King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 7:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 7:20 in the King James Version says “As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their det...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. set it far: or, made it unto them an unclean thing”

Ezekiel 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads.

19

They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. removed: Heb. for a separation, or, uncleanness it is: or, their iniquity is their stumblingblock

20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. set it far: or, made it unto them an unclean thing

21

And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it.

22

My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it. robbers: or, burglers

Read Ezekiel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. This verse depicts comprehensive demoralization and loss of strength when facing divine judgment. The physical imagery represents both literal and spiritual collapse under God wrath.

All hands shall be feeble indicates inability to fight, work, or defend oneself. Hands represent human agency, capability, and strength. When God removes His sustaining grace, human power evaporates. This echoes Leviticus 26:36 where God promises to send faintness into the hearts of covenant violators.

All knees shall be weak as water provides even more graphic imagery. Knees support the body; when they fail, one cannot stand. As water suggests complete liquefaction—total inability to maintain position. This appears in other judgment contexts (Ezekiel 21:7, Nahum 2:10) and contrasts with restoration promises where God strengthens weak knees (Isaiah 35:3, Hebrews 12:12).

The universality—all hands, all knees—emphasizes that no one retains strength when God judges. From Reformed perspective, this demonstrates absolute human dependence on divine enablement for even basic capabilities. It also points forward to Christ who strengthens His people with power from on high, enabling them to stand firm when all human strength fails.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This physiological response to overwhelming fear and stress was well-documented in ancient literature and warfare accounts. Modern understanding of acute stress response confirms that extreme fear can cause muscle weakness, trembling, and inability to function.

During the 586 BC siege of Jerusalem, inhabitants experienced precisely these conditions. Prolonged starvation, constant threat, watching loved ones die, and facing certain destruction produced severe trauma. Lamentations provides eyewitness testimony: Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine (Lamentations 5:10).

Ancient Near Eastern conquest accounts frequently describe defeated peoples as unable to resist, paralyzed with fear. What distinguishes Ezekiel account is theological interpretation: this weakness comes directly from God withdrawing strength as covenant curse, not merely from human circumstances.

For Ezekiel original audience hearing this before 586 BC, the prophecy warned of coming collapse. For those who experienced it, the prophecy exact fulfillment validated Ezekiel credentials as true prophet whose every word proved accurate.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this comprehensive weakness reveal about human dependence on God sustaining grace?
  2. How do covenant curses like this illuminate blessings that believers often take for granted?
  3. In what ways does Christ strengthen believers when human strength completely fails?
  4. What spiritual realities does physical incapacitation represent in divine judgment?
  5. How should recognition of absolute dependence on God shape Christian living?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וּצְבִ֤י1 of 14

“As for the beauty”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

עֶדְיוֹ֙2 of 14

“of his ornament”

H5716

finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall

לְגָא֣וֹן3 of 14

“it in majesty”

H1347

the same as h1346

שָׂמָ֔הוּ4 of 14

“he set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

וְצַלְמֵ֧י5 of 14

“the images”

H6754

a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol

תוֹעֲבֹתָ֛ם6 of 14

“of their abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֖ם7 of 14

“and of their detestable things”

H8251

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

עָ֣שׂוּ8 of 14

“but they made”

H6213

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

ב֑וֹ9 of 14
H0
עַל10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֛ן11 of 14
H3651

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

נְתַתִּ֥יו12 of 14

“therein therefore have I set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם13 of 14
H0
לְנִדָּֽה׃14 of 14

“it far”

H5079

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:21Jeremiah 7:30Isaiah 64:11Ezekiel 8:15-16Ezekiel 8:7-10Ezekiel 9:7

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