Ezekiel 22:3
Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.
Ezekiel 22:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a message from the Lord GOD to the city, warning of impending judgment. The city is described as shedding blood in its midst, a reference to the violence and injustice that has become pervasive in its streets. This shedding of blood symbolizes the city's guilt and corruption, which have reached a point where judgment is inevitable. Additionally, the city is accused of making idols against itself, defiling itself in the process. The act of idolatry is considered a grave sin in the Bible, as it involves turning away from the one true God and worshiping false deities instead. By defiling itself with idols, the city is further distancing itself from God and inviting even more destruction upon itself. Overall, this verse serves as a stark warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance before it is too late.
Theological Overview
From a theological perspective, this verse from the book of Ezekiel highlights God's judgment on a city that has become corrupt and wicked. The phrase "sheddeth blood in the midst of it" refers to the violence and injustice prevalent in the city, which has caused its downfall. By making idols and engaging in practices that defile themselves, the city's inhabitants have turned away from God and embraced sin. The mention of the city's time coming suggests that judgment is imminent, and the consequences of their actions will soon be realized. This verse serves as a warning about the importance of living in alignment with God's will and avoiding the temptations of idolatry and immorality. It emphasizes the need for repentance and turning back to God before it is too late.
Ezekiel 22:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: A city that sheddeth blood in the midst of her, that her time may come, and that maketh idols against herself to defile her!
World English Bible
You shall say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: A city that sheds blood in the midst of her, that her time may come, and that makes idols against herself to defile her!
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt shew her all her abominations, and shalt say: Thus saith the Lord God: This is the city that sheddeth blood in the midst of her, that her time may come: and that hath made idols against herself, to defile herself.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then say, Thus sayth the Lord God, The citie sheddeth blood in the middes of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against her selfe to pollute her selfe.