King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 36:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 36:23 in the King James Version says “And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; an...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 36:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Read Ezekiel 36 full chapter

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 · 20 words
בְּהִקָּדְשִׁ֥י1 of 20

“And I will sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת2 of 20
H853

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

שְׁמִ֣י3 of 20

“name”

H8034

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

הַגָּד֗וֹל4 of 20

“my great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם5 of 20

“which was 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

הַגּוֹיִ֜ם6 of 20

“among the heathen”

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 20
H834

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

חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם8 of 20

“which was 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

בְּתוֹכָ֑ם9 of 20

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וְיָדְע֨וּ10 of 20

“shall know”

H3045

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

הַגּוֹיִ֜ם11 of 20

“among the heathen”

H1471

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

כִּי12 of 20
H3588

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

אֲנִ֣י13 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָ֗ה14 of 20

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

נְאֻם֙15 of 20

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֣י16 of 20

“the Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֔ה17 of 20

“GOD”

H3069

god

בְּהִקָּדְשִׁ֥י18 of 20

“And I will sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

בָכֶ֖ם19 of 20
H0
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃20 of 20

“in you before their eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 36:23 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 36:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:41Isaiah 5:16Ezekiel 39:7Psalms 126:1-31 Peter 2:9Ezekiel 39:28

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