Ezekiel 5:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because Jerusalem defiled God's sanctuary, He will diminish the city with neither mercy nor pity.
The Context of Ezekiel 5:11
The defilement of the sanctuary is identified as the core reason for the unsparing judgment on Jerusalem.
What Does Ezekiel 5:11 Mean?
The oath formula 'as I live' (God swearing by His own life) emphasizes the absolute certainty of what follows. The specific charge is defilement of the sanctuary—the temple, God's own dwelling place in Jerusalem. The phrase 'detestable things' and 'abominations' suggests idolatry and religious corruption: pagan altars, images, and practices introduced into God's holy place.
The response is proportionate: if they defiled what was holy to God, God will diminish them. The repeated assertion that His 'eye' will not spare and He will have 'no pity' removes any ambiguity about God's resolve. This is not reluctant judgment, but firm and complete. The defilement of the sanctuary justifies the severity of the response.
Ezekiel 5:11 in the Original Language
sanctuary (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) — literally 'holiness,' the sacred space where God's presence dwells; its defilement is a violation of the covenant itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 5:11
What does Ezekiel 5:11 mean?
Because Jerusalem defiled God's sanctuary, He will diminish the city with neither mercy nor pity.
What is the context of Ezekiel 5:11?
The defilement of the sanctuary is identified as the core reason for the unsparing judgment on Jerusalem.