Ezekiel 20:9

Ezekiel 20:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version ASV

But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I was acting for the honour of my name, so that it might not be made unclean before the eyes of the nations among whom they were, and before whose eyes I gave them knowledge of myself, by taking them out of the land of Egypt.

Free Bible Version FBV

But I did act so I would not be misrepresented, so that I wouldn't lose respect in the eyes of the other nations living near them who had seen me reveal myself to Israel by leading them out of Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But I had respect to my Name, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whome they were, and in whose sight I made my selfe knowen vnto them in bringing them forth of the land of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I do [it] for My name's sake, Not to pollute [it] before the eyes of the nations, In whose midst they [are], Before whose eyes I became known to them, To bring them out from the land of Egypt.

World English Bible WEB

But I worked for my name’s sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among which they were, in whose sight I made myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the heathen, among whom they were , in whose sight I made myself known to them, in bringing them forth from the land of Egypt.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But I did otherwise for my name’s sake, that it might not be violated before the nations, in the midst of whom they were, and among whom I made myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

But for the sake of my own reputation, I decided to do something in order that I would not be dishonored by the people of the nations who would see it when I brought my people out of Egypt.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 20:9

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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 20:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אַ֨עַשׂ֙ לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמִ֔/י לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י הֵחֵ֛ל לְ/עֵינֵ֥י הַ/גּוֹיִ֖ם אֲשֶׁר הֵ֣מָּה בְ/תוֹכָ֑/ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר נוֹדַ֤עְתִּי אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם לְ/הוֹצִיאָ֖/ם מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם

וָ/אַ֨עַשׂ֙ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

שְׁמִ֔/י shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff

לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj

הֵחֵ֛ל châlal H2490 to bore V-Niphal-Inf-a

לְ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd

הַ/גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

הֵ֣מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

בְ/תוֹכָ֑/ם tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נוֹדַ֤עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

לְ/הוֹצִיאָ֖/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 20:9

וָ/אַ֨עַשׂ֙ 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.

שְׁמִ֔/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/בִלְתִּ֥י 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.

הֵחֵ֛ל 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/עֵינֵ֥י 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/גּוֹיִ֖ם 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.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

הֵ֣מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

בְ/תוֹכָ֑/ם tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר 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.

נוֹדַ֤עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

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.

אֲלֵי/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

לְ/הוֹצִיאָ֖/ם yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | 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.

מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | 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.

מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 20:9

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Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:9
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9
Sermons on Ezekiel 20:9

Context — Israel’s Rebellion in Egypt

7And I said to them: ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and you must not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ 8But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt.

9But 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.

10So I brought them out of the land of Egypt and led them into the wilderness. 11And I gave them My statutes and made known to them My ordinances—for the man who does these things will live by them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 39:7	So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
2	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.
3	Exodus 32:12	Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people.
4	Ezekiel 36:21–22	But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they had gone. 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.
5	Ezekiel 20:14	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.
6	Deuteronomy 32:26–27	I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind, if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”
7	Deuteronomy 9:28	Otherwise, those in the land from which You brought us out will say, ‘Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land He had promised them, and because He hated them, He has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’
8	1 Samuel 4:8	Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness.
9	Joshua 9:9–10	“Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt, and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth.
10	1 Samuel 12:22	Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.

Ezekiel 20:9 Summary

In Ezekiel 20:9, God says that He acted to save the Israelites for the sake of His own name, so that the other nations would not think badly of Him. This shows that God is very concerned about His own reputation and glory, and that He wants to be honored and respected by all people (as in Isaiah 43:7). Just like God wanted to protect His name back then, He still wants us to honor and glorify Him today, by living according to His will and commands (as in Matthew 5:16). By doing so, we can reflect His character and bring honor to His name, just as Jesus did when He lived on earth (as in John 17:4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God act for the sake of His name in Ezekiel 20:9?

God acted for the sake of His name to prevent it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations, demonstrating His faithfulness and character, 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 for it to be dishonored or disrespected, which would have happened if the Israelites were destroyed in Egypt, contradicting God's promises and power, as declared in Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 32:27.

How does Ezekiel 20:9 relate to God's covenant with Israel?

Ezekiel 20:9 shows that God's actions were motivated by His covenant faithfulness to Israel, just as He had promised in Genesis 12:2-3 and Exodus 2:24, demonstrating His commitment to His people despite their rebellion.

What can we learn about God's character from Ezekiel 20:9?

From Ezekiel 20:9, we learn that God is a God of mercy, faithfulness, and self-glorification, who acts to uphold the honor of His name, as also seen in Isaiah 48:9-11 and Ezekiel 36:22-23.

Reflection Questions

How does God's concern for His own name in Ezekiel 20:9 challenge my understanding of His character and motivations?
In what ways do I, like the Israelites, risk profaning God's name through my actions or inactions, and what can I do to honor Him instead?
How does the fact that God acted to preserve the honor of His name encourage me to trust in His faithfulness and love for me, despite my own failures and shortcomings?
What are some ways that I can reflect God's character and uphold the honor of His name in my own life, as a representative of Christ in the world?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 20:9

But I wrought for my name's sake,.... In a way of grace and mercy; did well by thorn, did what he promised to do; not for any merits of theirs, but for his own honour, and the glory of his name: that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 20:9

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9

I wrought, according to my promise, ny infinite mercy, and the hopes of those few that heard and obeyed. For my name’ s sake; for my glory: had you been used as you deserved, you had died slaves in Egypt, and there had been your graves; but the glory of God’ s mercy and faithfulness is the motive of him sparing them. Polluted; reproached, blasphemed, and lessened among the heathen. The heathen, among whom they were; the Egyptians, amongst whom Israel had sojourned two hundred and fifteen years, in which time many of the children of Israel, no doubt, had discoursed of their hopes of going out of Egypt to the land promised to Abraham for them, and were apt to boast of their God, and that country; and, to render the thing credible in the eyes of the Egyptians, would speak of the mercy, power, faithfulness, and wisdom of the Lord to effect this, the glory of which would have been eclipsed, and the heathen blasphemed, if God had not brought them out; when it was thus God wrought for his name’ s sake.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9

Ezekiel 20:9 But I wrought for my name’ s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt. Ver. 9. But I wrought for my name’ s sake.] Lest the heathens should say to my dishonour, Me non voluisse aut valuisse eos educere, that I either would not, or could not, bring them out of the house of bondage. Ergo quod nomen suum in nobis servandis asserat, sperandum est. It is also well to be hoped that God will deal favourably with the reformed churches, though ill deserving, for the dishonour that else would redound to himself. Fiat, fiat.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9

(9) For my name’s sake.—This is the express ground of Moses’ pleading for the people in the passage just referred to, and again in Exodus 32:12; Deuteronomy 9:28; and it is repeatedly given, as in Deuteronomy 32:27-28, as the ground on which the Lord spared His rebellious people. Had they been treated according to their deserts, and destroyed for their sins, the heathen would have said that God was unable to deliver them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9

Verse 9. But I wrought for my name's sake] I bare with them and did not punish them, lest the heathen, who had known my promises made to them, might suppose that I had either broken them through some caprice, or was not able to fulfil them.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 20:9

9. for my name’s sake] This idea, very common in this prophet, also in Isaiah 40-66, does not appear in the earlier prophets, except Isaiah 37:35. Cf. however, Deuteronomy 9:28-29; Jeremiah 14:7; Jeremiah 14:21; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 48:9; Isaiah 48:11. Jehovah’s name expresses that which he is, or has revealed himself to be, and the phrase does not differ from “for my own sake,” cf. ch. Ezekiel 36:22; Ezekiel 36:32. should not be polluted] Rather: profaned. The words explain, “for my name’s sake,” viz. lest it should be profaned among the nations. Deuteronomy 9:28-29 suggests one way in which the name of Jehovah might be profaned among the nations. To “profane” is the opposite of to “sanctify.” The one is to cherish any thoughts of Jehovah or to attribute any deed to him inconsistent with his being the one true God, or derogatory to him who is so. To “sanctify” him is to recognise him in thought and in act, particularly in worship, to be the one true God; to assign to him attributes and operations befitting his nature, and to live in such a way as those who are the people of Jehovah ought to live, for the manner of the people is reflected on the character of their God (Amos 2:7). This is the way, at least, in which Ezek., with the conception of Jehovah which in his age he had reached, uses the terms “profane” and “sanctify.”

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:9

9. I wrought for my name’s sake — The destruction of the Jewish state came from the same motive as its origination — Jehovah’s regard to his own name.

Sermons on Ezekiel 20:9

	Sermon	Description
	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
	A Reproach Among the Heathen by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance, revival, and cleansing as prerequisites for any work of God. He urges believers to have a heart like Jesus and
	Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3: by J. Henry Brown	In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God.
	Water and the Spirit by J. Henry Brown	In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate a spiritual message. The ship represents people who are lost and in ne
	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
	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
	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

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