Ezekiel 8:15 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 8:15 mean?

Ezekiel 8:15 shows God speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man” and telling him to look again because he will witness even worse acts of wrongdoing than what he has already seen. This verse signals that the disturbing things Ezekiel has been shown are not the worst, and more shocking revelations are coming.

In this part of the book, God is guiding Ezekiel through visions of the temple in Jerusalem, exposing hidden and increasing levels of idolatry among the people. The phrase “greater abominations” means that the wrongs being committed are escalating, and God wants Ezekiel to fully grasp the seriousness of what is happening in the temple.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 8:15

• “abominations” (תּוֹעֵבָה, toʿevah): This word refers to things that are detestable or repulsive, especially in a religious or moral sense. Here, it highlights the seriousness of the idolatry and practices taking place in the temple.
• “greater” (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means “great” or “greater,” emphasizing that what Ezekiel is about to see will surpass the previous wrongs in both scale and seriousness.
• “son (בֵּן, ben) of man (אָדָם, adam)”: This phrase is God’s way of addressing Ezekiel, reminding him of his human perspective as he witnesses these divine revelations.

Why Ezekiel 8:15 matters

• This verse prepares the reader for a progression in the vision, showing that the corruption in Jerusalem’s temple is not just isolated but is growing worse.
• It highlights the patience and thoroughness of God in revealing the full extent of the people’s unfaithfulness, rather than condemning them without evidence.
• By addressing Ezekiel as “son of man,” the verse underscores the difference between God’s perspective and human understanding, inviting the reader to see through Ezekiel’s eyes as the vision unfolds.