And they shall recompense your lewdness upon you, and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 23:49KJV
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Ezekiel 23:49 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 23:49 mean?

Ezekiel 23:49 says that the people will face the consequences of their immoral actions and idol worship, and through this judgment, they will recognize that the Lord GOD is truly in control. The verse warns that their own wrongdoing will come back upon them, making them bear the weight of their choices.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, specifically addressing their unfaithfulness and idolatry. The chapter uses strong language and imagery to describe Israel and Judah’s spiritual betrayal. Here, God makes it clear that their punishment is directly tied to their actions, and the purpose is for them to come to a true understanding of who He is.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 23:49

  • "recompense" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to repay." Here, it emphasizes that the consequences are not random but are a direct repayment for their behavior.
  • "lewdness" (זִמָּה, zimmah): This term often refers to shameful or immoral conduct, especially in a sexual or idolatrous sense. It highlights the seriousness of their actions.
  • "bear" (נָשָׂא, nasa’): This word means "to carry" or "to bear." The idea is that the people must personally carry the burden of their sins.
  • "sins" (חֵטְא, chet’): This is a general word for wrongdoing or offenses, especially against God.
  • "idols" (גִּלּוּל, gillul): This word refers to false gods or idols, often with a sense of disgust or worthlessness, showing how God views their objects of worship.
  • "know" (יָדַע, yada’): This word means "to know" or "to recognize," and here it points to a deep, experiential understanding of God’s identity and authority.
  • "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai) and "GOD" (יְהוִה, Yahweh): These names emphasize God's supreme authority and covenant relationship with Israel.

Why Ezekiel 23:49 matters

  • Ezekiel 23:49 clarifies that God’s judgment is not arbitrary; it is a direct response to the people’s actions, especially their idolatry and moral failings.
  • The verse stresses personal responsibility: each person or group must "bear" the consequences of their own choices, rather than blaming others or fate.
  • This verse ties the punishment to a greater purpose: so that the people will "know" the Lord GOD, highlighting that God’s ultimate goal is to reveal Himself and restore true understanding among His people.

Where else these words appear

“lewdness” Hebrew H2154 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
  • Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
  • Ezekiel 22:11 And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour's wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father's daughter.

“sins” Hebrew H2399 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
  • Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
  • Psalms 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

“idols” Hebrew H1544 · used in 45 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • Ezekiel 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.
  • Ezekiel 20:31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.