King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:20 in the King James Version says “And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.

Ezekiel 36:20 · KJV


Context

18

Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:

19

And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

20

And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.

21

But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

22

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse points toward God's gracious purposes of restoration despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The Reformed emphasis on sovereign grace shines through—restoration doesn't depend on Israel's merit or ability but on God's covenant faithfulness and irrevocable purposes (Romans 11:29). This anticipates new covenant promises where God gives a new heart and His Spirit to enable obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The pattern of judgment followed by grace-based restoration prefigures the gospel: humanity deserves condemnation but receives mercy through Christ's atoning work. God's restoration demonstrates His glory by showing grace triumphs over judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בָּ֣אוּ1 of 17

And when they entered

H935

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

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגּוֹיִם֙3 of 17

unto the heathen

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

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

בָּ֣אוּ5 of 17

And when they entered

H935

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

שָׁ֔ם6 of 17
H8033

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

וַֽיְחַלְּל֖וּ7 of 17

they profaned

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֶת8 of 17
H853

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

שֵׁ֣ם9 of 17

name

H8034

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

קָדְשִׁ֑י10 of 17

my holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

בֶּאֱמֹ֤ר11 of 17

when they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙12 of 17
H0
עַם13 of 17

to them These are the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יְהוָ֣ה14 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֵ֔לֶּה15 of 17
H428

these or those

וּמֵאַרְצ֖וֹ16 of 17

out of his land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יָצָֽאוּ׃17 of 17

and are gone forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim


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 36:20 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 36:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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