Ezekiel 35:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 35:6 mean?

Ezekiel 35:6 is a warning from God that because the people addressed have not opposed violence ("blood"), but instead have allowed or embraced it, they will themselves be pursued by violence as a consequence. God declares this judgment as something certain and inescapable.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Edom, a nation that had been hostile toward Israel. The context is a prophecy of judgment against Edom for their actions and attitudes, especially their willingness to shed blood. The verse uses strong language to show that Edom’s acceptance of violence will result in violence coming back upon them.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:6

• "blood" (דָּם, dam): This word appears multiple times in the verse, emphasizing the theme of violence or bloodshed. The repetition underlines how central the idea of violence is to the judgment being pronounced.
• "pursue" (רָדַף, radaph): This word means to chase or hunt down. The image is that violence will actively seek out those who have not rejected it, making the consequence feel personal and relentless.
• "hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This word means to hate or detest. The verse points out that Edom did not "hate" blood, meaning they did not reject or turn away from violence, which is why judgment is coming.

Why Ezekiel 35:6 matters

• Ezekiel 35:6 clarifies that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but is directly tied to the actions and attitudes of those being judged—in this case, Edom’s acceptance of violence.
• The verse highlights a key biblical principle: failing to oppose wrongdoing can make one responsible for its consequences.
• This verse connects to the broader passage where God holds nations accountable for how they treat others, especially in times of conflict or vulnerability.