King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:22 in the King James Version says “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but fo...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 36:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. their: or, your

24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Read Ezekiel 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God explains His motivation for restoration: '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.' The emphatic 'not for your sakes... but for mine holy name's sake' removes any grounds for merit-based thinking. Israel's restoration flows from God's concern for His own reputation, not Israel's worthiness. The phrase 'which ye have profaned' (challaltem, חִלַּלְתֶּם) shows Israel brought dishonor to God's name among nations. When God's people fail, His name suffers—pagans conclude either He lacks power or doesn't care. God restores to vindicate His holy name and demonstrate His faithfulness to covenant promises. This teaches that salvation is ultimately about God's glory, not human merit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's exile led pagans to conclude that Yahweh was weak or defeated—just another tribal deity whose people were conquered. This profaned (made common, defiled) God's holy name. For God's glory to be rightly acknowledged, He must demonstrate His power and faithfulness by restoring Israel despite their unworthiness. The theological principle—salvation for God's name's sake—saturates Scripture (Psalm 23:3, 106:8, Isaiah 48:9-11, Ephesians 1:6). The New Testament applies this to church redemption—God saves sinners to display His glory and grace (Ephesians 2:7, Romans 9:23). Recognizing that redemption serves God's glory produces humility (we're undeserving) and assurance (it depends on His character, not ours).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that salvation is 'for His name's sake' rather than your worthiness affect your security and humility?
  2. In what ways might your life profane or vindicate God's holy name among unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
לָכֵ֞ן1 of 24
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָמַר֙2 of 24

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֵּ֣ית3 of 24

“not this for your sakes O house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל4 of 24

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כֹּ֤ה5 of 24
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙6 of 24

“Therefore say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י7 of 24

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה8 of 24

“GOD”

H3069

god

לֹ֧א9 of 24
H3808

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

לְמַעַנְכֶ֛ם10 of 24
H4616

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

אֲנִ֥י11 of 24
H589

i

עֹשֶׂ֖ה12 of 24

“I do”

H6213

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

בֵּ֣ית13 of 24

“not this for your sakes O house”

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל14 of 24

“of Israel”

H3478

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

כִּ֤י15 of 24
H3588

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

אִם16 of 24
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לְשֵׁם17 of 24

“name's”

H8034

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

קָדְשִׁי֙18 of 24

“but for mine holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁ֣ר19 of 24
H834

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

חִלַּלְתֶּ֔ם20 of 24

“sake which ye have 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

בַּגּוֹיִ֖ם21 of 24

“among the heathen”

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁר22 of 24
H834

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

בָּ֥אתֶם23 of 24

“whither ye went”

H935

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

שָֽׁם׃24 of 24
H8033

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

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 36:22 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 36:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:8Ezekiel 36:32Psalms 115:1-2Deuteronomy 7:7-8Deuteronomy 9:5-7

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