Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 23:34KJV
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Ezekiel 23:34 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 23:34 mean?

Ezekiel 23:34 describes a harsh judgment where the people must fully experience the consequences of their actions, symbolized by drinking a bitter cup to the last drop, breaking the cup, and suffering personal loss. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that nothing will be held back from them—they must face the full result of their choices because God has declared it.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to Jerusalem and Samaria, represented as two unfaithful sisters. The "cup" is a common symbol in the Bible for judgment or punishment. The actions described—drinking, breaking the sherds, and tearing at their own bodies—emphasize the totality and pain of the judgment that is coming as a result of their unfaithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 23:34

  • "Drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah, H8354) means to drink, often used for taking in something fully. Here, it stresses that the people cannot avoid or lessen the judgment—they must take it all in.
  • "Sherds" (חֶרֶשׂ, cheres, H2789) refers to broken pieces of pottery. The image of breaking and even trying to consume the sherds shows desperation and the completeness of their punishment.
  • "Pluck off" (נָתַשׁ, natash, H5423) means to tear away or pull off. The verse uses this strong word to highlight the self-inflicted pain and humiliation that will come with judgment.
  • "Breasts" (שַׁד, shad, H7699) is a direct reference to the body, often symbolizing nurturing or identity. Here, it shows the depth of personal loss and shame involved.

Why Ezekiel 23:34 matters

  • This verse clears up that the judgment described is not partial or symbolic—it is total and deeply personal, affecting every aspect of those involved.
  • The strong imagery connects to the wider passage, where God uses the metaphor of two sisters to show the seriousness of unfaithfulness and the certainty of consequences.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words helps reveal just how intense and complete the judgment is meant to be, going beyond surface-level punishment to deep personal suffering.