King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:43 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:43 in the King James Version says “And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves ... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 20:43 · KJV


Context

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.

45

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Restoration produces repentance—remembering past sins and loathing themselves for previous unfaithfulness. True restoration involves acknowledging guilt, not merely receiving blessing. Self-loathing here is godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), recognizing the magnitude of sin against a holy God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezra and Nehemiah's ministries produced exactly this response—public confession, weeping over sin, covenant renewal (Ezra 9-10, Nehemiah 8-9). Godly leaders led the people in repentance, acknowledging ancestral and personal sin. This prepared hearts for renewed covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering our sin and God's grace produce appropriate self-loathing and repentance?
  2. What is the difference between worldly regret and godly sorrow that leads to restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּזְכַרְתֶּם1 of 16

And there shall ye remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

שָׁ֗ם2 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

דַּרְכֵיכֶם֙4 of 16

your ways

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְאֵת֙5 of 16
H853

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

כָּל6 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲלִיל֣וֹתֵיכֶ֔ם7 of 16

and all your doings

H5949

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 16
H834

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

נִטְמֵאתֶ֖ם9 of 16

wherein ye have been defiled

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

בָּ֑ם10 of 16
H0
וּנְקֹֽטֹתֶם֙11 of 16

and ye shall lothe

H6962

properly, to cut off, i.e., (figuratively) detest

בִּפְנֵיכֶ֔ם12 of 16

yourselves in your own sight

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּכָל13 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רָעוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם14 of 16

for all your evils

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

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

עֲשִׂיתֶֽם׃16 of 16

that ye have committed

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest 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 20:43 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 20:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study