Ezekiel 12:20
Ezekiel 12:20 in Multiple Translations
The inhabited cities will be laid waste, and the land will become desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be a desolation; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
And the peopled towns will be made waste, and the land will become a wonder; and you will be certain that I am the Lord.
The towns will be destroyed, and the countryside turned into a wasteland. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
And the cities that are inhabited, shall be left voyde, and the land shall be desolate, and yee shall knowe that I am the Lord.
And the cities that are inhabited are laid waste, and the land is a desolation, and ye have known that I [am] Jehovah.'
The cities that are inhabited will be laid waste, and the land will be a desolation. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”’”
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
And the cities that are now inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate: and you shall know that I am the Lord.
The towns where people live will be devastated, and the land will become barren/empty. Then you people will know that it is I, Yahweh, who have the power to do what I say that I will do.' ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 12:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֤ים
הַ/נּֽוֹשָׁבוֹת֙
תֶּחֱרַ֔בְנָה
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
שְׁמָמָ֣ה
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֖ם
כִּֽי
אֲנִ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֤ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fp
הַ/נּֽוֹשָׁבוֹת֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
תֶּחֱרַ֔בְנָה
chârab
H2717
to dry
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Art | N-cs
שְׁמָמָ֣ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
Desolate
N-fs
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֖ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 12:20
וְ/הֶ/עָרִ֤ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/נּֽוֹשָׁבוֹת֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
תֶּחֱרַ֔בְנָה
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
וְ/הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שְׁמָמָ֣ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
"Desolate"
N-fs
This word refers to the state of being devastated or wasted, often used to describe the results of war or God's judgment. In Ezekiel 33:28, it describes the desolation of Israel. It's about a place being left empty and destroyed.
Definition: devastation, waste, desolation Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: (laid, [idiom] most) desolate(-ion), waste. See also: Exodus 23:29; Ezekiel 14:16; Isaiah 1:7.
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וִֽ/ידַעְתֶּ֖ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 12:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 12:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 12:20
Context — Signs of the Coming Captivity
18“Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with quivering and anxiety.
19Then tell the people of the land that this is what the Lord GOD says about those living in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: ‘They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water in dread, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who dwell in it.
20The inhabited cities will be laid waste, and the land will become desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
21Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 22“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 4:7 | A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. |
| 2 | Isaiah 7:23–24 | And on that day, in every place that had a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels of silver, only briers and thorns will be found. Men will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 25:9 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. |
| 4 | Isaiah 3:26 | And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
| 5 | Daniel 9:17 | So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 12:10–12 | Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard; they have trampled My plot of ground. They have turned My pleasant field into a desolate wasteland. They have made it a desolation; desolate before Me, it mourns. All the land is laid waste, but no man takes it to heart. Over all the barren heights in the wilderness the destroyers have come, for the sword of the LORD devours from one end of the earth to the other. No flesh has peace. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 15:6 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 24:8–10 | But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 19:11 | and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 15:8 | Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD.” |
Ezekiel 12:20 Summary
This verse, Ezekiel 12:20, is saying that God will judge the people and the land, and they will be left empty and deserted. This is not just a physical judgment, but also a spiritual one, as God calls His people to repentance and holiness, as seen in verses like 2 Corinthians 7:1. When we see God's judgment, we will know that He is the LORD, and we will be called to trust in His sovereignty, just as we are told to do in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and hope, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the inhabited cities to be laid waste?
This means that the cities that are currently full of people will be destroyed and left empty, a fulfillment of God's judgment as seen in Ezekiel 12:20, similar to the desolation prophesied in Isaiah 6:11.
How will the people know that God is the LORD?
The people will know that God is the LORD when they see the fulfillment of His judgments, such as the desolation of the land, as stated in Ezekiel 12:20, and as promised in Ezekiel 37:6.
Is this verse only talking about the physical land of Israel?
While the physical land of Israel is certainly in view, the spiritual implications of this verse can also be applied to the lives of believers, as seen in Romans 8:13, where we are called to put to death the deeds of the flesh, just as God judges the wicked.
What is the purpose of God's judgment in this verse?
The purpose of God's judgment is to reveal His glory and to bring His people to repentance, as stated in Ezekiel 12:20, and as seen in other passages like Isaiah 48:9-11, where God's judgment is a refining fire that purifies His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the concept of God's judgment to my own life, recognizing that He is a holy and just God?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand the circumstances that are unfolding around me?
- In what ways can I be a witness to the glory of God, even in the midst of difficult or trying circumstances?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's will, just as the people in Ezekiel's day were called to surrender to God's judgment?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:20
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste,.... Not only the city of Jerusalem, but the other cities of Judea; as they were by the Chaldeans, which were then full of inhabitants: and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:20
And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. The cities that are inhabited - left in Judea after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:20
The cities, the lesser cities up and down the land, which now are and will be inhabited when Jerusalem is destroyed, shall be wasted with the sword, as the word seems to imply. Then shall you, who are now in Chaldea, know how the goodness of God brought you hither, that you had no real cause to complain that your condition was worse than your brethren’ s in Judea. You shall know the truth and severity of God against sinners.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:20
Ezekiel 12:20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.Ver. 20. And ye shall know.] By woeful experience.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:20
17–20. A new symbol of the terror and violence and desolation about to come upon the land.
Sermons on Ezekiel 12:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Lamentations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being double-minded and unstable in one's ways, as mentioned in the book of James. He emphasizes that God does not speak both |
|
The Church of Samuel Versus Today by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that we do not deserve to be alive today, but we are blessed by a loving God. However, the preacher criticizes the state of the church, stat |
|
You Are Mine! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that believers are cherished by God, who created, redeemed, and called them by name. He highlights that each individual is precious in G |
|
Luke 13 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the distinction between the church of God and His governmental dealings with the world, emphasizing that while grace is evident in the church, God's jus |