King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 20:44 Mean?

Ezekiel 20:44 in the King James Version says “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... — 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 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.

Ezekiel 20:44 · KJV


Context

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,

46

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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 house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.' The climax: recognition that salvation is 'for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways.' God acts despite their unworthiness, based on His character, not theirs. This is pure grace—undeserved favor. Their wickedness would merit destruction; God's grace brings restoration. The pattern of Scripture: salvation is entirely of the Lord.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle appears throughout Scripture: God chose Israel not for their greatness but His love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), delivered them from Egypt for His name's sake (Psalm 106:8), and restored them despite unworthiness (Ezekiel 36:22-32). New Covenant salvation in Christ follows the same pattern—saved by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God saves for His name's sake, not our worthiness, humble us?
  2. What does this teach about the nature of grace and the motivation for God's redemptive work?

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

בַּעֲשׂוֹתִ֥י5 of 18

when I have wrought

H6213

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

אִתְּכֶ֖ם6 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְמַ֣עַן7 of 18
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁמִ֑י8 of 18

with you for my name's

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לֹא֩9 of 18
H3808

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

כְדַרְכֵיכֶ֨ם10 of 18

ways

H1870

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

הָרָעִ֜ים11 of 18

sake not according to your wicked

H7451

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

וְכַעֲלִילֽוֹתֵיכֶ֤ם12 of 18

doings

H5949

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

הַנִּשְׁחָתוֹת֙13 of 18

nor according to your corrupt

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

בֵּ֣ית14 of 18

O ye house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל15 of 18

of Israel

H3478

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

נְאֻ֖ם16 of 18

saith

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י17 of 18

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֽה׃18 of 18

GOD

H3069

god


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 20:44 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 20:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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