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.
As I live - the most solemn of oaths, pledging the self-existence of God for the certainty of the event.
Because thou hast defiled my sanctuary - the climax of Jewish guilt: their defiling Yahweh's temple by introducing idols.
Therefore will I also diminish, х 'egra` (H1639)] - literally, withdraw, namely, mine "eye" (which presently follows) - i:e., my favours: Job 36:7 uses the Hebrew verb in the same way. As the Jews had withdraw from God's sanctuary its sacredness by 'defiling' it, so God withdraws His countenance from them. The significance of the expression lies in the allusion to Deuteronomy 4:2, "Ye shall not diminish ought from the word which I command you:" they had done so, therefore God diminishes them. The reading found in six MSS. ['egda`], 'I will cut thee off,' is not so good.