Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But righteous judges will sentence them to the punishment of women who commit adultery and shed blood, because they are adulterous and blood is on their hands. New Living Translation But righteous people will judge these sister cities for what they really are—adulterers and murderers. English Standard Version But righteous men shall pass judgment on them with the sentence of adulteresses, and with the sentence of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands.” Berean Standard Bible But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. Berean Literal Bible And righteous men, they will pass judgment on them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of those shedding blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands! King James Bible And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. New King James Version But righteous men will judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands. New American Standard Bible But they, righteous people, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. NASB 1995 “But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. NASB 1977 “But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. Legacy Standard Bible But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. Amplified Bible And they, righteous men, will judge and condemn them with the judgment (punishment) of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. Berean Annotated Bible But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. Christian Standard Bible But righteous men will judge them the way adulteresses and those who shed blood are judged, for they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. Holman Christian Standard Bible But righteous men will judge them the way adulteresses and those who shed blood are judged, for they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands.” American Standard Version And righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Contemporary English Version But honest judges will someday accuse those two of murder and of being unfaithful, because they are certainly guilty. English Revised Version And righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. GOD'S WORD® Translation Righteous people will punish these women for adultery and for murder, because these women have committed adultery and their hands are covered with blood. Good News Translation Righteous men will condemn them on the charge of adultery and murder, because they practice adultery and their hands are stained with blood." International Standard Version Righteous men will judge them with punishments fit for adulterers and for those who shed blood, because they're adulterers with blood on their hands." NET Bible But upright men will punish them appropriately for their adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. New Heart English Bible Righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women who shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Webster's Bible Translation And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. World English Bible Righteous men will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs for righteous men, they judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, "" And the judgment of women shedding blood, "" For they [are] adulteresses, "" And blood [is] in their hands. Berean Literal Bible And righteous men, they will pass judgment on them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of those shedding blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands! Young's Literal Translation As to righteous men, they judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, And the judgment of women shedding blood, For they are adulteresses, And blood is in their hands. Smith's Literal Translation And just men they shall judge them with the judgment of adultresses, and with the judgment of those pouring out blood; for they are adultresses, and blood in their hands. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey therefore are k just men: these shall judge them as adulteresses are judged, and as shedders of blood are judged: because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Catholic Public Domain Version But there are just men; these shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of those who shed blood. For they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands. New American Bible The righteous shall certainly punish them with sentences given to adulterers and murderers, for they committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. New Revised Standard Version But righteous judges shall declare them guilty of adultery and of bloodshed; because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the righteous men shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and the judgment of those who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And righteous men shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and the judgment of those who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But righteous men, they shall judge them as adulteresses are judged, and as women that shed blood are judged; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they are just men, and shall take vengeance on them with the judgement of an adulteress and the judgement of blood: for they are adulteresses, land blood is in their hands. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judgment on Both Sisters…44And they slept with her as with a prostitute; they slept with Oholah and Oholibah, those lewd women. 45But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. 46This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Bring a mob against them and consign them to terror and plunder.… Cross References But righteous men will sentence them Deuteronomy 25:1 If there is a dispute between men, they are to go to court to be judged, so that the innocent may be acquitted and the guilty condemned. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. / Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. / Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, Leviticus 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. Deuteronomy 22:22 If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. Numbers 35:16-21 If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. … because they are adulteresses Ezekiel 16:32 You adulterous wife! You receive strangers instead of your own husband! Jeremiah 3:8 She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well. Hosea 3:1 Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.” with blood on their hands. Isaiah 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. Psalm 106:38 They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. Jeremiah 23:14 And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” Hosea 4:14 I will not punish your daughters when they prostitute themselves, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery. For the men themselves go off with prostitutes and offer sacrifices with shrine prostitutes. So a people without understanding will come to ruin. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. Treasury of Scripture And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands. Ezekiel 23:36 The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; Jeremiah 5:14 Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. Hosea 6:5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth. after the manner of adulteresses. Ezekiel 23:37-39 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them… Ezekiel 16:38-43 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy… Leviticus 20:10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. because Ezekiel 23:37 That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them. Jump to Previous Adulteresses Adulterous Adultery Blood Commit Hands Judge Judged Judges Judging Judgment Manner Punishment Righteous Sentence Shed Shedding Upright Wives WomenJump to Next Adulteresses Adulterous Adultery Blood Commit Hands Judge Judged Judges Judging Judgment Manner Punishment Righteous Sentence Shed Shedding Upright Wives WomenEzekiel 23 1. The unfaithfulness of Aholah and Aholibah23. Aholibah is to be plagued by her lovers 36. The prophet reproves the adulteries of them both 45. and shows their judgments But righteous men will sentence them In the context of Ezekiel 23, the "righteous men" refer to those who uphold God's law and justice. This phrase suggests a divine judgment executed through human agents. In biblical history, God often used nations or leaders to carry out His judgments, as seen with the Assyrians and Babylonians. The concept of righteous judgment aligns with passages like Proverbs 21:15, which speaks of justice bringing joy to the righteous. to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions. 2. Oholah and Oholibah Symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively, representing the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel. They are depicted as sisters who commit spiritual adultery by worshiping idols and forming alliances with pagan nations. 3. Righteous Men Individuals who uphold God's standards and execute His judgments. In this context, they are tasked with delivering God's sentence upon the unfaithful. 4. Adultery and Bloodshed Metaphors for Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and their involvement in violent acts, including child sacrifice and unjust killings. 5. Babylonian Exile The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon as a consequence of their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Spiritual AdulterySpiritual unfaithfulness is akin to adultery in God's eyes. Just as marital infidelity breaks a covenant, idolatry breaks our covenant with God. The Role of Righteous Judgment God appoints righteous individuals to execute His judgments. This reminds us of the importance of upholding God's standards in our communities. Consequences of Sin Sin, particularly idolatry and violence, leads to severe consequences. We must be vigilant in our walk with God to avoid such pitfalls. Repentance and Restoration While judgment is pronounced, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. We should seek God's forgiveness and turn from our sinful ways. The Call to Holiness As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart from the world. This involves rejecting idolatry and embracing God's commandments. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 23:45?2. How does Ezekiel 23:45 illustrate God's judgment on unrighteousness? 3. What lessons can we learn from the "righteous men" in Ezekiel 23:45? 4. How does Ezekiel 23:45 connect with God's justice in other scriptures? 5. How can we apply the warnings of Ezekiel 23:45 to modern life? 6. What actions can we take to align with the "righteous men" mentioned? 7. How does Ezekiel 23:45 reflect God's judgment on unfaithfulness? 8. What historical context surrounds the events in Ezekiel 23:45? 9. How does Ezekiel 23:45 relate to the theme of divine justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 23? 11. Matthew 22:2-14: How can a parable that depicts a king using violent punishment align with a loving God? 12. How can Ezekiel 22:20-22's imagery of melting the people like metal be reconciled with a benevolent and just God? 13. (Romans 1:32) Does pronouncing death and judgment on those who practice such sins contradict New Testament themes of forgiveness and grace? 14. How can 1 John 4:8 say 'God is love' when the Old Testament shows actions that don't seem loving? What Does Ezekiel 23:45 Mean But righteous menThe verse opens, “But righteous men…” (Ezekiel 23:45). • This signals that God still has a remnant who align with His standards, even when the nation as a whole has strayed (cf. Genesis 18:23; Isaiah 1:9). • Such men act as instruments of God’s justice, much like Moses judging the people (Exodus 18:21) or Jehoshaphat’s appointed judges who were told, “judge carefully, for you are not judging for man but for the LORD” (2 Chronicles 19:6). will sentence them The righteous “will sentence them,” stressing decisive legal action. • Judgment is not mere opinion; it is an official verdict rendered according to God’s revealed law (Deuteronomy 17:8–11). • Ezekiel has already functioned as both watchman and prosecutor (Ezekiel 3:17–19), and now a verdict arrives. to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed God specifies the penalty: the same fate reserved for adulterers and murderers. • Under the Law, adultery was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10); bloodshed required life for life (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:31–33). • The twin sins mirror Israel’s conduct: covenant infidelity with idols and violent oppression of the innocent (Ezekiel 22:11–13; Hosea 4:2). because they are adulteresses The charge is repeated so no one misses the point: “they are adulteresses.” • Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) symbolized the northern and southern kingdoms, both guilty of spiritual adultery with foreign gods (Ezekiel 23:4; Jeremiah 3:8–9). • The adultery is literal idolatry but also includes alliances with pagan nations, betraying total dependence on the LORD (Isaiah 30:1–5). with blood on their hands Finally, the verse ends, “with blood on their hands.” • Idolatry led to child sacrifice and violence (Ezekiel 16:20–21; Psalm 106:37–38). • Leaders shed innocent blood through oppression (Ezekiel 22:6–9), making the nation unclean and inviting divine wrath (Isaiah 59:3–4). summary Ezekiel 23:45 teaches that God upholds His law through righteous agents who pass a verdict matching the crimes. Israel’s twin sins—spiritual adultery and literal bloodshed—demand the strict penalties outlined in Scripture. The verse underscores God’s unwavering justice and His expectation that His people remain faithful and innocent of violence. (45) The righteous men.--That is, men to whom the judgment of righteousness is committed.Verse 45. - The righteous men are in effect the ministers of God's wrath. The doom comes at last on both the sisters, who are murderers as well as adulteresses. They shall suffer the punishment of stoning which the Law commanded (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22, 24; John 8:5), and after that their bodies were to be hacked to pieces. The result of that judgment would be that all women should learn not to do after their lewdness, i.e. that idolatry should cease from being the sin of the cities of Israel.
Hebrew But righteousצַדִּיקִ֗ם (ṣad·dî·qim) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous men וַאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (wa·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person will sentence יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ (yiš·pə·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate them אֽוֹתְהֶ֔ם (’ō·wṯ·hem) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case to the punishment of וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט (ū·miš·paṭ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style those who commit adultery נֹֽאֲפ֔וֹת (nō·’ă·p̄ō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 5003: To commit adultery, to apostatize and bloodshed, שֹׁפְכ֣וֹת (šō·p̄ə·ḵō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural construct Strong's 8210: To spill forth, to expend, to sprawl out because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they הֵ֔נָּה (hên·nāh) Pronoun - third person feminine plural Strong's 2007: Themselves are adulteresses נֹֽאֲפֹת֙ (nō·’ă·p̄ōṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 5003: To commit adultery, to apostatize with blood וְדָ֖ם (wə·ḏām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed on their hands. בִּֽידֵיהֶֽן׃ (bî·ḏê·hen) Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person feminine plural Strong's 3027: A hand Links Ezekiel 23:45 NIVEzekiel 23:45 NLT Ezekiel 23:45 ESV Ezekiel 23:45 NASB Ezekiel 23:45 KJV Ezekiel 23:45 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 23:45 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 23:45 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 23:45 French Bible Ezekiel 23:45 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 23:45 Righteous men they shall judge them (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
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