Ezekiel 20:35
Ezekiel 20:35 in Multiple Translations
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, where I will enter into judgment with you face to face.
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face.
And I will take you into the waste land of the peoples, and there I will take up the cause with you face to face.
I will bring you before me for judgment face to face in the desert of the nations.
And I will bring you into the wildernes of the people, and there wil I pleade with you face to face.
And I have brought you in unto the wilderness of the peoples, And have been judged with you there face to face.
I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face.
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
And I will bring you into the wilderness of people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
and I will bring you to a desertthat is surrounded by other nations. There, while I am looking at you, I will judge you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:35
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 20:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֣י
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
אֶל
מִדְבַּ֖ר
הָֽ/עַמִּ֑ים
וְ/נִשְׁפַּטְתִּ֤י
אִתְּ/כֶם֙
שָׁ֔ם
פָּנִ֖ים
אֶל
פָּנִֽים
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֣י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִדְבַּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
הָֽ/עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
וְ/נִשְׁפַּטְתִּ֤י
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
אִתְּ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
פָּנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פָּנִֽים
pânîym
H6440
face
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 20:35
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֣י
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִדְבַּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
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.
הָֽ/עַמִּ֑ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/נִשְׁפַּטְתִּ֤י
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אִתְּ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
פָּנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פָּנִֽים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:35
Context — Judgment and Restoration
33As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will rule over you.
34With a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and outpoured wrath I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered.
35And I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, where I will enter into judgment with you face to face.
36Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord GOD. 37I will make you pass under the rod and will bring you into the bond of the covenant.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 2:14 | “Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 2:35 | you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:20 | I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 19:13 | Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. |
| 5 | Revelation 12:14 | But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 20:36 | Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 2:9 | Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children. |
| 8 | Micah 7:13–15 | Then the earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the fruit of their deeds. Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show My wonders. |
| 9 | Hosea 4:1 | Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! |
| 10 | Ezekiel 38:22 | I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. |
Ezekiel 20:35 Summary
In Ezekiel 20:35, God says He will bring His people into the wilderness of the nations, where He will judge them face to face. This means that God wants to have a personal and intimate relationship with His people, and He will refine and purify them in the process, just like He did with the Israelites in the wilderness after they left Egypt (Exodus 16-18, Numbers 14). God's judgment is not meant to condemn, but to restore and redeem, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to make a new covenant with His people. By trusting in God's sovereignty and love, we can find comfort and hope, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be brought into the wilderness of the nations?
This phrase refers to a time of judgment and refining for God's people, where they will be purified and restored, as seen in Ezekiel 20:35 and also in Hosea 2:14-15, where God leads His people into the wilderness to speak tenderly to them.
Why does God need to enter into judgment with His people face to face?
God desires a personal and intimate relationship with His people, and this face-to-face judgment is a call to accountability and repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 20:35 and also in Deuteronomy 31:17, where God says He will hide His face from His people if they turn away from Him.
How does this verse relate to the history of the Israelites?
This verse is reminiscent of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites after they left Egypt, as described in Exodus 16-18 and Numbers 14, where God judged and refined them in the wilderness, and also in Ezekiel 20:36, where God compares this future judgment to the one in the wilderness of the land of Egypt.
What is the ultimate purpose of God's judgment on His people?
The ultimate purpose of God's judgment is to restore and redeem His people, as seen in Ezekiel 20:37, where God says He will bring them into the bond of the covenant, and also in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to make a new covenant with His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be refined and purified, and how can I surrender them to God's judgment and restoration?
- How can I cultivate a deeper, face-to-face relationship with God, and what distractions or idols might be hindering this intimacy?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereign plan, even when it involves difficult circumstances or wilderness experiences, and how can I find comfort in His presence and promises?
- What does it mean for me to be part of God's covenant people, and how can I live out my faith in a way that honors this covenant and reflects God's love to others?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:35
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people,.... Into Babylon, and into captivity there, which they thought to avoid by fleeing to other countries.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:35
And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
Bring you; drive you; and since you think of such a course of ease to yourselves by casting me off among the nations, I will bring you among such as you shall be soon weary of. Into the wilderness; into the most horrid, barbarous, and savage parts of the inhabited world; into the mountainous barren parts of Media, Hyrcania, Iberia, Caspia, and Albania, and Scythia, inhospitable nations, and mortal enemies to strangers. Plead; debate, pass sentence, and execute it also on you. Face to face; not, as the rabbins dream, to conceal the dishonour of the Jews, but indeed plainly, openly, and so as my hand shall be seen.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
Ezekiel 20:35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.Ver. 35. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people.] Into the most solitary and savage places of the world, for a fulness of misery without the benefit of any good society. And there will I plead with you face to face,] i.e., Solus cum solis et sine arbitris, Having you there alone, I will punish you to some purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
(35) Into the wilderness of the people.—As in the past there was a period of probation and discipline in the wilderness, so shall there be in the future. The similarity is insisted upon in Ezekiel 20:36, and the phrase “face to face” is taken from Deuteronomy 5:4, not to show that the Lord will interpose again with the same sensible manifestations, but will plead with them in ways equally adapted, in their more advanced condition, to show them His overruling hand. As this phrase is plainly to be understood according to its sense, and not according to the letter, so it is quite idle to attempt to locate “the wilderness of the people” as any material wilderness, as that of Arabia, or that between Babylonia and Palestine. The phrase must mean that wilderness condition of the people, scattered among the nations, in which the Lord will plead with them as He did with their fathers. This might refer, as some commentators think, to the state of the Jews in our own time, dispersed among all nations; but there is nothing in the connection to indicate so distant a future, and it may quite as well refer to the then approaching condition of the people. Already many thousands of them had been carried captive to Babylon; others (see Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 43:5) had been scattered among all the surrounding nations; the mass of the ten tribes had long before been carried by the king of Assyria to other regions; and the large remnant still left in Judæa, influenced by their own fears, soon afterwards went down to Egypt. In Ezekiel’s own life-time, Israel was scattered widely among all the prominent nations of the earth, and thus brought into the “wilderness of the people.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
Verse 35. I will bring you into the wilderness of the people] I will bring you out of your captivity, and bring you into your own land, which you will find to be a wilderness, the consequence of your crimes. There will I plead with you] There I will be your king, and rule you with a sovereign rule; and the dispensations of my justice and mercy shall either end you or mend you.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:35
35. of the people] peoples. This wilderness of the peoples is the Syro-Babylonian wilderness, adjoining the peoples among whom they were dispersed; as that into which their fathers were brought was the wilderness of Egypt, i.e. adjoining Egypt. Isaiah 40:1-11 also represents Jehovah as marching at the head of his people, redeemed from exile, through the wilderness from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezek. may follow Hosea 2:14-15, but cf. Jeremiah 31:2 seq. plead … face to face] With no intermediaries, no heathen people on whose fellowship they could stay themselves, absolutely cut off from men and alone with their God (Hosea 2:4). Jehovah’s “pleading” or litigating is sometimes in terrible deeds (ch. Ezekiel 17:20), sometimes in words of reason (Isaiah 1:18; Micah 6:2 seq.). Gathered out from the nations and far from their seductive influences Israel will respond to the discipline of her God as in former days (Hosea 2:15).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:35
35. The wilderness of the people — The Israelites are now wandering among the nations as formerly their forefathers, because of their sins, wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt; but they
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:35
| Sermon | Description | |
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Art Katz Testimony by Ark Katz by Art Katz | This sermon recounts the personal journey of a Jewish atheist who, through a series of profound encounters and revelations, comes to a life-changing realization of God's existence |
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Dvd - 23: Timeless Interview (High Quality) by Art Katz | This sermon by Art Katz discusses his journey from being a professional atheist to accepting Jesus Christ as his Messiah. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the church |
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Timeless Interview by Art Katz | This sermon by Art Katz delves into the importance of authenticity, truth, and anointing in the church. He highlights the need for a genuine relationship with God, the dangers of r |
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The Conflict of Two Wisdoms - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of being stripped and exposed to the nations by the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of being broken and losing our h |
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Dvd 35 Thinking the Unthinkable by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the deep theological explanation for the necessity of Israel's devastation and the church's role in bringing about Israel's restoration. It emphasizes the n |
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Exploring Israel's Deliverance Through Zion by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the profound theme of Israel's deliverance through Zion, emphasizing that the ultimate salvation of Israel is tied to the character of the King and His Kingdom, w |
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Doors of Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the "door of hope" mentioned in the Bible. He begins by discussing the history of mankind as builders and the simplicity of a |