Ezekiel 22:7
Ezekiel 22:7 in Multiple Translations
Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.
In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.
In thee have they set light by father and mother; in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the sojourner; in thee have they wronged the fatherless and the widow.
In you they have had no respect for father and mother; in you they have been cruel to the man from a strange land; in you they have done wrong to the child without a father and to the widow.
You despise your parents. You exploit the foreigners who live with you, and you mistreat orphans and widows.
In thee haue they despised father and mother: in the middes of thee haue they oppressed the stranger: in thee haue they vexed the fatherlesse and the widowe.
Father and mother made light of in thee, To a sojourner they dealt oppressively in thy midst, Fatherless and widow they oppressed in thee.
In you have they treated father and mother with contempt. Among you they have oppressed the foreigner. In you they have wronged the fatherless and the widow.
In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they oppressed the fatherless and the widow.
They have abused father and mother in thee, they have oppressed the stranger in the midst of thee, they have grieved the fatherless and widow in thee.
Your people do not respect/honor their parents; they have oppressed foreigners; they mistreat orphans and widows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 22:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 22:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֤ב
וָ/אֵם֙
הֵקַ֣לּוּ
בָ֔/ךְ
לַ/גֵּ֛ר
עָשׂ֥וּ
בַ/עֹ֖שֶׁק
בְּ/תוֹכֵ֑/ךְ
יָת֥וֹם
וְ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ה֥וֹנוּ
בָֽ/ךְ
אָ֤ב
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
וָ/אֵם֙
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | N-fs
הֵקַ֣לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
לַ/גֵּ֛ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Prep | N-ms
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בַ/עֹ֖שֶׁק
ʻôsheq
H6233
oppression
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/תוֹכֵ֑/ךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יָת֥וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
N-ms
וְ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
widow
Conj | N-fs
ה֥וֹנוּ
yânâh
H3238
to oppress
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
בָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 22:7
אָ֤ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וָ/אֵם֙
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
הֵקַ֣לּוּ
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
בָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
לַ/גֵּ֛ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Prep | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
עָשׂ֥וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בַ/עֹ֖שֶׁק
ʻôsheq
H6233
"oppression"
Prep | N-ms
Oppression refers to injury or fraud, often resulting in unjust gain. It is described in the Bible as a form of distress or extortion, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) oppression, extortion, injury 1a) oppression 1b) extortion 1c) gain by extortion
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: cruelly, extortion, oppression, thing (deceitfully gotten). See also: Leviticus 5:23; Isaiah 54:14; Psalms 62:11.
בְּ/תוֹכֵ֑/ךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
יָת֥וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/אַלְמָנָ֖ה
ʼalmânâh
H490
"widow"
Conj | N-fs
A widow is a woman whose husband has died, often left alone and vulnerable. The Bible teaches care and compassion for widows, as seen in the stories of Ruth and Naomi. God commands his people to look out for them.
Definition: widow
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: desolate house (palace), widow. See also: Genesis 38:11; Job 29:13; Psalms 68:6.
ה֥וֹנוּ
yânâh
H3238
"to oppress"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To oppress or treat someone violently, often implying a sense of injustice or wrongdoing, as found in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to oppress, suppress, treat violently, maltreat, vex, do wrong 1a) (Qal) to oppress, suppress 1b) (Hiphil) to treat violently, maltreat
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destroy, (thrust out by) oppress(-ing, -ion, -or), proud, vex, do violence. See also: Exodus 22:20; Jeremiah 46:16; Psalms 74:8.
בָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 22:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 22:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 22:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 22:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 22:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 22:7
Context — The Sins of Jerusalem
5Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil.
6See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood.
7Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.
8You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. 9Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 2 | Exodus 22:21–22 | You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. |
| 3 | Leviticus 20:9 | If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. |
| 4 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:6 | if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, |
| 6 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 7 | Matthew 15:4–6 | For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 5:16 | Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 9 | Proverbs 30:17 | As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. |
| 10 | Proverbs 22:22–23 | Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. |
Ezekiel 22:7 Summary
[This verse is talking about how the people of Israel were treating each other very badly. They were not showing respect to their parents, and they were being mean to people who didn't have anyone to take care of them, like foreigners, orphans, and widows. This is important because the Bible says that we should love and care for these people, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:19 and Psalm 68:5. By treating them with kindness and respect, we are showing God's love and reflecting His character.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to treat father and mother with contempt?
This phrase suggests a disregard for the fifth commandment, which instructs us to honor our parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. By treating them with contempt, the people of Israel were essentially rejecting God's command to show respect and care for their elders.
How does the exploitation of the foreign resident relate to God's character?
The Bible teaches that God loves the foreigner and commands His people to do the same, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:19 and Leviticus 19:34. The exploitation of foreigners in Ezekiel 22:7 reveals a heart that is far from God's love and justice.
What is the significance of the fatherless and widow being oppressed in this verse?
The oppression of the fatherless and widow is a serious offense to God, who is a defender of the vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 68:5 and Isaiah 1:17. This verse highlights the people's disregard for God's heart of justice and compassion.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel 22:7 is part of a larger condemnation of Israel's sins, which ultimately led to their exile. This verse specifically highlights the social injustices that plagued Israel, revealing a deep-seated rebellion against God's commands and character.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show honor and respect to my parents, as commanded in Exodus 20:12, and how might this impact my relationship with God?
- How can I practically care for the foreign residents, fatherless, and widows in my community, reflecting God's heart of love and justice?
- What are some ways that I might be contributing to the oppression or exploitation of vulnerable groups, and how can I repent and make amends?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, and what are some ways that I can deepen my relationship with Him through obedience to His commands?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 22:7
In thee have they set light by father and mother,.... Through whom they received their being from God; by whom they were brought into the world, brought up and educated; and to whom they owed great
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 22:7
In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
In thee; in Jerusalem. Have they: it is plural, and agrees with princes, they whose better disposition, whose education and greatness, (beside the command of God,) should have advanced their venerable thoughts and deportment towards parents. Set light by, have contemned, father and mother, though God threatens to curse such as do so, . They; the princes still, as the construction in the original carrieth it. By oppression; by force and fraud, for the oppression here mentioned is made up of both; where either the fox or lion could apart, or else both joined, they have oppressed the stranger, expressly against God’ s command, . They; still the same great men, and rulers, who should, as , have defended, plead. ed for, relieved, and comforted the fatherless and widow, but contrariwise they oppress, disquiet, and make a prey of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
Ezekiel 22:7 In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.Ver. 7. In thee have they set light by father and mother.] Whom very heathens honoured as their θεοιεφεστιαι, household gods. In the midst of thee, &c.] So Jerome complaineth of his country, In mea patria deus venter est, et in diem vivitur, that they were all belly gods, and had no goodness in them. So Bede complaineth of the ancient Britons immediately before their destruction by the Saxons. Bradford crieth out against the iniquity of the times in King Edward’ s days. You all know, saith he in a certain letter of his, there was never more knowledge of God, and less godly living, and true serving of God. It was counted a foolish thing to serve God truly; and earnest prayer was not past upon. Preaching was but pastime; communion was counted too common; fasting was far out of use; alms was almost nothing. Malice, covetousness, and uncleanness was common everywhere, with swearing, drunkenness, and idleness. &c. Acts and Mon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
(7) By father and mother.—Filial respect was one of the most frequently enjoined precepts of the law (see Leviticus 19:32; Leviticus 20:9, &c.). So the other sins mentioned in this and the following verses are transgressions of special Divine commands. “Dealt by oppression” is “dealt oppressively” (see Leviticus 19:10; Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 24:14, &c.); for “the father less and widow” (Exodus 22:22-24, &c.). The despising of holy things and the profanation of the sabbaths were the constant subject of the warnings of the law; tale-bearers are forbidden in Leviticus 19:16; the “eating upon the mountains” (which means joining in the idol sacrifices) is often reproved by this and the other prophets; and the sins of lewdness enumerated are all specifically forbidden in Leviticus 18, 20, as well as elsewhere; while the various sins arising from covetousness, mentioned in Ezekiel 22:12, had been constantly denounced both by the law and in the warnings of the prophets. The expression “hast forgotten me” is at once the root of all these sins, and in itself the climax of all.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
Verse 7. In thee have they set light] The children do not reverence their parents. Parental affection and filial respect do not exist among you. The stranger is not only not succoured, but he is oppressed. The widows and fatherless are vexed by wrongs and exactions.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 22:7
7. “They” no more refers to the princes, but is said generally. On “father and mother” Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Deuteronomy 27:16. On “stranger” ch. Ezekiel 18:18; Exodus 22:21. On “fatherless,” Exodus 22:22.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 22:7
7. The princes broke every commandment of the decalogue, and their example was followed by the people. (See Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 28:16; Deuteronomy 28:19.)
Sermons on Ezekiel 22:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |
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I Am the God That Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accountability to God. He warns that without the blessing of God and the guidance of His Word, we are los |
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A Cry Against Wicked Youth! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Cry Against Wicked Youth!' where he draws parallels between the wickedness of Nineveh and the moral decline of modern youth. He |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's calling. He uses the analogy of hunting for God, stating that sometimes we can los |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, an |
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On Obedience to Parents by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the biblical command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that this principle is universally recognized and rooted in both natural law and divine |