Ezekiel 36 31

Ezekiel 36:31 kjv

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Ezekiel 36:31 nkjv

Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations.

Ezekiel 36:31 niv

Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.

Ezekiel 36:31 esv

Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.

Ezekiel 36:31 nlt

Then you will remember your past sins and despise yourselves for all the detestable things you did.

Ezekiel 36 verses

Ezekiel 36 31 Meaning

This verse describes the emotional state and actions of the people of Israel in the aftermath of God's judgment and restoration. They will remember their former wickedness and be ashamed, leading them to cease their sinful practices.

Ezekiel 36 31 Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's prophecies concerning the future restoration of Israel. Following a series of judgments against Judah for its unfaithfulness and idolatry, God promises a renewed covenant and a spiritual cleansing. Ezekiel 36 describes the land's purification and God's intention to regather His people, giving them a new spirit and a new heart. This particular verse (31) highlights the internal transformation that accompanies this restoration: the people will look back on their past disobedience with deep regret and self-reproach, leading them to abandon their wicked ways.

Ezekiel 36 31 Word Analysis

• Then (עַתָּה attah): This adverb indicates "now" or "at that time," signifying the consequence and temporal proximity of the preceding promises.
• shall you (תְּזַכְּרוּ tizzakeru): From the root זָכַר (zakhar), meaning "to remember." This highlights the active recall of past actions.
• remember (זָכַר zakhar): Root verb meaning "to remember." It emphasizes not just a passive recollection but a conscious turning back to past deeds.
• your ways (דַּרְכֵיכֶם darcheichem): Plural noun from דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), meaning "way," "path," or "conduct." This refers to their actions, behavior, and lifestyle.
• that were (אֲשֶׁר asher): Relative pronoun, introducing the clause that describes the nature of their ways.
• not good (לֹא־טוֹבִים lo-tovim): Combination of לֹא (lo), "not," and טוֹבִים (tovim), "good" (plural masculine adjective). This directly states the moral failing of their conduct.
• and you shall be (וּנְקֹטֹתֶם uneqotem): From the root קוּט (qut), often translated as "to loathe," "to detest," or "to be disgusted with." Here, in the Niphal conjugation, it means "to feel disgusted," "to loathe oneself," or "to be ashamed." It signifies profound self-disgust.
• loathsome (קְצוּתֶם qetsutem): From the root קוּץ (qupts), meaning "to be disgusted," "to abhor," or "to feel weary." This again points to a strong aversion to their former selves.
• in (בְּ be): Preposition meaning "in," "at," "with."
• all (כָּל־ kol-): Qualifier meaning "all," "every."
• your evils (רָעוֹתֵיכֶם ra'oteichem): Plural feminine noun from רָעָה (ra'ah), meaning "evil," "badness," "wickedness," or "calamity." This refers to all the wrongful deeds they committed.
• whereby (אֲשֶׁר־בָּהֶם asher-vahem): Relative pronoun and prepositional phrase, "concerning which" or "through which."
• you have been (חִלַּלְתֶּם challaltem): From the root חָלַל (chalal), meaning "to defile," "to profane," or "to desecrate." This verb carries the weight of violating something sacred, in this case, God's laws and covenant.
• defiled (חָלַל chalal): Root verb meaning "to desecrate," "to pollute." It implies violating purity, especially in relation to God's holiness.

Words Group Analysis:

The phrase "remember your ways that were not good" highlights a conscious recollection and evaluation of past behavior, a necessary precursor to genuine repentance. The strong verbs "loathe yourselves" and "be disgusted with yourselves" (linked to "defiled") emphasize the profound self-awareness and shame that will accompany this remembrance. The focus on "all your evils" signifies a comprehensive turning away from every aspect of past sinfulness. The act of "defiled" connects their actions to a violation of God's sanctity and their covenant relationship with Him.

Ezekiel 36 31 Bonus Section

This verse is a prophetic glimpse into the experience of true repentance, which goes beyond mere regret to a profound internal disgust with sin itself. It mirrors the internal change described in the New Testament, where God's grace leads to a transformation that empowers believers to "no longer live as Gentiles do in the futility of their minds" (Eph 4:17). The concept of "defiling" also resonates with the New Testament emphasis on the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20), implying that sin defiles this sacred space. The emotional depth described—remembrance, shame, disgust—underscores that repentance is not a legalistic compliance but a heart-level reorientation.

Ezekiel 36 31 Commentary

The verse describes the introspective and repentant response of Israel after God's promised restoration. They will not merely acknowledge their sins but will deeply abhor them, recognizing the corrupting nature of their former "ways" which were morally "not good." This profound self-disgust stems from understanding how their actions "defiled" them, likely referencing their violation of God's covenant and laws, particularly concerning idolatry and impurity. This inward turning, characterized by shame and self-reproach, is a vital aspect of the new heart and spirit God will give them, leading to a permanent cessation of sin. It’s about a transformative understanding of their past actions and their impact on their relationship with a holy God.

Examples for practical usage:

• When reflecting on past mistakes that harmed others or displeased God, we can experience a healthy self-disgust, prompting us to make amends and change our behavior.
• Understanding the consequences of our sins not just on ourselves but also on our relationship with God cultivates this godly sorrow and leads to deeper repentance.
• Recognizing how certain habits or lifestyles have "defiled" our spiritual lives can motivate us to seek God's cleansing and commit to walking in His righteousness.