Ezekiel 20:28

Ezekiel 20:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings.

King James Version KJV

For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

American Standard Version ASV

For when I had brought them into the land, which I sware to give unto them, then they saw every high hill, and every thick tree, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering; there also they made their sweet savor, and they poured out there their drink-offerings.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For when I had taken them into the land which I made an oath to give to them, then they saw every high hill and every branching tree and made their offerings there, moving me to wrath by their offerings; and there the sweet smell of their offerings went up and their drink offerings were drained out.

Free Bible Version FBV

After I led them into the land that I had promised to give them, on any high hill or under any leafy tree they saw there they offered their pagan sacrifices and presented offerings to idols that made me angry, burning their sweet-smelling incense and pouring out their drink offerings.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted vp mine hand to giue it to them, then they saw euery hie hill, and all the thicke trees, and they offred there their sacrifices, and there they presented their offering of prouocation: there also they made their sweete sauour, and powred out there their drinke offerings.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I bring them in unto the land, That I did lift up My hand to give to them, And they see every high hill, and every thick tree, And they sacrifice there their sacrifices, And give there the provocation of their offering, And make there their sweet fragrance, And they pour out there their libations.

World English Bible WEB

For when I had brought them into the land which I swore to give to them, then they saw every high hill and every thick tree, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering. There they also made their pleasant aroma, and there they poured out their drink offerings.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For when I had brought them into the land, for which I lifted up my hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savor, and poured out there their drink-offerings.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I had brought them into the land, for which I lifted up my hand to give it them: they saw every high hill, and every shady tree, and there they sacrificed their victims: and there they presented the provocation of their offerings, and there they set their sweet odours, and poured forth their libations.

Translation for Translators T4T

After I brought them into the land that I had solemnly promised to give to them, every time that they saw a high hill or a big green tree, they offered sacrificesto idols there. They made offerings to them, and that caused me to become angry. They presented to those idols their fragrant burning incense, and poured out wine offerings to them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:28

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 20:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אֲבִיאֵ/ם֙ אֶל הָ/אָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ אֶת יָדִ֔/י לָ/תֵ֥ת אוֹתָ֖/הּ לָ/הֶ֑ם וַ/יִּרְאוּ֩ כָל גִּבְעָ֨ה רָמָ֜ה וְ/כָל עֵ֣ץ עָבֹ֗ת וַ/יִּזְבְּחוּ שָׁ֤ם אֶת זִבְחֵי/הֶם֙ וַ/יִּתְּנוּ שָׁם֙ כַּ֣עַס קָרְבָּנָ֔/ם וַ/יָּשִׂ֣ימוּ שָׁ֗ם רֵ֚יחַ נִיח֣וֹחֵי/הֶ֔ם וַ/יַּסִּ֥יכוּ שָׁ֖ם אֶת נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם

וָ/אֲבִיאֵ/ם֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָדִ֔/י yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אוֹתָ֖/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff

וַ/יִּרְאוּ֩ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

גִּבְעָ֨ה gibʻâh H1389 Gibeat N-fs

רָמָ֜ה rûwm H7311 to exalt V-Qal

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

עָבֹ֗ת ʻâbôth H5687 leafy Adj

וַ/יִּזְבְּחוּ zâbach H2076 to sacrifice Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁ֤ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

זִבְחֵי/הֶם֙ zebach H2077 sacrifice N-mp | Suff

וַ/יִּתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 there Adv

כַּ֣עַס kaʻaç H3708 vexation N-ms

קָרְבָּנָ֔/ם qorbân H7133 offering N-ms | Suff

וַ/יָּשִׂ֣ימוּ sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁ֗ם shâm H8033 there Adv

רֵ֚יחַ rêyach H7381 aroma N-ms

נִיח֣וֹחֵי/הֶ֔ם nîychôwach H5207 soothing N-mp | Suff

וַ/יַּסִּ֥יכוּ nâçak H5258 to pour Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם neçek H5262 drink offering N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:28

וָ/אֲבִיאֵ/ם֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" 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.

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.

נָשָׂ֨אתִי֙ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

יָדִ֔/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

לָ/תֵ֥ת nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

אוֹתָ֖/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

לָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יִּרְאוּ֩ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

גִּבְעָ֨ה gibʻâh H1389 "Gibeat" N-fs

Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.

Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.

רָמָ֜ה rûwm H7311 "to exalt" V-Qal

This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.

Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)

Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֵ֣ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

עָבֹ֗ת ʻâbôth H5687 "leafy" Adj

Describing something as leafy or dense with foliage, like a thick forest. In the Bible, it is used to describe the garden of Eden in Genesis 2:9.

Definition: having interwoven foliage, leafy, dense with foliage

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: thick. See also: Leviticus 23:40; Ezekiel 6:13; Ezekiel 20:28.

וַ/יִּזְבְּחוּ zâbach H2076 "to sacrifice" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)

Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.

שָׁ֤ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

זִבְחֵי/הֶם֙ zebach H2077 "sacrifice" N-mp | Suff

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

וַ/יִּתְּנוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁם֙ shâm H8033 "there" Adv

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

כַּ֣עַס kaʻaç H3708 "vexation" N-ms

This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.

Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.

קָרְבָּנָ֔/ם qorbân H7133 "offering" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to an offering or sacrifice brought near to the altar, and is used in the Bible to describe the sacrifices made by the Israelites. In Leviticus 1:2, it describes the burnt offering presented to God.

Definition: offering, oblation Also means: qur.ban (קֻרְבָּן "offering" H7133B)

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: oblation, that is offered, offering. See also: Leviticus 1:2; Numbers 7:3; Ezekiel 40:43.

וַ/יָּשִׂ֣ימוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

שָׁ֗ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

רֵ֚יחַ rêyach H7381 "aroma" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pleasant aroma or fragrance, often associated with sacrifices to God. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe the soothing smell of offerings, and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) scent, fragrance, aroma, odour 1a) scent, odour 1b) odour of soothing (technical term for sacrifice to God) Aramaic equivalent: re.ach (רֵיחַ "smell" H7382)

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: savour, scent, smell. See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:14; Jeremiah 48:11.

נִיח֣וֹחֵי/הֶ֔ם nîychôwach H5207 "soothing" N-mp | Suff

A soothing or pleasant feeling, like the peace that comes from trusting in God. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweet smell of incense or the delight of being in God's presence.

Definition: soothing, quieting, tranquillising Aramaic equivalent: ni.cho.ach (נִיחוֹחַ "soothing" H5208)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: sweet (odour). See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:3; Ezekiel 20:41.

וַ/יַּסִּ֥יכוּ nâçak H5258 "to pour" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to pour out or install, often used for setting up a king or offering a sacrifice. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing rituals and ceremonies. The word is also used for melting metal.

Definition: 1) to pour out, pour, offer, cast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour out 1a2) to cast metal images 1a3) to anoint (a king) 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed 1c) (Piel) to pour out (as a libation) 1d) (Hiphil) to pour out libations 1e) (Hophal) to be poured out Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "to pour" H5260)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, melt, offer, (cause to) pour (out), set (up). See also: Genesis 35:14; Isaiah 30:1; Psalms 2:6.

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

נִסְכֵּי/הֶֽם neçek H5262 "drink offering" N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:28
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:28

Context — Israel’s Rebellion in the Land

26And I pronounced them unclean through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn in the fire—so that I might devastate them, in order that they would know that I am the LORD. 27Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: In this way also your fathers blasphemed Me by their unfaithfulness against Me.

28When I brought them into the land that I swore to give them and they saw any high hill or leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, presented offerings that provoked Me, sent up their fragrant incense, and poured out their drink offerings.

29So I asked them: ‘What is this high place to which you go?’ (And to this day it is called Bamah. ) 30Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 6:13	Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols.
2	Nehemiah 9:22–26	You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. You multiplied their descendants like the stars of heaven and brought them to the land You had told their fathers to enter and possess. So their descendants went in and possessed the land; You subdued before them the Canaanites dwelling in the land. You delivered into their hands the kings and peoples of the land, to do with them as they wished. They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness. But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies.
3	Jeremiah 3:6	Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.
4	Jeremiah 2:7	I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and bounty, but you came and defiled My land, and made My inheritance detestable.
5	Isaiah 57:5–7	who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these? On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices.
6	Joshua 23:14	Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.
7	Genesis 26:3–4	Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed,
8	Ezekiel 20:6	On that day I swore to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands.
9	Psalms 78:55–58	He drove out nations before them and apportioned their inheritance; He settled the tribes of Israel in their tents. But they tested and disobeyed God Most High, for they did not keep His decrees. They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow. They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols.
10	Joshua 23:3–4	“and you have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake, because it was the LORD your God who fought for you. See, I have allotted as an inheritance to your tribes these remaining nations, including all the nations I have already cut off, from the Jordan westward to the Great Sea.

Ezekiel 20:28 Summary

This verse is talking about how the Israelites, when they entered the Promised Land, started worshiping idols and false gods at special locations, rather than worshiping the one true God. They would offer sacrifices, burn incense, and make drink offerings to these idols, which made God very angry, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5. This is a reminder that our worship should be focused solely on the one true God, and not on worldly things or false idols (1 Corinthians 10:21). We should strive to worship God in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in John 4:24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to offer sacrifices on 'any high hill or leafy tree'?

This refers to the Israelites' practice of worshiping idols and false gods at locations that were considered sacred or special to them, rather than worshiping the one true God at the place He designated, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 and Jeremiah 2:20.

How did the Israelites' actions 'provoke' God?

The Israelites' actions provoked God because they were a direct disobedience to His commands and a rejection of His covenant with them, as stated in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9.

What is the significance of the 'fragrant incense' and 'drink offerings' in this verse?

The 'fragrant incense' and 'drink offerings' were likely part of the Israelites' idolatrous worship practices, which were a perversion of the true worship that God had ordained, as seen in Leviticus 1:9 and Numbers 15:7.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 20?

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Ezekiel 20 that highlights the Israelites' history of rebellion and unfaithfulness to God, and serves as a reminder of God's judgment and call to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 20:13 and Ezekiel 20:21.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be 'prostituting' myself with worldly idols or false gods, and how can I turn back to the one true God?
How can I ensure that my worship is pleasing to God, and not a perversion of true worship?
What are some 'high hills' or 'leafy trees' in my life that I may be using as substitutes for true worship, and how can I tear them down?
In what ways can I apply the lessons of Ezekiel 20:28 to my own life, and how can I avoid repeating the mistakes of the Israelites?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:28

[For] when I had brought them into the land,.... Brought them out of Egypt through the wilderness into the land of Canaan, through so many difficulties, by such displays of power, goodness, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:28

Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28

When; so soon as settled in the land promised to Abraham and his seed. Lifted up mine hand: see ,23. Saw; lookest after them, and, when seen, liked and prepared after the manner of the heathen; though this was forbidden, yet this thou didst, buildedst thy high places, and thou settest up thy groves every where. There; not where God appointed, but where they listed. Their sacrifices; either to God, as sometimes some did, or to their own idols, as the most did, which is here called the presenting the provocation of their offering. Their offering; which being presented to their idol, was a provocation unto God. Sweet savour; burnt sweet odours to their idols, which did stink in the nostrils of God. Their drink-offerings; wine was a part of the offering that sacrificers offered, and so did these idolatrous Jews here, they violated the whole law of sacrifice, and did all that to idols they should have done only to God.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28

Ezekiel 20:28 [For] when I had brought them into the land, [for] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.Ver. 28. For when I had brought them into the land.] It hath been already observed that good turns aggravate unkindnesses, and men’ s sins are much increased by their obligations.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:28

28. The prophet regards the worship on the high-places and under the evergreen trees as a Canaanitish usage adopted by Israel, as Deuteronomy 12. At the same time Israel usually employed the altars or chapels which they found for the service of Jehovah; but naturally many corruptions would creep into such service, and it might become little different from a service of Baal. In the oldest prophets, Amos and Hosea, it is the kind of worship at the high-places that is condemned, the revelry and heathenish merrymaking (Hosea 9:1) the sensuousness (Hosea 8:13; Amos 5:21), and the false conception Of deity implied in it (Hosea 6:6). The mere localities or multitude of altars do not seem assailed, except that the more there were of them the more sin was committed, because the whole worship was sinful (Hosea 8:11; Amos 4:4). Later this impure worship was perceived to be inseparable from the high-places and these themselves came under condemnation. Ezekiel does not go further in his condemnation of the high hills and green trees than his predecessor Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 3:6). all the thick trees] Evergreen and umbrageous trees appear to have been regarded as abodes of deity. offered … their sacrifices] Four words are employed: offerings of flesh, particularly the peace or thank-offerings; what is called their “offering” or oblation, a general word used of bloodless sacrifices as well as of others, possibly first-fruits and the like; their “sweet savour,” usually said of the odour of the flesh or fat burnt upon the altar, but also of the odour of meal-offerings (ch. Ezekiel 16:19); and finally, drink-offerings. The clause “and there … provocation of their offering” is wanting in LXX. The term “offering” (Korban), found only in Lev., Numb., again in Ezekiel 40:43 (see there).

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:28

28. They offered there their sacrifices — They were enticed into the evil Canaanitish worship against which they were ever being warned (Hosea 8:11; Hosea 8:13; Hosea 9:1; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:21; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 3:6).

Sermons on Ezekiel 20:28

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 3-5 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to turn away from worldly distractions and dedicate themselves fully to God and spiritual matters. He quotes from the bo
	(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 6-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying the inner conscience that God has placed in each person. He questions the wisdom of those who claim to be wise but
	Defiling the Inheritance by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings and goodness of God in our lives. He compares the Israelites entering the promised land to belie
	Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr
	Joshua 23:14 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the faithfulness of God as Joshua addresses the Israelites in his old age, reminding them that they know in their hearts the truth of God's promises. He high
	Church Be Still! by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon on the concept of 'Cannot lie,' the preacher delves into the profound truth that God is the epitome of truth and cannot lie, contrasting Him with the deceitful natur
	The Lord Faithful, and His Word True to the Last by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God and the truth of His promises, as illustrated by Joshua's reflection on God's fulfilled promises at the end of his li