Ezekiel 22:2
New International Version
“Son of man, will you judge her? Will you judge this city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her detestable practices

New Living Translation
“Son of man, are you ready to judge Jerusalem? Are you ready to judge this city of murderers? Publicly denounce her detestable sins,

English Standard Version
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then declare to her all her abominations.

Berean Standard Bible
“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations

Berean Literal Bible
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge this city of blood? Then make known to her all her abominations,

King James Bible
Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

New King James Version
“Now, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Yes, show her all her abominations!

New American Standard Bible
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then inform her of all her abominations.

NASB 1995
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.

NASB 1977
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now as for you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the city of blood? Then you shall cause her to know all her abominations.

Amplified Bible
“And you, son of man [Ezekiel], will you judge, will you judge the city of bloodshed? Then make her recognize all her repulsive acts.

Berean Annotated Bible
“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations

Christian Standard Bible
“As for you, son of man, will you pass judgment? Will you pass judgment against the city of blood? Then explain all her detestable practices to her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As for you, son of man, will you pass judgment? Will you pass judgment against the city of blood? Then explain all her detestable practices to her.

American Standard Version
And thou, son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? then cause her to know all her abominations.

Contemporary English Version
Ezekiel, son of man, are you ready to condemn Jerusalem? That city is filled with murderers, so remind the people of their sins

English Revised Version
And thou, son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? then cause her to know all her abominations.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Will you judge, son of man? Will you judge the city of murderers? Then tell it about all the disgusting things that it has done.

Good News Translation
"Mortal man," he said, "are you ready to judge the city that is full of murderers? Make clear to her all the disgusting things she has done.

International Standard Version
"Now, Son of Man, will you truly judge that blood-stained city? Then make her aware of all of her detestable practices.

NET Bible
"As for you, son of man, are you willing to pronounce judgment, are you willing to pronounce judgment on the bloody city? Then confront her with all her abominable deeds!

New Heart English Bible
"You, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yes, thou shalt show her all her abominations.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations

World English Bible
“You, son of man, will you judge? Will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And you, son of man, do you judge? Do you judge the city of blood? Then you have caused it to know all its abominations,

Berean Literal Bible
“And you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge this city of blood? Then make known to her all her abominations,

Young's Literal Translation
'And thou, son of man, dost thou judge? dost thou judge the city of blood? then thou hast caused it to know all its abominations,

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the city of bloods, and make her to know all her abominations?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou son of man, dost thou not judge, dost thou not judge the city of blood?

Catholic Public Domain Version
“And you, son of man, should you not judge, should you not judge the city of blood?

New American Bible
You, son of man, will you judge? will you judge the city of bloodshed? Then make known all its abominations,

New Revised Standard Version
You, mortal, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then declare to it all its abominable deeds.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now, Son of man, judge the bloody city and declare to her all her abominations;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“But you, son of man, judge the city of blood, and I shall make known all her uncleanness
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now, thou, son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? then cause her to know all her abominations.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou, son of man, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, declare thou to her all her iniquities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sins of Jerusalem
1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations 3and tell her that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O city who brings her own doom by shedding blood within her walls and making idols to defile herself,…

Cross References
As for you, son of man,

Ezekiel 2:1
“Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.”

Ezekiel 3:17
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

Daniel 8:17
As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.”
will you judge her?

Ezekiel 20:4
Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers

Deuteronomy 1:16
At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.

1 Corinthians 6:2
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?
Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed?

Ezekiel 24:6
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents.

Nahum 3:1
Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey.

Jeremiah 26:15
But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”
Then confront her with all her abominations

Ezekiel 16:2
“Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her abominations

Ezekiel 23:36
Then the LORD said to me: “Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations.

Leviticus 18:27
For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled.
Jeremiah 1:10
See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”

Isaiah 58:1
“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Jeremiah 6:27-30
“I have appointed you to examine My people like ore, so you may know and try their ways. / All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt. / The bellows blow fiercely, blasting away the lead with fire. The refining proceeds in vain, for the wicked are not purged. …


Treasury of Scripture

Now, you son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? yes, you shall show her all her abominations.

judge.

Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:

Ezekiel 23:36
The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations;

bloody city [heb] city of bloods

Ezekiel 23:45
And the righteous men, they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses, and after the manner of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.

Ezekiel 24:6,9
Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it…

2 Kings 21:16
Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.

thou shalt

Ezekiel 16:2
Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations,

Isaiah 58:1
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

1 Timothy 5:20
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

shew her [heb] make her know

Ezekiel 8:9-17
And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here…

Ezekiel 16:1-63
Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, …

Ezekiel 23:1-49
The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, …

Jump to Previous
Abominable Abominations Blood Bloodshed Bloody Cause Caused City Clear Confront Declare Deeds Detestable Disgusting Judge Practices Shew Show Wilt
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Abominable Abominations Blood Bloodshed Bloody Cause Caused City Clear Confront Declare Deeds Detestable Disgusting Judge Practices Shew Show Wilt
Ezekiel 22
1. A catalogue of sins in Jerusalem, and the dispersion of the Jews in consequence
17. God will burn them as dross in his furnace
23. The general corruption of prophets, priests, princes, and the people












As for you, son of man
The term "son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of God to the people. It underscores the distinction between the divine and the human, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," indicating His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

will you judge her?
The act of judging here refers to the role of the prophet in declaring God's righteous standards and the consequences of failing to meet them. In the context of Ezekiel, this judgment is directed towards Jerusalem, which had fallen into deep moral and spiritual corruption. The question posed is rhetorical, emphasizing the inevitability of judgment due to the city's persistent sinfulness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed?
The "city of bloodshed" refers to Jerusalem, which had become notorious for violence, idolatry, and injustice. This phrase highlights the severity of the city's sins, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, which is a grave offense in the eyes of God. The historical context includes the rampant social injustices and the failure of the leaders to uphold God's laws. This imagery is echoed in other scriptures, such as Nahum's description of Nineveh and Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in the Gospels.

Then confront her with all her abominations
The term "abominations" refers to the detestable practices that had become prevalent in Jerusalem, including idolatry, corruption, and moral decay. The prophet's role is to confront and expose these sins, calling the people to repentance. This confrontation is not merely an accusation but an invitation to return to covenant faithfulness. The concept of abominations is consistent with the Levitical laws, where certain practices are deemed abhorrent to God. This call to confront sin is a precursor to the New Testament message of repentance and redemption through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. Son of Man
A title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of God to the people.

3. City of Bloodshed
Refers to Jerusalem, which is being judged for its sins and abominations, particularly violence and idolatry.

4. Abominations
The sinful practices and idolatry that the people of Jerusalem engaged in, which were detestable in the sight of God.

5. Judgment
The act of God holding Jerusalem accountable for its sins, as communicated through the prophet Ezekiel.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Prophet
Prophets are called to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable or confrontational. Like Ezekiel, believers are sometimes called to address sin within their communities.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin, especially when persistent and unrepentant, leads to judgment. This passage reminds us of the gravity of sin and the need for repentance.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and must judge sin, His warnings through prophets like Ezekiel are also acts of mercy, giving people the opportunity to repent.

The Importance of Holiness
The abominations of Jerusalem serve as a warning to maintain holiness and avoid practices that are detestable to God.

Community Accountability
The sins of a community can lead to collective judgment. Believers are encouraged to hold each other accountable and strive for righteousness together.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 22:2?

2. How does Ezekiel 22:2 challenge us to confront sin in our community?

3. What does "judge the city of bloodshed" reveal about God's view on justice?

4. How can we apply Ezekiel's call to accountability in our personal lives today?

5. What parallels exist between Ezekiel 22:2 and Jesus' teachings on repentance?

6. How does Ezekiel 22:2 encourage us to address societal injustices biblically?

7. What does Ezekiel 22:2 reveal about God's judgment on Jerusalem's sins?

8. How does Ezekiel 22:2 challenge our understanding of divine justice?

9. Why is Ezekiel called to confront the "city of bloodshed" in Ezekiel 22:2?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 22?

11. In Ezekiel 22:2–5, why does God single out Jerusalem’s bloodshed without clear archaeological evidence of such extensive violence?

12. What does the Bible, including Jesus, say about homosexuality?

13. In Ezekiel 10:2, does any historical or archaeological record validate the vision of coals scattering over the city?

14. What do the tree's leaves symbolize for nations' healing?
What Does Ezekiel 22:2 Mean
As for you, son of man

Ezekiel is personally addressed, underscoring his role as God’s appointed messenger (Ezekiel 2:1–3; 3:17; 33:7).

• The title “son of man” highlights Ezekiel’s humanity in contrast to God’s authority, yet signals a divinely commissioned task similar to Jeremiah’s call (Jeremiah 1:5–10).

• God speaks directly and unambiguously, reminding us that Scripture records real historical conversations with binding authority (2 Timothy 3:16).

• The phrase sets the tone: responsibility rests on Ezekiel to relay God’s verdict, not personal opinion (Numbers 24:13).


Will you judge her?

The rhetorical question is God’s mandate: Ezekiel must pronounce judgment, not merely observe (Ezekiel 20:4).

• Judgment here means declaring God’s righteous standard; the prophet is not free to remain neutral (1 Kings 18:21).

• Like Nathan before David (2 Samuel 12:7), Ezekiel is to stand in God’s courtroom, speaking His verdict.

• This reveals God’s patience—He gives verbal warnings before final discipline (Amos 3:7).


Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed?

“City of bloodshed” points to Jerusalem, stained by violence and idol-inspired murders (2 Kings 21:16; Jeremiah 2:34).

• The repetition intensifies the certainty of coming discipline (Ezekiel 24:6–9).

• Bloodshed violates the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13) and defiles the land (Numbers 35:33).

• Jesus later weeps over the same city for killing the prophets (Matthew 23:37), affirming the continuity of this charge.

• God’s justice is comprehensive—He sees every secret act (Psalm 139:1–4).


Then confront her with all her abominations

The prophet must lay out the full catalog of sins (Ezekiel 16:2; 23:36).

• Confrontation is an act of mercy, offering a chance to repent (Proverbs 27:5).

• “Abominations” includes idolatry, sexual immorality, oppression of the poor, and ritual murder (Ezekiel 22:6–12).

• New-covenant believers share a similar duty: “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

• Light reveals sin so that forgiveness can follow (John 3:19–21; 1 John 1:9).


summary

Ezekiel 22:2 charges the prophet to step into God’s courtroom, declare His verdict on a blood-stained Jerusalem, and expose every abomination. The verse underscores personal responsibility to proclaim God’s righteous standards, the certainty of divine justice against violence and idolatry, and God’s mercy in warning before judgment.

(2) Wilt thou judge.--The same expression as in Ezekiel 20:4. (See Note there.) The sense of the margin, "plead for," is not appropriate here.

Bloody city.--In Ezekiel 22:2-6 crimes of bloodshed and idolatry are dwelt upon, between which there seems always to have been a close connection. The same words are used in Ezekiel 24:6; Ezekiel 24:9, and in Nahum 3:1. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“As for you,
וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֔ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

will you judge her?
הֲתִשְׁפֹּ֥ט (hă·ṯiš·pōṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

Will you pass judgment
הֲתִשְׁפֹּ֖ט (hă·ṯiš·pōṭ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate

on the city
עִ֣יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of bloodshed?
הַדָּמִ֑ים (had·dā·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

Then confront her
וְה֣וֹדַעְתָּ֔הּ (wə·hō·w·ḏa‘·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

with all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

her abominations
תּוֹעֲבוֹתֶֽיהָ׃ (tō·w·‘ă·ḇō·w·ṯe·hā)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 22:2 You son of man will you judge (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 22:1
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