And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

EZEKIEL 7:4KJV
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Ezekiel 7:4 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 7:4 mean?

Ezekiel 7:4 describes how God declares He will not show mercy or compassion to the people of Israel but will repay them for their actions and detestable practices, making sure they experience the consequences of their choices. The verse ends by stating that through this judgment, the people will recognize that He is the LORD.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Jerusalem during a time of coming disaster. The situation is one of warning: God is announcing that because of the people's persistent wrongdoing and "abominations," He will no longer hold back judgment. The focus is on accountability—God will "recompense" their behavior back onto them, and His identity as the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) will become unmistakably clear to them through these events.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 7:4

  • "Spare" (חָסַר, châsar): This word means to show mercy or hold back from punishing. Its use here emphasizes that God will not withhold the consequences this time.
  • "Recompense" (נָתַן, nâthan): While often translated as "to give," here it carries the sense of paying back or returning something deserved. God is saying He will give back to them what their actions have earned.
  • "Abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, tôʿēvah): This word refers to things that are detestable or morally disgusting, especially in the context of idolatry or serious wrongdoing. The verse highlights that these "abominations" are not hidden but are right in the midst of the people.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yâdaʿ): This word means more than intellectual knowledge; it often implies personal recognition or realization. The verse stresses that through these events, the people will come to truly recognize God's authority and identity.

Why Ezekiel 7:4 matters

  • Ezekiel 7:4 clarifies that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a direct response to the people's actions and choices, stressing personal responsibility.
  • The verse highlights a turning point: God, who had previously shown patience, now announces there will be no more delay or mercy, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
  • By stating "ye shall know that I am the LORD," the verse connects to a major theme in Ezekiel—God's desire for His people to recognize His true nature and sovereignty, even through acts of judgment.

Where else these words appear

“spare” Hebrew H2347 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 45:20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
  • Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
  • Ezekiel 9:5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

“pity” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 20:13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
  • Lamentations 3:43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.