Ezekiel 7:9
New International Version
I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you. I will repay you for your conduct and for the detestable practices among you. “’Then you will know that it is I the LORD who strikes you.

New Living Translation
I will turn my eyes away and show no pity. I will repay you for all your detestable sins. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who is striking the blow.

English Standard Version
And my eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. I will punish you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst. Then you will know that I am the LORD, who strikes.

Berean Standard Bible
I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow.

Berean Literal Bible
And My eye will not have pity, and I will not have pity; according to your ways I will recompense upon you, and your abominations will be in your midst. And you⁺ will know that I am YHWH, the One striking.

King James Bible
And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.

New King James Version
‘My eye will not spare, Nor will I have pity; I will repay you according to your ways, And your abominations will be in your midst. Then you shall know that I am the LORD who strikes.

New American Standard Bible
My eye will have no pity nor will I spare you. I will repay you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst; then you will know that I, the LORD, am striking.

NASB 1995
‘My eye will show no pity nor will I spare. I will repay you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst; then you will know that I, the LORD, do the smiting.

NASB 1977
‘And My eye will show no pity, nor will I spare. I will repay you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst; then you will know that I, the LORD, do the smiting.

Legacy Standard Bible
My eye will show no pity, nor will I spare. I will give to you according to your ways, while your abominations are among you; then you will know that I, Yahweh, do the striking.

Amplified Bible
My eye will show no pity nor will I spare [you]. I will repay you in accordance with your ways, while your abominations are in your midst; then you will know and understand that it is I, the LORD, who strikes you.

Berean Annotated Bible
I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you⁺ will know that it is I, the LORD {YHWH}, who strikes the blow.

Christian Standard Bible
I will not look on you with pity or spare you. I will punish you for your ways and for your detestable practices within you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will not look on you with pity or spare you. I will punish you for your ways and for your detestable practices within you. Then you will know that it is I, Yahweh, who strikes.

American Standard Version
And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will bring upon thee according to thy ways; and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I, Jehovah, do smite.

Contemporary English Version
Your sins are so terrible, that you'll get no mercy from me. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have punished you.

English Revised Version
And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will bring upon thee according to thy ways, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I the LORD do smite.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will not have compassion or feel sorry. I will pay you back for the way you have lived and for the detestable things that you are still doing. Then you will know that I am the LORD and that I am the one attacking [you].

Good News Translation
I will not spare you or show you any mercy. I am going to punish you for the disgusting things you have done, so that you will know that I am the LORD and that I am the one who punishes you."

International Standard Version
I won't be showing pity or compassion. I'll repay you according to your behavior while your detestable practices remain among you. And you'll know that I, the LORD, have been attacking you.'"

NET Bible
My eye will not pity you; I will not spare you. For your behavior I will hold you accountable, and you will suffer the consequences of your abominable practices. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who is striking you.

New Heart English Bible
My eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will bring on you according to your ways; and your abominations shall be in the midst of you; and you shall know that I, the LORD, do strike.

Webster's Bible Translation
And my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thy abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow.

World English Bible
My eye won’t spare, neither will I have pity. I will punish you according to your ways. Your abominations will be among you. Then you will know that I, Yahweh, strike.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And My eye does not pity, nor do I spare, "" I give to you according to your ways, "" And your abominations are in your midst, "" And you have known that [it is] I, YHWH, striking.

Berean Literal Bible
And My eye will not have pity, and I will not have pity; according to your ways I will recompense upon you, and your abominations will be in your midst. And you⁺ will know that I am YHWH, the One striking.

Young's Literal Translation
And not pity doth Mine eye, nor do I spare, According to thy ways unto thee I give, And thine abominations are in thy midst, And ye have known that I am Jehovah the smiter.

Smith's Literal Translation
And mine eye shall not spare, and I will not pity: I will give upon thee according to thy ways, and thine abominations, they shall be in the midst of thee; and ye knew that I am Jehovah striking.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And my eye shall not spare, neither will I shew mercy: but I will lay thy ways upon thee, and thy abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and you shall know that I am the Lord that strike.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And my eye will not be lenient, nor will I take pity. Instead, I will place your ways upon you, and your abominations will be in your midst. And you shall know that I am the Lord, who is striking.

New American Bible
My eye will not spare, nor will I take pity; I will hold your conduct against you since your abominations remain within you, then you shall know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes.

New Revised Standard Version
My eye will not spare; I will have no pity. I will punish you according to your ways, while your abominations are among you. Then you shall know that it is I the LORD who strike.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And my eye shall not spare you, neither will I have pity; but I will recompense you according to your ways; and your abominations shall remain in the midst of you; and you shall know that I am the LORD who has smitten you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And my eyes shall not have pity and I shall not have mercy, but according to your ways I shall pay you, and your abominations will be within you, and you shall know that I AM LORD JEHOVAH who strikes you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; I will bring upon thee according to thy ways, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I the LORD do smite.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Mine eye shall not spare, nor will I have any mercy: for I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord that smite thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Hour of Doom
8Very soon I will pour out My wrath upon you and vent My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. 9I will not look on you with pity, nor will I spare you, but I will punish you for your ways and for the abominations among you. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow. 10Behold, the day is here! It has come! Doom has gone out, the rod has budded, arrogance has bloomed.…

Cross References
I will not look on you with pity,

Jeremiah 13:14
I will smash them against one another, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no mercy or pity or compassion to keep Me from destroying them.’”

Deuteronomy 7:16
You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God will deliver to you. Do not look on them with pity. Do not worship their gods, for that will be a snare to you.

Lamentations 2:2
Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob. In His wrath He has demolished the fortified cities of the Daughter of Judah. He brought to the ground and defiled her kingdom and its princes.
nor will I spare you,

Ezekiel 5:11
Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and abominations, I Myself will withdraw My favor; I will not look upon you with pity, nor will I spare you.

Zechariah 11:6
For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands.”

2 Chronicles 36:17
So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar,
but I will punish you for your ways

Hosea 4:9
And it shall be like people, like priest. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.

Jeremiah 21:14
I will punish you as your deeds deserve, declares the LORD. I will kindle a fire in your forest that will consume everything around you.’”

Proverbs 1:31
So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
and for the abominations among you.

Leviticus 18:24-30
Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. / But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. …

2 Kings 21:11
“Since Manasseh king of Judah has committed all these abominations, acting more wickedly than the Amorites who preceded him, and with his idols has caused Judah to sin,

Deuteronomy 18:12
For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.
Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow.

Exodus 12:12
On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.

Exodus 7:5
And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.”

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.


Treasury of Scripture

And my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense you according to your ways and your abominations that are in the middle of you; and you shall know that I am the LORD that smites.

thee [heb] upon thee

Ezekiel 7:4
And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

the Lord

Isaiah 9:13
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Micah 6:9
The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Jump to Previous
Abominations Accordance Blow Conduct Detestable Disgusting Eye Gives Mercy Midst Pity Practices Punish Punishment Recompense Render Repay Show Smite Smiteth Smiting Spare Strike Strikes Ways Works
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Abominations Accordance Blow Conduct Detestable Disgusting Eye Gives Mercy Midst Pity Practices Punish Punishment Recompense Render Repay Show Smite Smiteth Smiting Spare Strike Strikes Ways Works
Ezekiel 7
1. The final desolation of Israel
16. The mournful repentance from that escape
20. The enemies defile the sanctuary because of the Israelites' abominations
23. Under the type of a chain is shown the miserable captivity of all orders of men












I will not look on you with pity
This phrase emphasizes the severity of God's judgment. In the context of Ezekiel, God is addressing the Israelites who have persistently turned away from Him despite numerous warnings. The absence of pity signifies a divine response to their hardened hearts and continuous rebellion. This reflects the principle found in Proverbs 1:24-28, where wisdom warns that those who ignore her will not find help in their time of distress.

nor will I spare you
The lack of sparing indicates the inevitability and thoroughness of the coming judgment. Historically, this is set during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, a time when the city faced destruction due to its inhabitants' sins. This phrase echoes the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience to God's commandments.

but I will punish you for your ways
This highlights the concept of divine retribution, where the punishment corresponds directly to the actions of the people. The "ways" refer to the lifestyle and choices that have led them away from God's statutes. This is consistent with the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8, where actions have consequences.

and for the abominations among you
The term "abominations" refers to idolatry and other practices detestable to God, which were prevalent in Israel at the time. These practices included worshipping foreign gods and engaging in rituals contrary to the Law of Moses. The abominations are a direct violation of the first commandment (Exodus 20:3) and are often linked to the spiritual adultery described in the prophetic books.

Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow
This phrase underscores the purpose of the judgment: to reveal God's sovereignty and identity to His people. The recognition of God as the one who enacts judgment is meant to lead to repentance and acknowledgment of His authority. This is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, where God's actions are intended to demonstrate His power and holiness, as seen in Ezekiel 6:7 and 11:10. The ultimate goal is to restore the relationship between God and His people, pointing forward to the redemptive work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, specifically the people of Judah who are facing impending judgment due to their sins.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is executing judgment on His people for their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a period of punishment and reflection for the Israelites.

5. Abominations
Refers to the idolatrous and sinful practices of the Israelites that provoked God's judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Justice is Unwavering
God's judgment is a response to sin and is consistent with His holy nature. He does not overlook sin, and His justice is impartial.

The Consequences of Sin
The Israelites' abominations led to severe consequences. This serves as a warning that sin has real and often devastating repercussions.

Recognition of God's Sovereignty
The phrase "Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes" emphasizes that God's actions are purposeful, leading to a recognition of His sovereignty.

Call to Repentance
While this passage speaks of judgment, it also implicitly calls for repentance. Understanding the severity of God's judgment should lead us to turn away from sin.

Living in Obedience
Believers are called to live in a way that honors God, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and disobedience that led to Israel's downfall.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 7:9?

2. How does Ezekiel 7:9 emphasize God's justice and accountability for our actions?

3. What does "I will not look on you with pity" reveal about divine judgment?

4. How can Ezekiel 7:9 inspire us to live righteously in today's world?

5. Compare Ezekiel 7:9 with Romans 2:6. How do both address divine retribution?

6. How should Ezekiel 7:9 influence our understanding of God's character and holiness?

7. How does Ezekiel 7:9 reflect God's judgment and justice?

8. What historical context surrounds Ezekiel 7:9?

9. How does Ezekiel 7:9 challenge modern views on divine retribution?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 7?

11. How does the judgment in Ezekiel 9 align with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?

12. Ezekiel 7:3 speaks of God punishing 'according to your ways'--why does this seem to punish everyone collectively, conflicting with other scriptures emphasizing individual accountability?

13. In Ezekiel 6:7 and repeated throughout the chapter, why would an omnipotent God need to prove His identity through punishment rather than other means?

14. Could Ezekiel 9 be interpreted as a purely symbolic vision rather than a literal event, and if so, why include graphic details?
What Does Ezekiel 7:9 Mean
I will not look on you with pity

“ ‘I will not look on you with pity…’ ” (Ezekiel 7:9)

• The statement removes any illusion that sin can be safely ignored. Like the flood in Genesis 6:5-7 and Sodom’s fire in Genesis 19:24-25, God’s righteous nature will not indefinitely tolerate rebellion.

• Cross references reinforce the point: Isaiah 13:9 shows the LORD coming “cruel, with wrath and fierce anger,” and Hebrews 10:31 reminds us, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

• The verse does not deny God’s compassion; it stresses that mercy rejected eventually gives way to judgment (cf. Romans 2:4-5).


nor will I spare you

“ ‘…nor will I spare you…’ ”

• The warning matches Jeremiah 13:14, where God declares, “I will have no pity, compassion, or mercy, but I will destroy them.”

• Divine justice here is not capricious; it is the measured response to entrenched wickedness (Nahum 1:2-6).

• For the believer, this underscores why Christ’s atonement is indispensable (John 3:36). Outside that refuge, there is no “spare” option when judgment comes (Revelation 6:15-17).


but I will punish you for your ways

“ ‘…but I will punish you for your ways…’ ”

• Personal accountability is clear: the people’s “ways” bring the consequence (Galatians 6:7-8: “whatever a man sows, he will reap”).

Romans 2:6-8 affirms the same principle—that God “will repay each person according to his deeds.”

• The discipline is corrective in purpose; by confronting sin, God exposes its emptiness and drives hearts toward repentance (Hebrews 12:5-11).


and for the abominations among you

“ ‘…and for the abominations among you.’ ”

• “Abominations” highlights specific, detestable practices: idol worship (Ezekiel 6:9-10), bloodshed, and moral perversion (Ezekiel 8:9-18).

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors the LORD hates—arrogant eyes, lying tongues, hands that shed innocent blood—mirroring Judah’s sins.

• Sin is never abstract; it manifests in concrete acts that corrode society and offend a holy God (Leviticus 18:24-30).


Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow

“ ‘Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who strikes the blow.’ ”

• God’s aim is revelatory: His action removes doubt about who holds ultimate authority (Ezekiel 6:7; 33:29).

• Just as the plagues proved His supremacy over Egypt’s gods (Exodus 9:14-16), the coming calamity will affirm His sovereignty over Judah.

• Recognition of the LORD—whether through mercy or judgment—is inevitable (Philippians 2:10-11). The wise yield now rather than later (Psalm 2:10-12).


summary

Ezekiel 7:9 delivers a sobering sequence: mercy withdrawn, sparing denied, punishment applied, sin confronted, and divine identity revealed. The verse teaches that persistent rebellion silences pity, invites righteous retribution, and ultimately serves the higher purpose of making God unmistakably known. For every generation, the message stands: repent while grace is offered, for the same holy God still rules, judges, and saves.

(9) The Lord that smiteth.--In Ezekiel 7:4 it is only said, "Ye shall know that I am the LORD," without saying in what respect; here this is specified--they shall know that God is a God of judgment, and that these calamities are from Him.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

look on you with pity,
תָח֥וֹס (ṯā·ḥō·ws)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2347: To pity, look upon with compassion

nor
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

will I spare you,
אֶחְמ֑וֹל (’eḥ·mō·wl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2550: To commiserate, to spare

but I will punish you
אֶתֵּ֗ן (’et·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

for your ways
כִּדְרָכַ֜יִךְ (kiḏ·rā·ḵa·yiḵ)
Preposition-k | Noun - common plural construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and for the abominations
וְתוֹעֲבוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙ (wə·ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇō·w·ṯa·yiḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

among you.
בְּתוֹכֵ֣ךְ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵêḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

Then you will know
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם (wî·ḏa‘·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it is I,
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

the LORD,
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

who strikes the blow.
מַכֶּֽה׃ (mak·keh)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 7:9 My eye shall not spare neither will (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 7:8
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