Ezekiel 7:23
Ezekiel 7:23 in Multiple Translations
Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.
¶ Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
Make the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
Make the chain: for the land is full of crimes of blood, and the town is full of violent acts.
Get the chains ready, because the country is full of blood being spilled by violent crimes, and the city itself is full of violence.
Make a chaine: for the lande is full of the iudgement of blood, and the citie is full of crueltie.
Make the chain; for the land Hath been full of bloody judgments, And the city hath been full of violence.
“‘Make chains, for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.
Make a shutting up: for the land is full of the judgment of blood, and the city is full of iniquity.
Prepare chains to be fastened on you. People are being murdered [MTY] throughout the country, and people are acting violently throughout the city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 7:23
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 7:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
הָֽ/רַתּ֑וֹק
כִּ֣י
הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
מָֽלְאָה֙
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
דָּמִ֔ים
וְ/הָ/עִ֖יר
מָלְאָ֥ה
חָמָֽס
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הָֽ/רַתּ֑וֹק
rattôwq
H7569
chain
Art | N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
מָֽלְאָה֙
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
דָּמִ֔ים
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp
וְ/הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fs
מָלְאָ֥ה
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 7:23
עֲשֵׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
הָֽ/רַתּ֑וֹק
rattôwq
H7569
"chain"
Art | N-ms
A chain, often used to bind or restrain something. In the book of Jeremiah, chains are used to describe the bondage of the Israelites. It is also used to describe the chains that held the apostles in Acts.
Definition: chain Also means: rat.ti.qah (רַתִּיקָה "chain" H7572)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: chain. See also: Ezekiel 7:23.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מָֽלְאָה֙
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
מִשְׁפַּ֣ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
דָּמִ֔ים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
וְ/הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מָלְאָ֥ה
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 7:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 7:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:23
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 7:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
- Sermons on Ezekiel 7:23
Context — The Desolation of Israel
21And I will hand these things over as plunder to foreigners and loot to the wicked of the earth, who will defile them.
22I will turn My face away from them, and they will defile My treasured place. Violent men will enter it, and they will defile it.
23Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence.
24So I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will end the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned. 25Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but find none.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 9:9 | He replied, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ |
| 2 | Jeremiah 27:2 | This is what the LORD said to me: “Make for yourself a yoke out of leather straps and put it on your neck. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 11:6 | You have multiplied those you killed in this city and filled its streets with the dead. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 21:16 | Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 5 | Hosea 4:2 | Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 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, |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:9 | Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. |
| 9 | Nahum 3:10 | Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 40:1 | This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD after Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had released him at Ramah, having found him bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. |
Ezekiel 7:23 Summary
[Ezekiel 7:23 is a call to recognize the severe judgment that comes upon a land filled with violence and bloodshed, as a result of its people's rebellion against God. This verse serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where it is written that if God's people will humble themselves and seek His face, He will hear from heaven and heal their land. The 'chain' in this verse represents the bondage and restraint that comes as a result of sin, and it is a reminder that our choices have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8, where it is written that we will reap what we sow.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'chain' in Ezekiel 7:23 represent?
The chain likely represents bondage, judgment, or restraint, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 28:10-14, where a yoke is used to symbolize subjugation under a foreign power.
Why is the land described as 'full of crimes of bloodshed'?
This phrase indicates the severity of sin in the land, highlighting the violent and bloody nature of the crimes committed, similar to what is described in Genesis 6:11-13, which led to God's judgment in the form of a flood.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?
Ezekiel 7:23 demonstrates God's response to the sinful state of the land, as He often uses the wicked to judge the wicked, as seen in Habakkuk 1:5-11, where God raises up the Babylonians to punish His people for their sins.
What is the significance of the city being 'full of violence'?
The city's violence is a manifestation of the deeper spiritual problem of rebellion against God, as described in Romans 3:10-18, where it is written that 'there is none righteous, no, not one' and that all have turned aside to their own way, leading to violence and every evil work.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as a believer, discern the 'crimes of bloodshed' and 'violence' that may be present in my own heart and community, and what should my response be?
- What are some ways that I can be a light in the darkness, shining forth the hope of the Gospel in a world filled with violence and bloodshed?
- In what ways have I contributed to or enabled the 'violence' and 'bloodshed' in my own community, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration?
- How can I balance the call to justice and righteousness with the command to love and forgive my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 7:23
Make a chain,.... To bind them; not the robbers, the Chaldeans, but the Jews; in order either to bring them to the bar to be tried for capital crimes hereafter mentioned, or to be led bound in chains
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 7:23
Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. Make a chain - symbol of the captivity (cf. Jeremiah 27:2, "Make thee bonds").
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
A chain; either to signify that like criminals they should be brought in chains before God their Judge; or, as guilty and condemned, should be led away in chains; or else, as captives in chains, carried away in triumph, because murders and oppressions abounded in them, or because the crimes which deserved death abounded among them.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
Ezekiel 7:23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.Ver. 23. Make a chain.] Which is an emblem of bondage. For the land is full of bloody crimes,] i.e., Capital crimes, unjust sentences, and other deadly evils.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
(23) Make a chain.—In the midst of this plain prophecy the strong tendency of the prophet’s mind still runs to the symbolic act; but this can be thought of here only as done in word. The chain is to bind captive the guilty people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
Verse 23. Make a chain] Point out the captivity; show them that it shall come, and show them the reason: "Because the land is full of bloody crimes," &c.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 7:23
23. Make a chain] the chain. The chain could only be for binding the captives to carry them into exile. In Isaiah 40:19 a similar word is used for the silver chains with which the idols were fastened to the wall lest they should totter or fall; and in Nahum 3:10 the verb is rendered “were bound” with chains (another word, Jeremiah 40:1). If the reading be correct the sense is not doubtful. It must be confessed, however, that nothing in the text suggests any reference to chains. LXX. connects with the preceding (so Syr.) and reads: and they shall work disorder (defilement). Corn. suggests two inf. abs. (after Ezekiel 23:46), viz. raze and empty out! (cf.
Psalms 137:7; Isaiah 24:1). Curiously neither of the words is used by Ezekiel. The present reading is scarcely original.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 7:23
Make a chain - Forge the chain, the chain of imprisonment determined for them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 7:23
23. Make a chain — Various pictures on the monuments show the long string of captives chained together, making a weary march from their native land to Babylon.
Sermons on Ezekiel 7:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
|
Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
|
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the poor quality of the recording but expresses hope that the message will still be a blessing. The speaker then reads from Psal |
|
Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
|
The Giver's Hand by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He st |
|
From the Captivity of the Ten Tribes to the First Year of Cyrus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites. From the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians to the appo |