King James Version
Ezekiel 20:16 in the King James Version says “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.”
Ezekiel 20:16 · KJV
But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;
Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.
Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.
But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
“my judgments”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and walked”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“but polluted”
H2490properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
“for their heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“and walked”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
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.
Ezekiel 20:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ezekiel 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge