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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 20  › Ezekiel 20:23

Ezekiel 20:23

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Ezekiel 20:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

However, with an uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands.

King James Version KJV

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

American Standard Version ASV

Moreover I sware unto them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Further, I gave my oath to them in the waste land that I would send them wandering among the nations, driving them out among the countries;

Free Bible Version FBV

However, I held up my hand and vowed to them in the desert that I was going to scatter them among the various countries of different nations.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet I lift vp mine hande vnto them in the wildernes, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countreys,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I also, I have lifted up My hand to them in the wilderness, To scatter them among nations, And to spread them through lands.

World English Bible WEB

Moreover I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them through the countries,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I lifted up my hand to them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Again I lifted up my hand upon them in the wilderness, to disperse them among the nations, and scatter them through the countries:

Translation for Translators T4T

I lifted up my hand and solemnly declared to them in the desert that I would cause them to be scattered among many nations [DOU],

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:23

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 20:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB גַּם אֲנִ֗י נָשָׂ֧אתִי אֶת יָדִ֛/י לָ/הֶ֖ם בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר לְ/הָפִ֤יץ אֹתָ/ם֙ בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם וּ/לְ/זָר֥וֹת אוֹתָ֖/ם בָּ/אֲרָצֽוֹת
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
אֲנִ֗י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
נָשָׂ֧אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יָדִ֛/י yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff
לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
לְ/הָפִ֤יץ pûwts H6327 to scatter Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Prep | N-mp
וּ/לְ/זָר֥וֹת zârâh H2219 to scatter Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אוֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בָּ/אֲרָצֽוֹת ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cp
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:23

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֲנִ֗י 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.
נָשָׂ֧אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָדִ֛/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
לְ/הָפִ֤יץ pûwts H6327 "to scatter" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וּ/לְ/זָר֥וֹת zârâh H2219 "to scatter" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
אוֹתָ֖/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּ/אֲרָצֽוֹת ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cp
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.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 26:33 But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste.
2 Deuteronomy 28:64–68 Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. Among those nations you will find no repose, not even a resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despairing soul. So your life will hang in doubt before you, and you will be afraid night and day, never certain of survival. In the morning you will say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and in the evening you will say, ‘If only it were morning!’—because of the dread in your hearts of the terrifying sights you will see. The LORD will return you to Egypt in ships by a route that I said you should never see again. There you will sell yourselves to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.”
3 Deuteronomy 32:26–27 I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind, if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”
4 Psalms 106:27 to disperse their offspring among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.
5 Revelation 10:5–6 Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven. And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: “There will be no more delay!
6 Deuteronomy 32:40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever,
7 Jeremiah 15:4 I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.
8 Ezekiel 20:15 Moreover, with an uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land that I had given them—a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands—

Ezekiel 20:23 Summary

This verse means that God promised to scatter the Israelites among the nations because they disobeyed Him and did not follow His laws, as written in Ezekiel 20:21. This scattering was a punishment, but it was also a way for God to discipline His people and bring them back to Himself, as seen in Hebrews 12:11. Just like the Israelites, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand His ways, and remain faithful to Him, as seen in Psalm 119:105. By reading and obeying God's Word, we can avoid the same kind of scattering and instead experience God's love and protection, as promised in Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God swear to scatter the Israelites among the nations?

God swore to scatter the Israelites because of their disobedience and rebellion against Him, as seen in Ezekiel 20:21, where it is written that they profaned His Sabbaths and did not walk in His statutes, which is also warned against in Deuteronomy 28:64.

What does it mean to be scattered among the nations?

To be scattered among the nations means to be dispersed and separated from one's homeland and community, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:27, where it is written that the Israelites would be scattered among the nations if they were unfaithful to God.

Is God's scattering of the Israelites a punishment or a discipline?

God's scattering of the Israelites is both a punishment for their disobedience and a discipline to bring them back to Himself, as seen in Hebrews 12:11, where it is written that God disciplines those He loves.

How does this verse relate to God's overall plan for His people?

This verse relates to God's overall plan for His people in that it shows how God's judgment and discipline are meant to bring His people back to Himself, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where it is written that God has plans to prosper and not to harm His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have rebelled against God, and how can I turn back to Him?
  2. How does God's scattering of the Israelites relate to my own experiences of feeling lost or disconnected from my community?
  3. What are some ways that I can remain faithful to God, even in the face of uncertainty or hardship, as seen in Psalm 119:105?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I do not understand His ways, as seen in Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:23

I lifted up mine hand also to them in the wilderness,.... Swore unto them, as in Ezekiel 20:5; that I would scatter them among the Heathen, and disperse them through the countries; after they came to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:23

I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; I lifted up mine hand unto them ... that I would scatter them.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:23

On this solemn gesture and signification, see . Here it is an oath added to a threat, to make it more dreadful to them, and to make it successful in keeping them from the sin threatened. That I would scatter them; foretold them of a captivity which should come upon them for their sins, which it is probable was often inculcated in their hearing before Moses penned it for them, -42 Le 26:31-33, and it is ingeminated to make it pierce the deeper, and affect them the more.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:23

Ezekiel 20:23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries; Ver. 23. See on Ezekiel 20:15.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:23

(23) I would scatter them among the heathen.—This threatening was not designed to be fulfilled in that immediate generation, as abundantly appears from Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27, Deut. 27:64, and the other passages in which it is given, especially Deuteronomy 29, 30. It was given to that generation as representing the nation, but was only to be carried out when, by a long course of obdurate sin, it should be shown to be imperatively required. The threat had now been already realised in part, and was on the eve of being fully accomplished. It was important that the people should be made to understand that this had been the Divine warning from the beginning, and that in its fulfilment they were only receiving that punishment which had always been designed for such sin as they had committed.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:23

5–29. Review of the history of the fathers The principle that has ruled this history is that all through it Jehovah has acted for his name’s sake. It is this principle that has given Israel a history, otherwise their sins would have cut them off. For his name’s sake he spared the people in Egypt (Ezekiel 20:9), again in the wilderness (Ezekiel 20:14), and again the second generation there (Ezekiel 20:22). The history is reviewed in these divisions: Ezekiel 20:5-10 Israel in Egypt; Ezekiel 20:11-17 the people led out into the wilderness: Ezekiel 20:18-26 the children of those who fell in the wilderness; and Ezekiel 20:27-29 the people that entered Canaan.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:23

23. I would scatter them among the heathen — Jehovah changes the punishment from annihilation to captivity.

Sermons on Ezekiel 20:23

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith Daniel 9:1 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Daniel's prayer, rooted in his understanding of God's Word and the fulfillment of God's promises. Daniel's confession of Israel's sins an
Art Katz Holl-07 Israel's Final Chastisement by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of the Messiah, who was despised and rejected by men. He emphasizes that the Jewish people, who are called to be a light to the
Stephen Kaung Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before
George Verwer Lukewarm No More - Part 13 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal
T. Austin-Sparks A Model Prayer of Intercession by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the characteristics of intercessory prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of anguish, knowledge of God, persistence, vicarious
C.I. Scofield The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and d
James Smith Fellowship With God by James Smith James Smith preaches on the importance of fellowship with God, emphasizing the need for a deep knowledge of God through the gospel and the Holy Spirit's teaching. This knowledge le
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