Ezekiel 20 14

Ezekiel 20:14 kjv

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 nkjv

But I acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 niv

But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 esv

But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezekiel 20:14 nlt

But again I held back in order to protect the honor of my name before the nations who had seen my power in bringing Israel out of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20 verses

Ezekiel 20 14 Meaning

This verse expresses God's remembrance of His covenant made with Israel in the wilderness of Egypt, an event He utilized to demonstrate His holiness before them, setting them apart from Egyptian idolatry.

Ezekiel 20 14 Context

Ezekiel 20 describes God recounting Israel's history, highlighting their persistent disobedience despite His repeated acts of deliverance and provision. This chapter serves as a preface to God's pronouncement of judgment on Israel for their sins. Verse 14 specifically focuses on a pivotal moment: the Exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wilderness journey. This period was marked by God demonstrating His holiness, meaning His separated, distinct, and pure nature, in contrast to the abominations of Egypt. The exiled Israelites in Babylon were prone to forget God's past faithfulness and were tempted by the surrounding idolatrous cultures, making this reminder crucial for understanding the basis of God's judgment.

Ezekiel 20 14 Word Analysis

• וָאֹתִּ֨י (vātō'tī): "And I gave" or "And I brought".
  • Derived from the root אָתָה (atah), meaning "to come" or "to bring."
  • Emphasizes God's active role in bringing them forth.
  • The conjunction "vav" (ו) links this action to the preceding verses and the overarching narrative of God's dealings.
• לָהֶ֥ם (lāhem): "to them".
  • Plural masculine pronoun, referring to the nation of Israel.
  • Highlights the recipients of God's actions.
• מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם (mimmitsrāyim): "from Egypt".
  • Prep. מִן (min) meaning "from," indicating separation or origin.
  • מִצְרַיִם (mitsrāyim) is Egypt.
  • Signifies their departure from bondage and a polytheistic culture.
• בַּמִּדְבָּֽר (bammidbār): "in the wilderness".
  • Prep. בְּ (bĕ) meaning "in."
  • מִדְבָּר (midbār) means "wilderness," "desert," or "pastureland."
  • This location signifies a period of testing, purification, and covenant establishment away from settled societies.
• כְּהִזְכִּ֣י (keḥizkī): "as I acted to remember" or "as I made holy".
  • The root is זָכַר (zakar), meaning "to remember."
  • However, the Niphal causative form (hiphil) implies making others remember or being remembered, but in this context, it strongly relates to the verb קָדַשׁ (qadash) in its intensive meaning of "to show oneself holy," "to act in a holy manner."
  • This dual sense is crucial, connecting divine action to holiness and memory. The root can also imply making holy or hallowing.
  • Here it emphasizes God's action of "showing himself holy" before them, revealing His distinct, pure, and set-apart nature.
• שְׁמִי (shĕmī): "my name".
  • God's name represents His character, nature, and reputation.
  • To show oneself holy by His name means demonstrating His intrinsic holiness.
• לְעֵינֵיהֶ֑ם (lĕʿēneyhem): "before their eyes".
  • Prep. לְ (lĕ) meaning "to" or "before."
  • עַיִן (ayin) meaning "eye."
  • Indicates direct observation and manifestation of God's holiness. This was a public declaration to the entire nation.

Words group analysis:

• "And I brought them out of Egypt into the wilderness": This phrase encapsulates the foundational act of redemption and transition for Israel. It recalls the Exodus narrative, God's covenantal promise to deliver His people from servitude. The wilderness was not merely a geographical space but a testing ground where their reliance on God was forged and His faithfulness demonstrated.
• "as I acted to remember my name before their eyes": This is the interpretive crux. God's actions were not just about bringing them out, but about revealing who He is – His holy name. This holiness implies His separateness from sin and idolatry, and His covenant faithfulness. He made His glory, power, and purity evident to them, distinguishing Himself from the gods of Egypt. It’s an exhibition of His divine character. This expression connects God's actions to His identity, assuring them of His divine nature and faithfulness in a visible, undeniable way.

Ezekiel 20 14 Bonus Section

The concept of God "showing Himself holy" in the wilderness of the Exodus is foundational. It’s the origin of Israel's identity as God's holy nation. This holiness, manifested through divine judgments against Egypt (e.g., the plagues) and divine provision for Israel (e.g., manna, water from the rock), was a visible testament to God's supreme authority and His commitment to His covenant. It served as a perpetual reminder that God is a holy God who demands holiness from His people and that He is separate from all other powers and deities. The memory of this act was meant to sustain them and shape their behavior, although they often failed to live up to its implications.

Ezekiel 20 14 Commentary

God reiterates His covenant action: delivering Israel from Egypt and leading them into the wilderness. This was not just a physical exodus but a spiritual transition. In this process, God "showed Himself holy" before their eyes. This means He manifested His divine nature—His purity, separateness, and power—distinct from the false gods worshipped in Egypt. His name represents His entire being, and by His actions, He demonstrated His holiness, setting Himself apart and setting Israel apart. This act of revealing His holiness served as the basis for the covenant and their distinct identity. It underscores that God’s redemptive acts are intrinsically tied to the revelation of His character.