Ezekiel 20 9

Ezekiel 20:9 kjv

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:9 nkjv

But I acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles among whom they were, in whose sight I had made Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:9 niv

But for the sake of my name, I brought them out of Egypt. I did it to keep my name from being profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they lived and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites.

Ezekiel 20:9 esv

But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:9 nlt

But I didn't do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20 verses

Ezekiel 20 9 Meaning

This verse declares God's action: "but I acted for My name's sake, that it might not be profaned before the nations." It highlights God's preservation of His people not due to their merit, but to safeguard His own reputation among the surrounding nations. His faithfulness to His covenant and His character are the primary motivators for His actions, particularly in rescuing them from Egyptian bondage.

Ezekiel 20 9 Context

Ezekiel chapter 20 describes a dialogue between God and Ezekiel, where God recounts His past dealings with Israel. This specific verse appears in the context of God confronting Israel with their repeated rebellion and idolatry from the wilderness wanderings onwards. Despite their unfaithfulness, God reiterates His commitment to them, emphasizing that His covenant faithfulness is rooted in His own name and character, not their deservingness. The backdrop is the ongoing exile of the people to Babylon, a consequence of their sin, yet God offers hope by declaring His ultimate purpose for His people and His name.

Ezekiel 20 9 Word Analysis

• וְאָנֹכִ֤י (ve'anokhi): "and I." The strong "and" links this statement to previous actions or contexts, asserting continuity. "I" (anochi) is emphatic, pointing directly to God's personal agency.

• עָשִׂ֗יתִי ('asisi): "acted," "did." The piel imperfect conjugation indicates a decisive action taken by God. It signifies a powerful and intentional deed.

• לְמַ֙עַן֙ (lema'an): "for the sake of," "on account of." This preposition introduces the reason or purpose behind God's action.

• שְׁמִי֙ (shmi): "My name." This refers to God's reputation, His character, His authority, and His covenant identity. The possession indicated by the "i" suffix ('my') is crucial, emphasizing God's proprietary interest.

• לְבִלְתִּ֕י (livliti): "not," "lest," "in order not to." This negative purpose clause governs the subsequent phrase.

• לְחָלּ֖וֹ (lechallo): "to profane," "to defile," "to desecrate." The infinitive construct from "chalal" implies a public desecration, making something holy common or unclean.

• לְעֵינֵ֥י (le'einei): "before the eyes of," "in the sight of." This highlights the public and visible nature of the profanation.

• הַגּוֹיִ֖ם (haggoyim): "the nations," "the Gentiles." This refers to the surrounding peoples, who served as witnesses to God's actions toward Israel. Their observation is significant for God's reputation.

• Group of words: "that it might not be profaned before the nations" (לְבִלְתִּ֕י לְחָלּ֖וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י הַגּוֹיִ֖ם) This phrase encapsulates the core theological point: God's primary concern in His redemptive and protective acts is the integrity and honor of His own name before the world. The surrounding nations were meant to see and acknowledge Yahweh's power and faithfulness through His dealings with Israel.

Ezekiel 20 9 Bonus Section

This verse connects directly to the concept of sanctification. God acting "for His name's sake" means He was acting to set His name apart and to show its holiness. This is a recurring theme in Ezekiel. For instance, Ezekiel 36:22-23 emphasizes this same principle when God promises to restore Israel: "It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I will do this, but for my holy name... And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name... and the nations shall know that I am the LORD." The preservation and eventual restoration of Israel were designed to ultimately glorify God and demonstrate His unmatched power and faithfulness to all peoples. This action for His name is the ultimate manifestation of divine mercy and sovereign purpose, intended to draw all nations to recognize Him.

Ezekiel 20 9 Commentary

This verse is a profound declaration of God's self-sacrificing faithfulness. When Israel deserved judgment due to their repeated apostasies, God did not abandon them to complete destruction. Instead, He intervened for the sake of His "name." This means His own inherent character, His promises, and His covenant obligations demanded that He act to uphold His honor. Allowing Israel to be utterly annihilated by surrounding nations would have implied that their gods were stronger or that Yahweh was powerless and untrustworthy. God's actions, therefore, were a demonstration of His unwavering commitment to His covenant, thereby preserving His holy reputation among those who did not know Him. It underscores the principle that God's faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging nature, not in the merit of His people.