Ezekiel 16:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass after all thy wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the LORD GOD;)”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After summarizing Jerusalem's comprehensive wickedness, God pronounces a double 'woe'—expressing sorrow and signaling impending judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 16:23
God pronounces a double 'woe' over Jerusalem after recounting her wickedness.
What Does Ezekiel 16:23 Mean?
The phrase 'it came to pass after all thy wickedness' marks a transition in the prophecy. Jerusalem's accumulating sins and infidelities have reached a critical point. The double 'woe'—'woe, woe unto thee'—is an expression of divine sorrow and a judgment formula, announcing that consequences are about to unfold.
The interjection of 'saith the LORD GOD' emphasizes divine authority. God's grief and judgment are not arbitrary but a response to documented, repeated betrayal. The woe-cry sets the tone for the judgment section that follows, signaling that blessing has ended and judgment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 16:23
What does Ezekiel 16:23 mean?
After summarizing Jerusalem's comprehensive wickedness, God pronounces a double 'woe'—expressing sorrow and signaling impending judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 16:23?
God pronounces a double 'woe' over Jerusalem after recounting her wickedness.