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Ezekiel 36:21

Ezekiel 36:21 in Multiple Translations

But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone.

¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, whither they went.

But I had pity for my holy name which the children of Israel had made unclean wherever they went.

So I had to take care of my reputation for holiness which the people of Israel had ruined among the nations where they'd gone.

But I fauoured mine holy Name which the house of Israel had polluted among the heathen, whither they went.

And I have pity on My holy name, That the house of Israel have polluted among nations whither they have gone in.

But I had respect for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

But I had pity for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

And I have regarded my own holy name, which the house of Israel hath profaned among the nations to which they went in.

But I was concerned about my reputation, which the people of Israel had disgraced among the nations to which they were forced to go.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 36:21

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 36:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וָ/אֶחְמֹ֖ל עַל שֵׁ֣ם קָדְשִׁ֑/י אֲשֶׁ֤ר חִלְּל֨וּ/הוּ֙ בֵּ֣ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל בַּ/גּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁר בָּ֥אוּ שָֽׁמָּ/ה
וָ/אֶחְמֹ֖ל châmal H2550 to spare Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name N-ms
קָדְשִׁ֑/י qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
חִלְּל֨וּ/הוּ֙ châlal H2490 to bore V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בָּ֥אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שָֽׁמָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 36:21

וָ/אֶחְמֹ֖ל châmal H2550 "to spare" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
קָדְשִׁ֑/י qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms | Suff
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חִלְּל֨וּ/הוּ֙ châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
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.
בֵּ֣ית 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 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.
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֖ם 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.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּ֥אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
שָֽׁמָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 36:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 48:9 For the sake of My name I will delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I will restrain it, so that you will not be cut off.
2 Psalms 74:18 Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name.
3 Ezekiel 20:9 But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living, in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel by bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
4 Ezekiel 20:22 But 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.
5 Ezekiel 20:14 But I 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.
6 Isaiah 37:35 ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”
7 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.’”

Ezekiel 36:21 Summary

[This verse, Ezekiel 36:21, tells us that God is concerned about how His name is treated by His people, and that He wants to be honored and respected by all nations. God's name represents who He is and what He is like, as seen in Exodus 34:5-7, and He wants His people to reflect His character to the world. As God's people, we have a responsibility to live in a way that honors God's name, as mentioned in Matthew 5:16, and to seek to restore and protect it when it is profaned. By doing so, we can demonstrate God's glory and holiness to those around us, as stated in Isaiah 60:21.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God care about His holy name being profaned?

God cares about His holy name because it represents His character and reputation, as seen in Ezekiel 36:21, and He desires that all nations know Him as the one true God, as stated in Ezekiel 36:23 and Isaiah 43:7.

How did the house of Israel profane God's holy name?

The house of Israel profaned God's holy name by their disobedience and idolatry, which led the nations to believe that God was unable to protect His people, as mentioned in Ezekiel 36:20 and Ezekiel 20:9.

What is the significance of God's concern for His holy name in this verse?

God's concern for His holy name in Ezekiel 36:21 highlights His desire to restore His people and demonstrate His power and glory to the nations, as seen in Ezekiel 36:22-23 and Jeremiah 32:20.

How does this verse relate to God's plan of redemption?

This verse relates to God's plan of redemption because it shows that God's actions are motivated by a desire to protect and honor His name, which is closely tied to His plan to redeem and restore His people, as seen in Romans 11:25-27 and Ezekiel 37:21-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be profaning God's holy name in my own life, and how can I seek to honor Him instead?
  2. How does God's concern for His holy name challenge my understanding of His character and motivations?
  3. In what ways can I partner with God to demonstrate His glory and holiness to those around me?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the importance of living a life that reflects well on God's name, and how can I apply this to my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 36:21

But I had pity for my holy name,.... Had pity on the Jews for his name's sake, and not theirs; or he had a tender concern for his own honour and glory: which the house of Israel had profaned among

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 36:21

But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:21

I had pity; I spared them, who in captivity continued to sin greatly against me, and for which sins I had just cause to cut them off; but I had pity. For mine holy name; for my own sake, and for the glory of my name: had I destroyed them, the heathen would have concluded against my omnipotence and my truth. I preserved, I reduced, I re-established them for the honour of my mercy, truth, and power.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:21

Ezekiel 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.Ver. 21. But I had pity for my holy name.] So he hath still, or else it would be wide enough with us. Some render it, I spared, or tendered, mine holy name; and, to free it from those imputations, I freely forgave my people, and re-established them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:21

(21) Pity for mine holy name.—The meaning of this has been already explained in the Note on the previous verse; and in the following verses it is emphasised that God would restore His people, not for their sakes, but for His own.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 36:21

21. Cf. Ezekiel 20:9; Ezekiel 20:14.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 36:21

I had pity for mine holy name - Render it: I “had” a pitiful regard to “Mine Holy Name.”

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 36:21

16-24. Before the captivity, Israel, because of its bloody deeds and idolatry (Ezekiel 36:18), was as unclean as a woman “in her separation” (Ezekiel 36:17, R.V.), and for this reason was separated

Sermons on Ezekiel 36:21

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Reproach Among the Heathen by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance, revival, and cleansing as prerequisites for any work of God. He urges believers to have a heart like Jesus and
J. Henry Brown Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3: by J. Henry Brown In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God.
J. Henry Brown Water and the Spirit by J. Henry Brown In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate a spiritual message. The ship represents people who are lost and in ne
David Wilkerson God Is About to Do Something New and Glorious by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is on the verge of performing a new and glorious work, transcending mere revival and awakening. This divine initiative arises from God's desire
Alan Redpath The Sure Road to Peace by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the road to revival, which is obedience to God's commandments. He highlights the importance of not only hearing God's word
Derek Prince Glimpses of the Future - Part 5 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus, emphasizing how every aspect of His life fulfilled the prophecies, showcasing His submission to the authority of
Ron Bailey Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and

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