Ezekiel 20 11

Ezekiel 20:11 kjv

And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.

Ezekiel 20:11 nkjv

And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, 'which, if a man does, he shall live by them.'

Ezekiel 20:11 niv

I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, by which the person who obeys them will live.

Ezekiel 20:11 esv

I gave them my statutes and made known to them my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live.

Ezekiel 20:11 nlt

There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them.

Ezekiel 20 verses

Ezekiel 20 11 Meaning

Ezekiel 20:11 declares that God provided His laws and commandments to the Israelites with a clear purpose: they were designed to be a path to life and well-being for anyone who faithfully obeyed them. This refers to a comprehensive, blessed, and prosperous existence within God's covenant, both physically and spiritually, contrasting with the death and curses that follow disobedience.

Ezekiel 20 11 Context

Ezekiel chapter 20 recounts the persistent rebellion of Israel from their time in Egypt through the wilderness, leading up to the prophet's own time among the exiles in Babylon. God, through Ezekiel, confronts the elders of Israel who are seeking a word from Him, reminding them of their nation's history of idolatry and unfaithfulness. Verse 11 falls within God's historical review of His relationship with Israel, specifically recalling His covenant establishment in the wilderness. He emphasizes that despite Israel's earlier apostasy in Egypt (vv. 7-8), He still graciously delivered them and then, in the wilderness, gave them His life-giving statutes and rules. This verse highlights God's good intentions and the clarity of His provision, setting the stage for the tragic recounting of Israel's repeated rejection of these very laws and the subsequent consequences, which is the immediate reason for their exile. The historical context is crucial; Ezekiel speaks to a generation suffering in exile, explaining that their plight is not due to God's failure but their ancestral (and present) unfaithfulness to a clear and gracious covenant.

Ezekiel 20 11 Word analysis

• and I gave them (וָאֶתֵּן לָהֶם - va'etten lahem): This signifies God's divine initiative and gracious act of bestowal. The emphasis is on God as the Giver; the laws were not something Israel earned or discovered, but a gift.
• my statutes (אֶת־חֻקּוֹתַי - et-chukkotai): Chukkot refers to "decrees," "ordinances," or "prescribed rules," often of a ceremonial, ritual, or foundational nature. They are seen as fixed and unchangeable, established by divine authority, and defining Israel's distinctiveness. These embody God's holy character.
• and made known to them (וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַי הוֹדַעְתִּי אֹתָם - ve'et-mishpatai hodati otam):
  • made known: The verb hodati (from yada) means to make known, to inform, teach, or instruct. It implies revealing something previously hidden or clarified.
  • my rules / my judgments (mishpatai): Mishpatim generally refer to "judgments," "laws," or "case laws," often pertaining to ethical, social, and civil justice. These laws regulate human interaction and uphold righteousness within society, reflecting God's just character.
• by which (אֲשֶׁר - asher): A connective particle establishing the purpose or consequence that follows from the preceding statements. It links the laws to their intended effect.
• if a person does them (יַעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם הָאָדָם - ya'aseh otam ha'adam):
  • a person (ha'adam): Though given to Israel, this word is inclusive, signifying humanity or anyone. It suggests a universal principle.
  • does them (ya'aseh): Emphasizes action and obedience, not mere intellectual assent or theoretical knowledge. It's about practical living and performing the commands.
• he shall live (וָחַי בָּהֶם - vachai bahem):
  • live (vachai): This Hebrew term for life (chayah) encompasses far more than mere biological existence. It signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, blessing, and flourishing in the full sense of covenant relationship with God. It implies enjoying a rich and meaningful life as God intended, often tied to the land of promise.
  • in them / by them (bahem): Indicates that the laws are the direct means or path through which this holistic life is attained and sustained.

Words-group by words-group analysis data:

• "and I gave them my statutes and made known to them my rules": This pairing of "statutes" (chukkot) and "rules" (mishpatim) highlights the comprehensive nature of God's law. Chukkot covers the divine decrees and ceremonial distinctives that define Israel as holy, while mishpatim refers to the just and righteous judgments for daily life. Together, they form the complete body of Mosaic law, all revealed through God's gracious initiative.
• "by which, if a person does them, he shall live": This phrase clearly articulates the conditional covenantal promise. God's laws are inherently life-giving, but their benefit is realized through active obedience. The principle establishes a direct link between compliance with divine instruction and experiencing true life and flourishing. It emphasizes human responsibility within the divine covenant.

Ezekiel 20 11 Bonus section

• Theological Paradox: The statement that the law brings life (Eze 20:11) stands in tension with later biblical statements that the law, due to human sinfulness, instead brought death (Rom 7:10; 2 Cor 3:6). This is not a contradiction, but a profound theological truth. The law itself is holy, just, and good, and by its nature, promises life for perfect obedience. However, because humanity is fallen and unable to perfectly keep the law, it acts as a mirror, exposing sin and therefore bringing condemnation and death. It thus serves to show the need for a savior.
• Prophetic Reiteration: This exact phrasing, "if a person does them, he shall live," is found not only in Ezekiel but also verbatim in Leviticus 18:5 and alluded to in Nehemiah 9:29. Its recurrence highlights its fundamental importance as a divine declaration. The New Testament similarly picks up on this theme in Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 when discussing righteousness through law versus faith.
• Holistic "Life": The Hebrew concept of "life" (chai) here is crucial. It is not merely the avoidance of physical death, but comprehensive well-being in all aspects – material prosperity, health, peace, family continuity, security in the land, and a blessed relationship with God. This covenantal "life" was deeply tied to Israel's national existence and spiritual vitality.

Ezekiel 20 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 20:11 encapsulates a fundamental truth about God's law given at Sinai: it was intended as a means to life. God, out of His sovereign grace, bestowed upon Israel His chukkot (decrees defining their identity and holiness) and mishpatim (rules for righteousness and justice). These were not arbitrary restrictions but divine wisdom meant to guide Israel into a life of abundant blessing, health, security, and true fellowship with God in the Promised Land. The phrase "he shall live" signifies a holistic, flourishing existence—spiritual, physical, and relational—the ultimate fulfillment of covenant promises. This verse underscores God's good intention for His people, offering a clear path to well-being through obedience. Yet, as Ezekiel's prophecy makes clear, Israel consistently failed to "do them," turning what was meant for life into an instrument that exposed their sin and led to judgment and exile. From a New Testament perspective, while perfect obedience to the Law proved unattainable for fallen humanity, the underlying principle remains: God's ways lead to life. However, ultimate spiritual life and power to live righteously are now found through faith in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 8:2-4).