights how complete and unavoidable the consequences will be, warning against minimizing the seriousness of the situation.
  • Understanding the symbolism of the "cup" connects this verse to other parts of the Bible where a cup represents judgment, helping readers see a bigger pattern in biblical imagery.

Where else these words appear

“scorn” Hebrew H6712 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

“derision” Hebrew H3933 · used in 7 verses

  • Job 34:7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
  • Psalms 79:4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
  • Ezekiel 36:4 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;

“deep” Hebrew H6013 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 13:3 And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.
  • Leviticus 13:32 And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall be not in sight deeper than the skin;
  • Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

“large” Hebrew H7342 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 34:21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
  • Nehemiah 7:4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
  • Psalms 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.