King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:32 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:32 in the King James Version says “And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

Ezekiel 20:32 · KJV


Context

30

Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

31

For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

32

And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

33

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:

34

And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.' The exiles fantasized about abandoning Yahweh worship entirely and becoming like pagan nations. 'That which cometh into your mind' indicates deliberate consideration of apostasy. 'Serve wood and stone' describes idolatry with contempt. God declares this will 'not be at all'—He won't let them go. Though judgment comes, God will preserve a remnant and restore them. His covenant commitment outlasts their unfaithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some exiles in Babylon evidently wanted to fully assimilate, abandoning distinctive covenant identity. This tension between assimilation and faithfulness appears throughout Jewish diaspora history. God's refusal to let them go completely anticipates restoration prophecies (Ezekiel 36-37) and New Covenant promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. What temptations to spiritual compromise or assimilation do believers face?
  2. How does God's commitment to preserve His people provide hope even in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהָֽעֹלָה֙1 of 16

And that which cometh

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עַל2 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ר֣וּחֲכֶ֔ם3 of 16

into your mind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

נִֽהְיֶ֤ה4 of 16

We will be

H1961

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

לֹ֣א5 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִֽהְיֶ֤ה6 of 16

We will be

H1961

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀7 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתֶּ֣ם8 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֹמְרִ֗ים9 of 16

shall not be at all that ye say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נִֽהְיֶ֤ה10 of 16

We will be

H1961

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

כַגּוֹיִם֙11 of 16

as the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כְּמִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת12 of 16

as the families

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הָאֲרָצ֔וֹת13 of 16

of the countries

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְשָׁרֵ֖ת14 of 16

to serve

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

עֵ֥ץ15 of 16

wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וָאָֽבֶן׃16 of 16

and stone

H68

a stone


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 20:32 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 20:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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