King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:19 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:19 in the King James Version says “I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;

Ezekiel 20:19 · KJV


Context

17

Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

18

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:

19

I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;

20

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.

21

Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them.' God's positive command to the new generation: covenant obedience. The covenant formula 'I am the LORD your God' grounds the imperative. Walk (halak—continual lifestyle), keep (shamar—guard, treasure), and do ('asah—practice) emphasize comprehensive, ongoing obedience. God's law isn't burdensome regulation but the pathway of life for those in relationship with Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and covenant renewal in Deuteronomy. Joshua would lead this generation in covenant renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24). Each generation must personally commit to covenant faithfulness; it cannot be inherited automatically.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'walk in' God's statutes as a lifestyle rather than occasional compliance?
  2. How do we pass covenant commitment to the next generation beyond mere religious formality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֲנִי֙1 of 10
H589

i

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 10

I am the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֔ם3 of 10

your God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּחֻקּוֹתַ֖י4 of 10

in my statutes

H2708

a statute

לֵ֑כוּ5 of 10
H1980

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

וְאֶת6 of 10
H853

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

מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י7 of 10

my judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

שִׁמְר֖וּ8 of 10

and keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וַעֲשׂ֥וּ9 of 10

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אוֹתָֽם׃10 of 10
H853

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


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 20:19 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 20:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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