Ezekiel 33:20
Ezekiel 33:20 in Multiple Translations
Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.”
¶ Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.
Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.
And still you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O children of Israel, I will be your judge, giving to everyone the reward of his ways.
So how can you say, ‘What the Lord does isn't right’? Well, I'm going to judge each of you depending on what you've done, people of Israel.”
Yet yee say, The way of the Lord is not equall. O ye house of Israel, I will iudge you euery one after his waies.
And ye have said: The way of the Lord is not pondered, Each according to his ways do I judge you, O house of Israel.'
Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” House of Israel, I will judge every one of you after his ways.’”
Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.
And you say: The way of the Lord is not right, I will judge every one of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.
But you Israeli people still say, ‘What Yahweh does is not fair.’ But I will judge each of you for what you do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 33:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
לֹ֥א
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
אִ֧ישׁ
כִּ/דְרָכָ֛י/ו
אֶשְׁפּ֥וֹט
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
בֵּ֥ית
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
אִ֧ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כִּ/דְרָכָ֛י/ו
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֶשְׁפּ֥וֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 33:20
וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֥א
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.
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
אִ֧ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּ/דְרָכָ֛י/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֶשְׁפּ֥וֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
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.
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 33:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 33:20
Context — The Message of the Watchman
18If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it.
19But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this.
20Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.”
21In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and reported, “The city has been taken!” 22Now the evening before the fugitive arrived, the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer mute.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 16:27 | For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 18:25 | Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? |
| 3 | Ezekiel 33:17 | Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. |
| 4 | Revelation 20:12–15 | And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:3 | A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 12:14 | For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. |
| 7 | Revelation 22:12 | “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. |
| 8 | Psalms 62:12 | and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 18:29–30 | Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. |
Ezekiel 33:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that God's way is fair and just, even if we don't always understand it. He will judge each of us based on how we live our lives, as seen in Ezekiel 18:18-19, where the righteous and wicked are judged according to their actions. We need to trust that God is always fair and just, even when things don't go as we planned, and remember that our choices have consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the people say 'The way of the Lord is not just' in Ezekiel 33:20?
This phrase indicates that the people of Israel are questioning God's fairness, possibly due to the consequences they are facing for their sins, as seen in Ezekiel 18:18-19, where the righteous and wicked are judged according to their actions, similar to what is stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
How does God respond to the people's claim that His way is not just?
God responds by stating that He will judge each person according to their ways, emphasizing His justice and fairness, as also seen in Jeremiah 17:10 and Romans 2:6, where God judges people based on their deeds and intentions.
What is the significance of God addressing the 'house of Israel' in this verse?
By addressing the 'house of Israel', God is emphasizing that His judgment and justice apply to His chosen people, who should know and follow His ways, as stated in Leviticus 26:46 and Deuteronomy 29:29, highlighting their special relationship with Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of personal responsibility?
This verse emphasizes personal responsibility, as God will judge each person according to their actions, reinforcing the idea that individuals are accountable for their choices, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have questioned God's justice or fairness in my life, and how can I align my perspective with His Word?
- How do I respond when faced with the consequences of my actions, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a willingness to submit to God's just and fair ways, even when they challenge my own understanding or desires?
- How can I apply the principle of personal responsibility in my daily life, recognizing that my choices have consequences and that God will judge me according to my actions?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:20
Yet ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal,.... Still obstinately persisting in their false charges, notwithstanding plain proofs to the contrary: O ye house of Israel, I will judge you everyone
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:20
When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
Still blinded prejudice quarrels. Judge; call you to account, plead with you, and pass sentence. Every one: this is added to rouse every one up to repent of all sins, and of this particularly. After his ways; a terrible threat, and I know not how a greater could be denounced against sinners than this. God, infinitely holy and perfectly just, will judge them according to their unequal, unrighteous, sinful ways, and according to his inflexible justice. And if God enter thus into judgment, who can stand in his sight?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
Ezekiel 33:20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.Ver. 20. Yet ye say.] But therein ye lie, which is not the guise of God’ s children. I will judge you every one after his ways.] And so wring a testimony, if not from your mouths, yet from your consciences, of mine impartial justice; such as is that in Deuteronomy 32:4, "A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he."
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:20
10–20. Despondency of the people, making the prophet’s appeals to them of none effect. Removal of the despair by two gracious words from the Lord.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:20
10-20. Compare notes Ezekiel 18:23-32. The people have ceased to excuse themselves, and now “pine away” in utter despair because of their sins.
Sermons on Ezekiel 33:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 3 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and building our lives on a solid foundation. He criticizes wasting time on trivial activities like |
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The Revelation of Christ Within Scripture by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Christ as He reveals Himself in different ways. He highlights various aspects of Christ, such as the potter |
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Iran the Coming Crisis by Mark Hirchcock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the speeches given by Ahmadinejad, the former president of Iran, at the United Nations and a conference in Iran. Ahmadinejad claimed that he |
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The Judgment Day: A Solemn, Tremendous and Glorious Scene of the Universal Judgment by Samuel Davies | In this sermon, the preacher directs the audience's attention to the solemn and glorious scene of the Universal Judgment. He describes the destruction of the world and the agonizin |
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Concerning Angels by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the role and nature of angels as described in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing their ministry in the world and their significance at the end of times |
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(Through the Needle's Eye) 2 - Jesus Loves a Rich, Young Ruler, Part 1 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the importance of repentance, obedience, and true faith in Jesus for salvation, emphasizing that grace is conditional and requires a response from beli |
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Salvation and Rewards by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield emphasizes the distinction between the free gift of salvation, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and the rewards for faithful service to God. Salvation is a gif |