King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 39:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 39:7 in the King James Version says “So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any mor... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

Ezekiel 39:7 · KJV


Context

5

Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. the open: Heb. the face of the field

6

And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. carelessly: or, confidently

7

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

8

Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.

9

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves , and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years: handstaves: or, javelins burn them: or, make a fire of them


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel." God promises to protect His name's honor, preventing future pollution through idolatry. Israel's unfaithfulness had profaned God's name among nations; restoration will vindicate it. The dual audience—Israel and nations—emphasizes God's concern for global testimony. The phrase "Holy One in Israel" identifies God with His people while transcending them. God's holiness demands both judgment of sin and vindication of His character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's exile profaned God's name as nations mocked Yahweh's inability to protect His people (586 BC). God promises to reverse this shame through restoration demonstrating His power and faithfulness. The return from Babylon began this, but complete fulfillment came through Christ and the gospel. The church's growth despite opposition vindicates God's name globally. The promise assures that God will not allow His honor to be permanently tarnished. His reputation is at stake in His people's testimony.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your behavior either honor or profane God's name before unbelievers?
  2. What does God's jealousy for His name's honor teach about taking His reputation seriously?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאֶת1 of 20
H853

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

שֵׁם2 of 20

name

H8034

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

קָדְשִׁ֖י3 of 20

So will I make my holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְיָדְע֤וּ4 of 20

known

H3045

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

בְּתוֹךְ֙5 of 20

in the midst

H8432

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

עַמִּ֣י6 of 20

of my people

H5971

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃7 of 20

Israel

H3478

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

וְלֹֽא8 of 20
H3808

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

אַחֵ֥ל9 of 20

and I will not let them pollute

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

אֶת10 of 20
H853

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

שֵׁם11 of 20

name

H8034

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

קָדְשִׁ֖י12 of 20

So will I make my holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

ע֑וֹד13 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְיָדְע֤וּ14 of 20

known

H3045

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

הַגּוֹיִם֙15 of 20

any more and the heathen

H1471

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

כִּי16 of 20
H3588

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

אֲנִ֣י17 of 20
H589

i

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 20

that I am the LORD

H3068

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

קָד֖וֹשׁ19 of 20

the Holy One

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

Israel

H3478

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


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 39:7 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 39:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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