King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:42 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:42 in the King James Version says “And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I l... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.

Ezekiel 20:42 · KJV


Context

40

For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things. firstfruits: or, chief

41

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen. sweet: Heb. savour of rest

42

And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.

43

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

44

And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.' The recognition formula 'ye shall know that I am the LORD' concludes this section. Restoration will demonstrate Yahweh's identity and covenant faithfulness. Bringing them to the promised land fulfills the oath to their fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). God's faithfulness to ancient promises validates His character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The return from exile under Cyrus (538 BC) partially fulfilled this, as did the land promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:18-21). However, the ultimate fulfillment is through Christ, who brings God's people (from all nations) into the true promised land—eternal life in God's presence (Hebrews 11:13-16, Revelation 21-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we 'know that He is the LORD' through His faithfulness to promises?
  2. What is the relationship between historical land promises to Israel and spiritual inheritance for the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וִֽידַעְתֶּם֙1 of 18

And ye shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי2 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י3 of 18
H589

i

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 18

that I am the LORD

H3068

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

בַּהֲבִיאִ֥י5 of 18

when I shall bring

H935

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

אֶתְכֶ֖ם6 of 18
H853

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

אֶל7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַדְמַ֣ת8 of 18

you into the land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 18

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶל10 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֗רֶץ11 of 18

into the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר12 of 18
H834

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

נָשָׂ֙אתִי֙13 of 18

for the which I lifted up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

יָדִ֔י15 of 18

mine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לָתֵ֥ת16 of 18

to give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אוֹתָ֖הּ17 of 18
H853

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

לַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶֽם׃18 of 18

it to your fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


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 20:42 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 20:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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