Ezekiel 20:4
Ezekiel 20:4 in Multiple Translations
Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;
Will you be their judge, O son of man, will you be their judge? make clear to them the disgusting ways of their fathers,
Are you going to condemn them—will you do that, son of man? Remind them about the disgusting things their forefathers did,
Wilt thou iudge them, sonne of man? wilt thou iudge them? cause them to vnderstand the abominations of their fathers,
Dost thou judge them? Dost thou judge, son of man? The abominations of their fathers cause them to know,
“Will you judge them, son of man? Will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them ? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:
If thou judgest them, if thou judgest, son of man, declare to them the abominations of their fathers.
If you are [RHQ] willing to warn them, remind them of the detestable things that their ancestors did.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/תִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
אֹתָ֔/ם
הֲ/תִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
בֶּן
אָדָ֑ם
אֶת
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
הוֹדִיעֵֽ/ם
הֲ/תִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
הֲ/תִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fp
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
הוֹדִיעֵֽ/ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:4
הֲ/תִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
הֲ/תִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֑ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
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.
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fp
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.
אֲבוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הוֹדִיעֵֽ/ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 20:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 20:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 20:4
Context — Israel’s Rebellion in Egypt
2Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
3“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD.
4Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers
5and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’ 6On 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 22:2 | “As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:36 | Then the LORD said to me: “Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 14:20 | then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 14:11–14 | Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” “Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’” “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:16 | As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 15:1 | Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. |
| 7 | Acts 7:51–52 | You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— |
| 8 | Ezekiel 14:14 | then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 11:14 | As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 6:2 | Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? |
Ezekiel 20:4 Summary
[Ezekiel 20:4 is a call to confront the sins of the past and to seek repentance, just as God called the Israelites to do. God is not asking Ezekiel to judge the people, but to help them see their sins and turn back to Him, similar to what we see in Luke 15:11-24, where the prodigal son returns to his father. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but for our children and future generations, as seen in Psalm 103:17-18, where God's love is described as being from everlasting to everlasting. By seeking forgiveness and turning to God, we can break free from sinful patterns and start anew.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God ask Ezekiel to judge the people in Ezekiel 20:4?
God is not asking Ezekiel to judge the people in the sense of pronouncing final judgment, but rather to confront them with the sins of their fathers, as a call to repentance, similar to what we see in Matthew 23:29-32, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees with their own sins.
What are the abominations of the fathers being referred to in Ezekiel 20:4?
The abominations of the fathers likely refer to the idolatrous practices and rebellious acts of the Israelites' ancestors, such as those described in Exodus 32:1-6 and Deuteronomy 9:7-29, which led to God's judgment and discipline.
Is God asking Ezekiel to take on a role that belongs to Him in Ezekiel 20:4?
No, God is not asking Ezekiel to take on a role that belongs to Him, but rather to serve as a messenger, proclaiming God's words and warnings to the people, as seen in Jeremiah 1:4-10, where Jeremiah is called to be a prophet to the nations.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin?
This verse suggests that the sins of the fathers can have consequences for their children, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God says that He will punish the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation, highlighting the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the sins of my ancestors may still be affecting me today, and how can I seek forgiveness and healing?
- In what ways am I contributing to the continuation of sinful patterns in my own life, and how can I break free from them?
- How can I use my voice to proclaim God's truth and call others to repentance, just as Ezekiel was called to do?
- What are some 'abominations' in my own life that I need to confront and repent of, and how can I seek God's help in overcoming them?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them, son of man?.... Excuse them, patronise them, defend their cause, and plead for them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers: Wilt thou judge them, son of man? wilt thou judge them? The emphatic repetition expresses, 'Wilt thou not judge?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them? either, Wilt thou judge charitably, and, supposing they are upright and teachable, wilt thou plead with me for them? as , or as . Or else thus, Wilt thou argue with them, convince them, and reprove them? This is fittest to be done, and do this, handle them severely as they deserve. It is repeated, to whet the prophet, and quicken him to this work, and to intimate to us the great contumacy of the people. Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers: tell them somewhat that they may go away wiser than they came. They expect to know what will be their fate, tell them what hath been their fathers’ carriage towards me, which they imitate, nay exceed. Their curiosity and perplexity would be informed what is to come, but their consciences need more to be informed: what their fathers have done they approved, and have outdone; by that let them know what to do, what to expect.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
Ezekiel 20:4 Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge [them]? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:Ver. 4. Wilt thou judge them?] Or, Wilt thou excuse them? or, Wilt thou intercede for them? If thou hast never so good a mind to do so, yet do it not; rather reprove them for, and convince them of, their sins; spare thy charity, and exercise thine authority of "having in readiness to revenge their disobedience." An causam ageres eorum? Abigendi sunt potius quam docendi. Ostendit Dominus ulcus profundum esse. Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.] By themselves avowed, abetted, augmented; their fathers’ iniquity they have drawn together with cart ropes of vanity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
(4) Wilt thou judge them?—The form of the repeated question is equivalent to an imperative—judge them. Instead of allowing their enquiry and entreaty for the averting of judgment, the prophet is directed to set before them their long series of apostasies and provocations. “Judge” is used in the sense of “bring to trial,” “prefer charges.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
Verse 4. Wilt thou judge them] If thou wilt enter into any discussion with them, show them the abomination of their fathers. The whole chapter is a consecutive history of the unfaithfulness ingratitude, rebellion, and idolatry of the Jews, from the earliest times to that day; and vindicates the sentence which God had pronounced against them, and which he was about to execute more fully in delivering them and the city into the hands of the Chaldeans.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:4
4. wilt thou judge] The interr. seems to have the sense of an impatient imperative, and the repetition gives stronger expression to the imperative, cf. ch. Ezekiel 22:2, Ezekiel 23:36. “Judge” is explained by “cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.” To rehearse the history of the fathers is to hold the mirror up to themselves.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 20:4
Wilt thou judge them? - We should rather say, Wilt thou not judge them? i. e., wilt thou not pronounce sentence upon them? Compare Ezekiel 22:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:4
4. Wilt thou judge — “The interrogation seems to have the sense of an impatient imperative, and the repetition gives stronger impression to the imperative (compare Ezekiel 22:2; Ezekiel 23:36);
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revival Series 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging and spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the church. He believes that it is crucial to not only physical |
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Job #1: The Crisis by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of Job and explains that they will focus on one main lesson from the book. The first session covers chapters 1 and 2, which are titl |
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Cross Over the Line by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Psalms 94 and Jeremiah 13-14, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God and the limit to God's patience when faced with persistent rebellion. It |
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Crossed Over the Line by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 94, focusing on the theme of God's vengeance and justice. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, s |
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When God Seems Powerless by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lamentation of the people of God, Judah and Jerusalem, who were focused on their own troubles and loss but failed to recognize the evil o |
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When God Weeps by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of desperation and famine, comparing it to the current situation in Texas. The people are suffering from thirst and hunger, with parc |
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Has God Told You to Stop Praying? by David Smithers | David Smithers addresses the concern and hopelessness many Christians feel regarding the Church and the nation's desperate times, emphasizing the importance of not giving up on pra |