Ezekiel 20:24
Ezekiel 20:24 in Multiple Translations
For they did not practice My ordinances, but they rejected My statutes and profaned My Sabbaths, fixing their eyes on the idols of their fathers.
Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.
because they had not executed mine ordinances, but had rejected my statutes, and had profaned my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.
Because they had not done my orders, but had been turned away from my rules, and had not given respect to my Sabbaths, and their eyes were turned to the images of their fathers.
For they didn't keep my regulations, instead they rejected my laws and violated my Sabbaths, always looking to worship their fathers' idols.
Because they had not executed my iudgements, but had cast away my statutes and had polluted my Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers idoles.
Because My judgments they have not done, And My statutes they have despised, And My sabbaths they have polluted, And after idols of their fathers have their eyes been.
because they had not executed my ordinances, but had rejected my statutes, and had profaned my Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.
Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had profaned my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.
Because they had not done my judgments, and had cast off my statutes, and had violated my sabbaths, and their eyes had been after the idols of their fathers.
because they had rejected and disobeyed all my laws [DOU] and desecrated the Sabbath days, and they had eagerly desiredto worship the idols that their parentshad worshiped.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:24
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 20:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַ֜עַן
מִשְׁפָּטַ֤/י
לֹֽא
עָשׂוּ֙
וְ/חֻקּוֹתַ֣/י
מָאָ֔סוּ
וְ/אֶת
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖/י
חִלֵּ֑לוּ
וְ/אַחֲרֵי֙
גִּלּוּלֵ֣י
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
הָי֖וּ
עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
יַ֜עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
מִשְׁפָּטַ֤/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-mp | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָשׂוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/חֻקּוֹתַ֣/י
chuqqâh
H2708
statute
Conj | N-cp | Suff
מָאָ֔סוּ
mâʼaç
H3988
to reject
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖/י
shabbâth
H7676
Sabbath
N-cp | Suff
חִלֵּ֑לוּ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
וְ/אַחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Prep
גִּלּוּלֵ֣י
gillûwl
H1544
idol
N-mp
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:24
יַ֜עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
מִשְׁפָּטַ֤/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָשׂוּ֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וְ/חֻקּוֹתַ֣/י
chuqqâh
H2708
"statute"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
מָאָ֔סוּ
mâʼaç
H3988
"to reject"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖/י
shabbâth
H7676
"Sabbath"
N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, as commanded by God in Exodus 20:8-11 and observed by the Israelites. It is a special day set apart for spiritual renewal and reflection, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:1-14.
Definition: Sabbath 1a) sabbath 1b) day of atonement 1c) sabbath year 1d) week 1e) produce (in sabbath year)
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] every) sabbath. See also: Exodus 16:23; 2 Chronicles 2:3; Psalms 92:1.
חִלֵּ֑לוּ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
וְ/אַחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
גִּלּוּלֵ֣י
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
אֲבוֹתָ֔/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:24
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:24
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:24
Context — Israel’s Rebellion in the Wilderness
22But I withheld My hand and acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
23However, 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.
24For they did not practice My ordinances, but they rejected My statutes and profaned My Sabbaths, fixing their eyes on the idols of their fathers.
25I also gave them over to statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not live. 26And I pronounced them unclean through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn in the fire—so that I might devastate them, in order that they would know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 20:16 | because they kept rejecting My ordinances, refusing to walk in My statutes, and profaning My Sabbaths; for their hearts continually went after their idols. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 6:9 | Then in the nations to which they have been carried captive, your survivors will remember Me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts that turned away from Me, and by their eyes that lusted after idols. So they will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their abominations. |
| 3 | Amos 2:4 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Judah, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they reject the Law of the LORD and fail to keep His statutes; they are led astray by the lies in which their fathers walked. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:13 | Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they utterly profaned My Sabbaths. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and put an end to them in the wilderness. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 18:6 | He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 4:19 | When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. |
| 7 | Job 31:26–27 | if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, |
| 8 | Ezekiel 18:15 | He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 18:12 | He oppresses the poor and needy; he commits robbery and does not restore a pledge. He lifts his eyes to idols; he commits abominations. |
Ezekiel 20:24 Summary
[Ezekiel 20:24 tells us that the Israelites did not follow God's rules and instead looked to idols for guidance. This was a big mistake, and it made God very sad. We can learn from their mistake by making sure to follow God's commands and set apart time for Him, as seen in Exodus 20:8-11. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of worldly influences and stay close to God, as encouraged in Psalm 119:1-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'prophane the Sabbaths' as mentioned in Ezekiel 20:24?
To profane the Sabbaths means to treat them as common or ordinary days, rather than setting them apart as holy, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. This was a serious offense against God's ordinances.
Why did the Israelites fix their eyes on the idols of their fathers?
The Israelites were drawn to the idols of their fathers because they had not fully committed to following God's statutes and ordinances, and instead, they allowed the influences of their ancestors to lead them astray, as seen in 2 Kings 17:7-23 and Jeremiah 7:9-10.
How did God respond to the Israelites' disobedience in Ezekiel 20:24?
God responded to their disobedience by giving them over to statutes that were not good and ordinances by which they could not live, as stated in Ezekiel 20:25, which ultimately led to their devastation and dispersion among the nations.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistakes in Ezekiel 20:24?
We can learn the importance of following God's commands and setting apart time for Him, as seen in Hebrews 4:9-11, and the dangers of allowing worldly influences to lead us astray from God's ordinances, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- How do I prioritize God's ordinances and statutes in my daily life, and what are some practical ways I can set apart time for Him?
- In what ways can I be tempted to 'fix my eyes' on worldly idols, and how can I guard my heart against such influences?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'profaning the Sabbath' or treating holy things as common, and how can I repent and make amends?
- How can I balance my desire for freedom and autonomy with the need to submit to God's commands and ordinances, as seen in Romans 6:15-23?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:24
Because they had not executed my judgments,.... Had not done that which was right and just, as the Lord commanded them: but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths; as their fathers
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:24
Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:24
The whole 24th verse is already explained , which see. They, that travelled through the wilderness, had not executed my judgments, in all that forty years, wherein their fathers were to be wasted, and by which their children should have learned, kept, and done God’ s judgments, but did them not. Their fathers’ idols; which their fathers chose in Egypt, and retained with them, and now their children serve the same, even the Egyptian idols.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:24
Ezekiel 20:24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols. Ver. 24. See on Ezekiel 20:16.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:24
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.
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline of the United States as a nation that once acknowledged and depended on God. He highlights how the nation has turned its back on G |
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Things to Forget and Things to Remember by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering and forgetting certain things in life. He refers to the Apostle Paul's attitude in Philippians 3:13, where Pau |
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The Apostate Church in America: The Cappuccino Church by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the urgent matter that God brings before his rebellious people. He highlights how the people of God have neglected to execute God's judgments |
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The Cappacino Church of America - e.a. Johnston by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, E.A. Johnston addresses the decline of spirituality in churches and the rise of immorality in society. He criticizes the pulpits for allowing the world into the chu |
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Loathsome Thoughts by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of true repentance, which involves a deep loathing of both sin and oneself due to sin. He illustrates how a sincere penitent recognizes the w |
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Ezekiel 6:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes God's broken heart over the unfaithfulness of Israel, illustrating how God desires love in return for His own. He explains that while God created humanity fo |