Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 11:20
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
This Hebrew word refers to a statute or ordinance, often given by God to the Israelites. It appears in books like Leviticus and Numbers, outlining rules for sacrifices and festivals. These statutes helped the Israelites understand God's requirements.
Definition: 1) statute, ordinance, limit, enactment, something prescribed 1a) statute
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. See also: Genesis 26:5; Deuteronomy 28:15; Psalms 18:23.
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Context — A Promise of Restoration
18When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations.
19And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh,
20so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God.
21But as for those whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.”
22Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ezekiel 14:11 |
in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Then they will be My people and I will be their God, declares the Lord GOD.’” |
| 2 |
Psalms 105:45 |
that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah! |
| 3 |
Jeremiah 30:22 |
“And you will be My people, and I will be your God.” |
| 4 |
Titus 2:11–12 |
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, |
| 5 |
Jeremiah 31:33 |
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. |
| 6 |
Psalms 119:4–5 |
You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! |
| 7 |
Luke 1:6 |
Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. |
| 8 |
Luke 1:74–75 |
deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives. |
| 9 |
Jeremiah 11:4 |
which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’ |
| 10 |
Hebrews 11:16 |
Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. |
Ezekiel 11:20 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 11:20, is a beautiful promise from God that when we follow His laws and commands, and put them into practice, we will be His people and He will be our God. This means that we will have a close and personal relationship with Him, and we will experience the fullness of His love and blessings, as seen in Psalm 103:1-5 and John 17:3. By following God's statutes, we demonstrate our love and obedience to Him, and this is what it means to be His people. As we surrender our lives to Him and follow His commands, we can be sure that He will be our God, and we will experience the joy and peace that comes from being in a right relationship with Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them' in Ezekiel 11:20?
This means to obey God's laws and commands, as outlined in the Bible, and to put them into practice in our daily lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:29 and Matthew 22:37-40.
How can we be sure that God will be our God, as stated in Ezekiel 11:20?
We can be sure of this promise when we surrender our lives to Him and follow His statutes, as He also promises in Jeremiah 31:33 and 2 Corinthians 6:16.
Is this verse only talking about the Israelites, or does it apply to us today?
While the original context of Ezekiel 11:20 is the Israelites, the principle applies to all believers, as we are also called to be God's people and to obey His commands, as seen in Romans 11:17-24 and 2 Peter 3:9.
What is the relationship between following God's statutes and being His people?
Following God's statutes is a key part of being His people, as it demonstrates our love and obedience to Him, and it is through this obedience that we experience the fullness of our relationship with Him, as Jesus teaches in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific statutes or ordinances that I am not following, and how can I start to practice them in my life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and obedience to God, as His people, in my daily life?
- How does my heart's condition, either 'heart of stone' or 'heart of flesh', impact my ability to follow God's statutes and be His people?
- What are the benefits and blessings of being God's people, and how can I experience these in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:20
That they may walk in my statutes,.... Have their conversation ordered according to the will and word of God; to which there is neither will nor power, till God gives a new heart and spirit, or works
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:20
That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. That they may walk in my statutes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:20
This is the end grace aimeth at, converting us to God, that we may walk with God. Walk: see . My statutes; the rule of religious worship. Mine ordinances; standards in civil affairs and matters of right and wrong with men. They shall be my people; they shall give themselves up to me for to be my people, to love me, trust me, and to worship and. obey me, and I will take them to be mine; I will approve, encourage, bless, guide, and protect them, that it shall be seen they are my peculiar people. This contains all duty and privilege, as including both, and is again inculcated in the other part of the promise. I will be their God, to pardon sin, give grace, supply wants, guide their ways, accept their duties, defend their persons, and lead them to glory. See , where Jeremiah, contemporary to Ezekiel, proposeth the same promise to this people.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:20
Ezekiel 11:20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.Ver. 20. That they may walk in my statutes.] The covenant of grace is suited to all the exigencies and indigencies of a poor saint. It is "ordered in all things."
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:20
(19, 20) Here follows one of those germinant and ever developing prophetic promises which in fuller and fuller degree have formed from the very first, and still form, the hope of the future. True religion and a service acceptable to God must spring from a subjection of the affections of the heart to His will. Accordingly, the promise to Israel of old was: “The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 30:6). This, too, had been the prayer of the devout penitent, “Create in me a clean heart “(Psalms 51:10). But this change is necessarily the most difficult to effect in man, and consequently the promise, though with some degree of accomplishment as the ages roll by, still looks forward to the future. Ezekiel here, and with more fulness in Ezekiel 36:26-27, speaks of it as a part of the blessing of the restoration. A marked progress was then made towards it in the hearty abandonment of idolatry, and the better Appreciation of religion as a matter of internal heart. service; but the prophecy of Jer 31:33, given about the same time, shows that it looked forward to the Messianic days for a more complete realisation. And certainly under the Christian dispensation a great advance has been made in this respect; but even the closing Book of Revelation still points forward to the future state of existence, when this promise shall attain its full realisation (Revelation 21:3). It is remarkable that this closing prophecy of the inspired volume follows exactly the plan here laid out, of adding to this glorious promise the warning to “the fearful and unbelieving.” What Ezekiel foretells of the time of the restoration must therefore be considered as not expected then to receive its ultimate and complete fulfilment, but only a fulfilment in a degree, to be ever after more and more realised, until it shall reach its consummation in the heavenly state.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:20
Verse 20. That they may walk in my statutes] The holiness of their lives shall prove the work of God upon their hearts. Then it shall appear that I am their God, because I have done such things in them and for them; and their holy conduct shall show that they are my people. See Clarke on Ezekiel 36:25, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:20
20. shall be my people] Then shall the covenant between the Lord and Israel be fully realized, for this is the idea of the covenant, that he should be their God and they his people, ch. Ezekiel 36:28, Ezekiel 37:27; Jeremiah 31:33.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:20
20. They shall be my people, and I will be their God — This tender phrase, which had become endeared to the people from its use by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 30:22; Jeremiah 31:33; Jeremiah
Sermons on Ezekiel 11:20
| Sermon | Description |
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(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting |
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Are You Ready for the Coming of Jesus
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the coming of Jesus and the signs that will precede it. He references the scripture in Matthew 24, where Jesus compares his co |
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A Satanic Deception Regarding Salvation
by Charles Stanley
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true source of authority in life, death, and morality. He asserts that the final authority is found in t |
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The Gospel of Accommodation
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and praising God. He emphasizes the importance of not sparing the rod and how many churches and preachers are failing th |
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Turning the Grace of God Into Lasiviousness
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, Pastor David warns Christians about the dangers of indulging in pornography and other immoral behaviors. He emphasizes that these actions are contrary to the gospel |
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Grace of God Brings Repentance
by Paris Reidhead
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God. He quotes Titus 2:11, which speaks about the grace of God that brings salvation to all peopl |
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The Doctrine of Jezebel
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the speaker expresses his disgust and disappointment with what he perceives as lies being preached. He recounts a personal experience where he felt physically ill a |