Ezekiel 5:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem will become a wasteland and an object of shame to all surrounding peoples.
The Context of Ezekiel 5:14
The aftermath of judgment is described: Jerusalem becomes an international symbol of disgrace and destruction.
What Does Ezekiel 5:14 Mean?
The city that was 'set in the midst of the nations' (verse 5) as a place of privilege will instead become waste and reproach. The destruction will be so visible and so complete that any nation or traveler passing nearby will see it and understand what happened. Jerusalem's humiliation is public—there is no hiding or minimizing the disaster.
The word 'waste' (Hebrew 'chorbah') suggests desolation, ruin, and emptiness. Combined with 'reproach,' it creates a picture of a formerly great city reduced to rubble and shame. Those who pass by will not see signs of strength or blessing, but only the evidence of divine judgment and the consequences of rebellion against God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 5:14
What does Ezekiel 5:14 mean?
Jerusalem will become a wasteland and an object of shame to all surrounding peoples.
What is the context of Ezekiel 5:14?
The aftermath of judgment is described: Jerusalem becomes an international symbol of disgrace and destruction.