King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:21 in the King James Version says “But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.”

Ezekiel 11:21 · KJV

Context

19

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

21

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

22

Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

23

And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD." God contrasts those receiving new hearts (verse 19) with those persisting in idolatry. The phrase "heart walketh after" indicates settled, chosen direction. Despite promised transformation, some refuse and persist in abominations. This demonstrates both human responsibility and divine sovereignty: God offers transformation but doesn't coerce acceptance. The Reformed tension between unconditional election and human responsibility appears—those who persist in rejection face just judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Among the exiles (592 BC), some genuinely mourned sin while others clung to idols. God distinguishes between them: new hearts for repentant, judgment for rebellious. This pattern repeats: not all in covenant community prove genuine. External membership doesn't guarantee internal transformation. The early church faced this reality: some professed faith temporarily but fell away (1 John 2:19). The passage warns that stubborn persistence in idolatry despite clear warning brings inevitable judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between new hearts and persistent idolatry demonstrate human responsibility?
  2. What constitutes "walking after" idols versus merely struggling with temptation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֶל1 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִבָּ֣ם2 of 12

“But as for them whose heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֛ם3 of 12

“of their detestable things”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

וְתוֹעֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם4 of 12

“and their abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

לִבָּ֣ם5 of 12

“But as for them whose heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הֹלֵ֑ךְ6 of 12

“walketh”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דַּרְכָּם֙7 of 12

“their way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

בְּרֹאשָׁ֣ם8 of 12

“upon their own heads”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

נָתַ֔תִּי9 of 12

“I will recompense”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נְאֻ֖ם10 of 12

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י11 of 12

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֽה׃12 of 12
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 9:10Ecclesiastes 11:9James 1:14-15Ezekiel 22:31Ezekiel 11:18Jeremiah 1:16

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