Ezekiel 20:37
Ezekiel 20:37 in Multiple Translations
I will make you pass under the rod and will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;
And I will make you go under the rod and will make you small in number:
I will decide about you as you pass under the rod and see if you kept our solemn agreement.
And I wil cause you to passe vnder the rod, and wil bring you into the bond of the couenant.
And I have caused you to pass under the rod, And brought you into the bond of the covenant,
“I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
And I will make you subject to my sceptre, and will bring you into the bands of the covenant.
I will count you [MTY] as you walk by, and I will force you to obey the agreement that I made with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:37
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 20:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַעֲבַרְתִּ֥י
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
תַּ֣חַת
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶט
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֥י
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
בְּ/מָסֹ֥רֶת
הַ/בְּרִֽית
וְ/הַעֲבַרְתִּ֥י
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Art | N-ms
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֥י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/מָסֹ֥רֶת
mâçôreth
H4562
pledge
Prep | N-fs
הַ/בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:37
וְ/הַעֲבַרְתִּ֥י
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
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.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּׁ֑בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Art | N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/הֵבֵאתִ֥י
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/כֶ֖ם
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.
בְּ/מָסֹ֥רֶת
mâçôreth
H4562
"pledge"
Prep | N-fs
This term describes a bond or pledge, often used in the context of a covenant or agreement between God and his people, as seen in Ezekiel 20:37. It represents a promise or commitment to fulfill certain obligations.
Definition: bond (of the covenant)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bond. See also: Ezekiel 20:37.
הַ/בְּרִֽית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
Art | N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:37
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:37
Context — Judgment and Restoration
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.
38And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD. 39And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 33:13 | In the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev, in the land of Benjamin and the cities surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD. |
| 2 | Leviticus 27:32 | Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. |
| 3 | Matthew 25:32–33 | All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. |
| 4 | Psalms 89:30–32 | If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they violate My statutes and fail to keep My commandments, I will attend to their transgression with the rod, and to their iniquity with stripes. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 16:59–60 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to your deeds, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant. But I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. |
| 6 | Leviticus 26:25 | And I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy. |
| 7 | Amos 3:2 | “Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 34:17 | This is what the Lord GOD says to you, My flock: ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. |
Ezekiel 20:37 Summary
[Ezekiel 20:37 means that God is going to carefully examine each of His people, like a shepherd counts his sheep, and bring them into a close relationship with Him, based on the promises He made in the covenant, similar to what is described in Exodus 19:5 and Psalms 100:3. This is a time of both judgment and restoration, where God will purify His people and bring them back to Himself, as seen in Malachi 3:3 and Zechariah 13:9. By passing under the rod, we are reminded of God's care and authority over our lives, and we can trust that He will guide us and protect us, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 40:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'pass under the rod' in Ezekiel 20:37?
This phrase is a reference to the practice of shepherds counting their sheep as they pass under a rod, symbolizing God's care and judgment over His people, similar to the concept seen in Leviticus 27:32 and Psalms 23:4.
What is the 'bond of the covenant' that God is bringing the people into?
The bond of the covenant refers to the agreement God made with His people, outlined in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, where God promises to be their God and they promise to obey Him, as seen in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 29:1.
Is this verse talking about salvation or something else?
While salvation is a broader concept, this verse is specifically talking about God's restoration of His people to a right relationship with Him, similar to the idea in Romans 11:26-27, where all Israel will be saved.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 20?
This verse is part of a larger section where God is speaking to the house of Israel about His plans to restore and judge them, as seen in the surrounding verses Ezekiel 20:35-36 and Ezekiel 20:38-39, emphasizing His sovereignty and love for His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'pass under the rod' of God's judgment, and how can I prepare myself for this?
- In what ways can I 'enter into the bond of the covenant' with God, and what does this mean for my daily life?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty over my life, even when I don't understand His plans or timing, as seen in Ezekiel 20:37?
- What are some ways that I can 'defile God's holy name' with my actions or attitudes, and how can I avoid this, as warned in Ezekiel 20:39?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:37
And I will cause you to pass under the rod,.... That is, such whom God will not take vengeance on, and shall not die in the wilderness of the people; but whom he will have mercy on, and show favour
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:37
And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: I will cause you to pass under the rod - metaphor from a shepherd who makes his sheep pass under his
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
I will bring you out by number, yet so as you shall either by a voluntary submission own my sceptre and government, or by a conquered subjection yield to my sword and power. Under the rod; either referring to the manner of shepherds in that country, which did tell their sheep in and out of the fold; or rather, as a king, whose sceptre protects some, and dasheth others, and maintains his own right. I will difference persons and persons, that I may deal with each suitably to their state and carriage. Will bring you, i.e. the voluntary and obedient, into covenant with myself.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
Ezekiel 20:37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: Ver. 37. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.] Why, then, Feri, Domine, feri, Smite, Lord, smite, so my sins may be pardoned, and my soul saved. Hic seca, hic ure, ut in aeternum serves, Here suffer, here burn that you may protect us in eternity, said an ancient: Do even whatsoever thou wilt with me, so I may come to heaven, though I come to it by weeping cross.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
(37) To pass under the rod.—A figure taken from the shepherd’s way of counting and examining his flock. (Comp. Leviticus 27:32; Jeremiah 33:13; Micah 7:14.) By this the people were to be brought “into the land of the covenant,” selected and reconstituted God’s covenant people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
Verse 37. I will cause you to pass under the rod] This alludes to the custom of tithing the sheep. I take it from the rabbins. The sheep were all penned; and the shepherd stood at the door of the fold, where only one sheep could come out at once. He had in his hand a rod dipped in vermillion; and as they came out, he counted one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine; and as the tenth came out, he marked it with the rod, and said, "This is the tenth;" and that was set apart for the Lord. I will bring you into the bond of the covenant] You shall be placed under the same obligations as before, and acknowledge your selves bound; ye shall feel your obligation, and live according to its nature.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:37
37. to pass under the rod] According to the usage of the language (Leviticus 27:32, cf. Jeremiah 33:13) the rod or staff here is that of the shepherd, which he uses in counting his flock. “The shepherds carried a staff (Psalms 23:4; Micah 7:4; Zechariah 11:7) and used it in counting when they brought the beasts forth from the place where they were kept or made them go into it. It was customary to count the beasts every day (Jeremiah 33:23), usually at evening when they came home (Theocr. Ezekiel 8:16; Virg. Georg. iv. 436), sometimes twice, morning and evening (Virg. Ecl. iii. 34),” Dillm. on Leviticus 27:32. bond of the covenant] The word “bond” is otherwise unknown. LXX. reads: and I will cause you to go in by number, i.e. probably in special or precise tale (Isaiah 40:26; 1 Chronicles 9:28; Ezra 8:34). This carries on the figure of passing under the staff, and is amplified in Ezekiel 20:38. The word “covenant” is possibly a duplicate of the next word “purge” (Ezekiel 20:38). The expression “by or, in number” hardly of itself means few (cf. ch.
Ezekiel 5:3), neither is the idea of fewness suitable here. Cf. Jeremiah 3:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
37. I will cause you to pass under the rod — Not an Israelite shall be forgotten.
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Apostolic Manifesto by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker proclaims and explains the apostolic distinctive, which is a manifesto and proclamation of the word of God. The message emphasizes the importance of not |
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K-512 Places of Refuge by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the message of obligation, particularly in relation to Israel. The speaker acknowledges that there are varying levels of un |
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Letter 145. by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. Jones, emphasizes the importance of heeding the Lord's admonition and not allowing unbelief to weigh down one's spiritual light. He encourages Mrs |
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Passing Under the Rod by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the last days and the impending wrath of God. He highlights the image of a trumpet sounding and preparations being made for b |
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Leviticus by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Leviticus and its emphasis on holiness. The book contains numerous laws and regulations regarding sin offerings, restitution, and |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Leviticus, highlighting the importance of understanding God's heart behind the detailed instructions given. It emphasizes the themes of holiness |
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Pt 8 the Drawing of the Net by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the parable of the net in the sea. He highlights the lessons to be learned from this parable, such as the authority for ma |