Ezekiel 22:4
Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.
Ezekiel 22:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible is a warning to the people who have sinned against God. The imagery used in the verse conveys a powerful message of guilt, defilement, and judgment. The phrase "Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed" implies that the people are responsible for the shedding of innocent blood, which has resulted in their guilt. The mention of idols further emphasizes their defilement, as they have turned away from God and worshipped false idols they have created. The consequences of their actions are evident as they are reproached by the heathen and mocked by other nations. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to God's commandments and the severe consequences of straying from His path.
Theological Overview
This verse from Ezekiel 22:4 illustrates the consequences of the Israelites' sinful actions. The phrase "Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed" highlights the shedding of innocent blood as a grave offense in the eyes of God. The language used here emphasizes the seriousness of their transgressions, equating their guilt with the blood they have shed. The mention of defilement through idol worship further emphasizes the Israelites' departure from God's commandments. The verse goes on to describe the result of their actions: becoming a reproach to the heathen and a mockery to all countries. This serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in sinful practices. Through theological interpretation, we can see the importance of staying true to God's commandments and the repercussions of straying from His path.
Ezekiel 22:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed, and art defiled in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the nations, and a mocking to all the countries.
World English Bible
You have become guilty in your blood that you have shed, and are defiled in your idols which you have made; and you have caused your days to draw near, and have come even to your years: therefore have I made you a reproach to the nations, and a mocking to all the countries.
Douay-Rheims
Thou art become guilty in thy blood which thou hast shed: and thou art defiled in thy idols which thou hast made: and thou hast made thy days to draw near, and hast brought on the time of thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach to the Gentiles, and a mockery to all countries.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast offended in thy blood, that thou hast shed, and hast polluted thy selfe in thine idols, which thou hast made, and thou hast caused thy dayes to draw neere, and art come vnto thy terme: therefore haue I made thee a reproch to the heathen, and a mocking to all countreys.