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Ezekiel 11:21

Ezekiel 11:21 in Multiple Translations

But as for those whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.”

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord Jehovah.

But as for those whose heart goes after their hated and disgusting things, I will send on their heads the punishment of their ways, says the Lord.

But for those who still choose to worship offensive idols and engage in disgusting practices, I will let them experience the consequences of their own actions, declares the Lord God.”

But vpon them, whose heart is towarde their idoles, and whose affection goeth after their abominations, I will lay their way vpon their owne heades, saith the Lord God.

As to those whose heart is going unto the heart Of their detestable and their abominable things, Their way on their head I have put, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.'

But as for them whose heart walks after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way on their own heads,’ says the Lord GOD.”

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

But as for them whose heart walketh after their scandals and abominations, I will lay their way upon their head, saith the Lord God.

But as for those who are devoted toworshiping their vile statues and detestable idols, I will punish them as they deserve for the evil things that they have done.’ ”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 11:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 11:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֶל לֵ֧ב שִׁקּוּצֵי/הֶ֛ם וְ/תוֹעֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם לִבָּ֣/ם הֹלֵ֑ךְ דַּרְכָּ/ם֙ בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֣/ם נָתַ֔תִּי נְאֻ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥/י יְהוִֽה
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
לֵ֧ב lêb H3820 heart N-ms
שִׁקּוּצֵי/הֶ֛ם shiqqûwts H8251 abomination N-mp | Suff
וְ/תוֹעֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם tôwʻêbah H8441 abomination Conj | N-fp | Suff
לִבָּ֣/ם lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff
הֹלֵ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal
דַּרְכָּ/ם֙ derek H1870 way N-cs | Suff
בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֣/ם rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms | Suff
נָתַ֔תִּי nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-1cs
נְאֻ֖ם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
יְהוִֽה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 11:21

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לֵ֧ב lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
שִׁקּוּצֵי/הֶ֛ם shiqqûwts H8251 "abomination" N-mp | Suff
This word describes something disgusting or filthy, often referring to idol worship, as seen in Deuteronomy's warnings against false gods.
Definition: detestable thing or idol, abominable thing, abomination, idol, detested thing
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: abominable filth (idol, -ation), detestable (thing). See also: Deuteronomy 29:16; Ezekiel 7:20; Isaiah 66:3.
וְ/תוֹעֲבוֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם tôwʻêbah H8441 "abomination" Conj | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
לִבָּ֣/ם lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הֹלֵ֑ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
דַּרְכָּ/ם֙ derek H1870 "way" N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
בְּ/רֹאשָׁ֣/ם rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
נָתַ֔תִּי nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נְאֻ֖ם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִֽה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 11:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 9:10 But as for Me, I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. I will bring their deeds down upon their own heads.”
2 Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
3 Jeremiah 1:16 I will pronounce My judgments against them for all their wickedness, because they have forsaken Me to burn incense to other gods and to worship the works of their own hands.
4 Ezekiel 22:31 So I have poured out My indignation upon them and consumed them with the fire of My fury. I have brought their ways down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.”
5 Ezekiel 11:18 When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations.
6 James 1:14–15 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
7 Jude 1:19 These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
8 Hebrews 3:12–13 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
9 Ezekiel 16:43 Because you did not remember the days of your youth, but enraged Me with all these things, I will surely bring your deeds down upon your own head, declares the Lord GOD. Have you not committed this lewdness on top of all your other abominations?
10 Ezekiel 20:38 And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezekiel 11:21 Summary

[Ezekiel 11:21 is a warning that if we choose to pursue sinful behaviors, we will face the consequences of our actions. This is because God is a just and holy God, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, and He cannot tolerate sin. On the other hand, if we turn to Him and follow His ways, as described in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, He promises to give us a new spirit and a heart of flesh, and to be our God. By choosing to follow God's will, we can avoid the judgment described in Ezekiel 11:21 and experience the blessings of a relationship with Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to pursue detestable things and abominations in Ezekiel 11:21?

Pursuing detestable things and abominations refers to deliberately and continually choosing to engage in sinful behaviors that are contrary to God's will, as described in Leviticus 18:1-30 and Deuteronomy 18:9-14. This can include idolatry, immorality, and other practices that are offensive to God.

What does God mean by 'I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads' in Ezekiel 11:21?

This phrase means that God will allow the consequences of their sinful actions to fall upon themselves, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where it says 'whatever a man sows, that he will also reap'. This is a warning that our choices have consequences, and God will hold us accountable for our actions.

How does Ezekiel 11:21 relate to the preceding verses about God giving His people a new spirit and a heart of flesh?

Ezekiel 11:21 serves as a contrast to the preceding verses, emphasizing that while God is willing to give His people a new spirit and a heart of flesh, as described in Ezekiel 11:19-20, those who refuse to turn from their sin will face judgment and consequences, as seen in Ezekiel 11:21. This highlights the importance of responding to God's offer of salvation and transformation.

What is the significance of the Lord GOD declaring this judgment in Ezekiel 11:21?

The declaration by the Lord GOD in Ezekiel 11:21 emphasizes the certainty and authority of the judgment, as God is the ultimate judge of all humanity, as seen in Psalm 50:6 and Romans 2:16. This declaration should prompt us to examine our own hearts and lives, and to turn to God in repentance and faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'detestable things and abominations' that I may be pursuing in my own life, and how can I turn away from them?
  2. How can I ensure that I am following God's statutes and ordinances, as described in Ezekiel 11:20, and living a life that is pleasing to Him?
  3. What are the potential consequences of refusing to turn from sin and pursue a relationship with God, and how can I avoid these consequences?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate a 'heart of flesh' and a willingness to follow God's will, as described in Ezekiel 11:19-20?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:21

But [as for them],.... Who remained in Jerusalem, and were not carried captive, but continued in their, own land, and worshipped idols, the same as in Ezekiel 11:15; whose heart walketh after the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:21

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:21

For all those promises, and in the best times, some there will be who will refuse to own God and obey him, whose state shall as much differ as their practices did from the people of God. As for them, whoever they be. Heart, soul and affections, whose choice and love, walketh after; either secretly adhereth to or provideth for the service of idols, called here detestable things, as , ; and to express the obstinacy of this idolatry, it is called a heart walking after a heart: idolatry is a bewitching sin, and steals away the heart and the promoters of idolatry propose the plausiblest arguments, as if idols had hearts and affections toward their worshippers to do them good; the expression in the Hebrew is somewhat unusual and harsh to our ear, but this I take to be the meaning. Their abominations; their idols, and idol worship, and dependencies. Recompense; pay them in their own coin: they forsake me, I will forsake them; they profane my name and temple, I will give them up as common to be profaned by the Chaldeans. Their way tends to this, and shall end in this, and nothing more just. Upon their heads, i.e. on each man, and in such manner as shall destroy the contumacious. Or, on those that are as heads of the people and ringleaders in obstinacy of sinning, such as the twenty-five, , and who shall be examples of my speedy and irresistible vengeance, as Pelatiah was.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:21

Ezekiel 11:21 But [as for them] whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.Ver. 21. But as for them.] This is added lest any wicked men should misapply the promises, as they do qui sperando praesumunt et praesumendo pereunt.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:21

(21) I will recompense their way.—In striking contrast to the mercy granted to the repentant, is set forth here, as in Revelation 21:8, the Divine wrath upon the impenitent. It has never been promised that all men shall be brought to a true sense of their relations to God, for human responsibility, and consequently power of choice, is not removed; but God’s grace is never in vain, and if it does not lead to blessing through its acceptance, must result in greater condemnation through its rejection. (Comp. 2 Corinthians 2:16.) The heart of their detestable things, is a figurative expression. Idols in themselves are inanimate things, but the heart of the people was so given to the spirit of idolatry and alienation from God, that the abstract, as usual with this prophet, is represented in this concrete, figurative form.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:21

Verse 21. But as for them whose heart walketh] Them whose affections are attached to idolatry, they shall have such reward as their idols can give them, and such a recompense as Divine justice shall award them.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:21

21. But those who cleave to their abominations shall receive the recompense of their ways—there is no peace saith the Lord to the wicked (Isaiah 48:22). The language “whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things” is without parallel or meaning; elsewhere it is: whose heart walketh after their idols (ch. Ezekiel 20:16, Ezekiel 33:31, after their covetousness). A different class of persons is referred to from those spoken of in Ezekiel 11:17-20, either the population in Jerusalem or more naturally those in general who follow idols. The text requires some amendment: but as for those whose heart goeth after their detestable things … their way will I recompense. Ezekiel 11:22-25. The manifestation of Jehovah rises from over the city and moves eastward to the Mount of Olives. The city is abandoned by Jehovah (Hosea 5:15). The prophet does not pursue the movement further. The glory passes out by the eastern gate, by which also it returns into the new temple (ch. Ezekiel 43:1-4). The prophet is carried back by the spirit to the captivity; to which he narrates all he had seen.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:21

21. Whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things — Better, as Vulgate, whose heart goeth after their detestable things (Ezekiel 20:16).

Sermons on Ezekiel 11:21

SermonDescription
Matt Chandler Youth by Matt Chandler In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of taking steps and not being afraid to fail. He emphasizes that God's power flows through us and that we should embrace the
David Hocking All Is Vanity by David Hocking In this sermon, the preacher discusses the futility of pursuing worldly goals and pleasures. He emphasizes that these pursuits do not bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. The
Will Galkin Don't Waste Your Life by Will Galkin In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity and fragility of life. He uses the imagery of broken objects to illustrate how quickly and unexpectedly life can change. The pre
Erlo Stegen Everything Is Recorded by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker shares a dream he had where he found himself standing before the great white judgment throne. He expected to receive praise for his good works, but inst
Dennis Jenkins The Philosophy of a Fool by Dennis Jenkins In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and n
J.C. Ryle Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges
Billy Sunday The Devil's Boomerangs by Billy Sunday Billy Sunday passionately addresses the consequences of sin and the inevitability of judgment, urging young people to recognize that their actions have repercussions. He emphasizes

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