King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 8:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 8:6 in the King James Version says “He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel c... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 8:6 · KJV


Context

4

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

5

Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.

7

And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.

8

Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary?" God reveals temple corruption forcing His departure. The rhetorical question emphasizes that Israel's sin, not divine caprice, drives God away. Persistent idolatry in the very place dedicated to God's worship represents ultimate covenant treachery. Holiness cannot coexist with abomination. This pattern warns: God withdraws His presence from professing churches that embrace idolatry or immorality.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In 592 BC, fourteen months after initial visions, God showed Ezekiel secret abominations in Jerusalem's temple while he sat in Babylon. The vision revealed why judgment was necessary and God's departure justified. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretism in pre-exilic Judah. The temple, meant for exclusive Yahweh worship, housed idols and pagan rites. This ultimate profanation necessitated God's departure and the temple's destruction. The pattern repeats when churches abandon biblical faith for worldly accommodation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern church practices might constitute "great abominations" causing God's presence to depart?
  2. How does this passage challenge assumptions that God's presence continues regardless of corporate sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 23

He said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י2 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶּן3 of 23

furthermore unto me Son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם4 of 23

of man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תִּרְאֶ֔ה5 of 23

seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אַתָּ֖ה6 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מָ֣הֵ֣ם7 of 23
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עֹשִׂ֣ים8 of 23

committeth

H6213

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

תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת9 of 23

abominations

H8441

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

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃10 of 23

even the great

H1419

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 23
H834

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

בֵּֽית12 of 23

that the house

H1004

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל׀13 of 23

of Israel

H3478

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

עֹשִׂ֣ים14 of 23

committeth

H6213

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

פֹּ֗ה15 of 23
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

לְרָֽחֳקָה֙16 of 23

here that I should go far off

H7368

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

מֵעַ֣ל17 of 23
H5921

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

מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י18 of 23

from my sanctuary

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

וְעוֹד֙19 of 23
H5750

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

תָּשׁ֣וּב20 of 23

but turn

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תִּרְאֶ֔ה21 of 23

seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת22 of 23

abominations

H8441

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

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃23 of 23

even the great

H1419

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


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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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