King James Version
Ezekiel 20:17 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.”
Ezekiel 20:17 · KJV
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:
I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Nevertheless mine eye”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“them from destroying”
H7843to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“them neither did I make”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“of them in the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
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 20:17 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 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge