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Ezekiel 20:14

Ezekiel 20:14 in Multiple Translations

But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

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

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

And I was acting for the honour of my name, so that it might not be made unclean in the eyes of the nations, before whose eyes I had taken them out.

But I still acted for them so I would not be misrepresented, so that I wouldn't lose respect in the eyes of the other nations who had seen me lead Israel out of Egypt.

But I had respect to my Name, that it shoulde not bee polluted before the heathen in whose sight I brought them out.

And I do [it] for My name's sake, Not to pollute [it] before the eyes of the nations, Before whose eyes I brought them forth.

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

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

But I spared them for the sake of my name, lest it should be profaned before the nations, from which I brought them out, in their sight.

But again, for the sake of my own reputation, I decided to do something else in order that I would not be dishonored/despised by the people of the nations who had seen me bring my people out of Egypt.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:14

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 20:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וָ/אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמִ֑/י לְ/בִלְתִּ֤י הֵחֵל֙ לְ/עֵינֵ֣י הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹצֵאתִ֖י/ם לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
וָ/אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
לְ/בִלְתִּ֤י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj
הֵחֵל֙ châlal H2490 to bore V-Niphal-Inf-a
לְ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
הוֹצֵאתִ֖י/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:14

וָ/אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
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.
שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֤י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
הֵחֵל֙ châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Niphal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
לְ/עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הוֹצֵאתִ֖י/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 20:9 But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the eyes of the nations among whom they were living, in whose sight I had revealed Myself to Israel by bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
2 Ezekiel 36:22–23 Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you profaned among the nations to which you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes.
3 Ezekiel 20:22 But I withheld My hand and acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.
4 Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
5 Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.

Ezekiel 20:14 Summary

[God acted for the sake of His name in Ezekiel 20:14, which means He wanted to protect His reputation and show the nations that He is a faithful and merciful God, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7. This shows that God's actions are motivated by a desire to glorify Himself and to demonstrate His faithfulness to His people. We can learn from God's example by seeking to honor His name in our daily lives, and by trusting in His faithfulness and mercy, even when we fail or disobey Him, as seen in Psalm 51:1-4 and Romans 3:23-24.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God act for the sake of His name in Ezekiel 20:14?

God acted for the sake of His name to prevent it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations, demonstrating His faithfulness and integrity, as seen in Exodus 32:12 and Numbers 14:13-16.

What does it mean for God's name to be profaned?

For God's name to be profaned means that it is disrespected, dishonored, or blasphemed, which is contrary to the third commandment in Exodus 20:7, where God commands us not to take His name in vain.

How does God's action in Ezekiel 20:14 relate to His character?

God's action in Ezekiel 20:14 shows that He is a God of mercy, faithfulness, and justice, who is willing to restrain His wrath for the sake of His name, as seen in Psalm 103:8 and Jonah 4:2.

What can we learn from God's motivation in Ezekiel 20:14?

We can learn that God's actions are motivated by a desire to glorify Himself and to demonstrate His faithfulness to His people, as seen in Isaiah 48:9-11 and Ezekiel 36:22-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can honor God's name in my daily life, and what are the consequences of profaning it?
  2. How does God's faithfulness to His people, despite their rebellion, encourage me to trust in His faithfulness to me?
  3. In what ways can I reflect God's character of mercy, faithfulness, and justice in my relationships with others?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's mercy and faithfulness, rather than relying on my own strength or abilities?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:14

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the Heathen,.... [See comments on Ezekiel 20:9]; who would be ready to say it was for want of power, or faithfulness, or,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:14

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:14

See , where these words are paraphrased.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:14

Ezekiel 20:14 But I wrought for my name’ s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out. Ver. 14. But I wrought for my name’ s sake.] Oh how oft are we beholden to this motive, and do escape fair by this means! See on Ezekiel 20:9.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:14

5–29. Review of the history of the fathers The principle that has ruled this history is that all through it Jehovah has acted for his name’s sake. It is this principle that has given Israel a history, otherwise their sins would have cut them off. For his name’s sake he spared the people in Egypt (Ezekiel 20:9), again in the wilderness (Ezekiel 20:14), and again the second generation there (Ezekiel 20:22). The history is reviewed in these divisions: Ezekiel 20:5-10 Israel in Egypt; Ezekiel 20:11-17 the people led out into the wilderness: Ezekiel 20:18-26 the children of those who fell in the wilderness; and Ezekiel 20:27-29 the people that entered Canaan.

Sermons on Ezekiel 20:14

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson God's People Will Never Be Ashamed by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity. It highlights the need to commit to God's promises, believe in His ability to work mirac
David Wilkerson God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir
David Wilkerson God Is About to Do Something New and Glorious by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is on the verge of performing a new and glorious work, transcending mere revival and awakening. This divine initiative arises from God's desire
T. Austin-Sparks The Greatness and Glory of God's Name by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's Name, which encapsulates His character, works, and eternal purpose. He explains that the Name of the Lord is not mere
Derek Prince The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy
C.H. Spurgeon Free Grace by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowle
Paul Washer Great Men by the Grace of God by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the cultural significance of the film "What Dreams May Come" and how it portrays heaven. He emphasizes that even in our modern culture, ther

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