King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of I...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.”

Ezekiel 20:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

2

Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,

3

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Read Ezekiel 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.' Precise dating (August 591 BC) marks this as a significant prophetic moment. Elders come to 'enquire of the LORD' (darash YHWH) through Ezekiel, seeking divine guidance. Their sitting before the prophet indicates formal consultation. However, God will refuse to be inquired of because of their persistent idolatry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This was six years into Ezekiel's ministry and five years after the first deportation (597 BC). The elders still hoped for Jerusalem's deliverance and quick return from exile. They sought prophetic reassurance while continuing in idolatry—wanting God's blessing without repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes seek God's guidance while clinging to sin?
  2. What does God's refusal to answer teach about the prerequisites for divine consultation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה2 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ית3 of 15

“And it came to pass in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

בַּֽחֲמִשִׁי֙4 of 15

“in the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

בֶּעָשׂ֣וֹר5 of 15

“month the tenth”

H6218

ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord

לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ6 of 15

“day of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

בָּ֧אוּ7 of 15

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲנָשִׁ֛ים8 of 15

“that certain”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִזִּקְנֵ֥י9 of 15

“of the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל10 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לִדְרֹ֣שׁ11 of 15

“to enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת12 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֑ה13 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֵּשְׁב֖וּ14 of 15

“and sat”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לְפָנָֽי׃15 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 8:1Ezekiel 26:1Ezekiel 24:1Ezekiel 31:1Ezekiel 29:1Ezekiel 32:1

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Ezekiel 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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