And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

EZEKIEL 11:18KJV
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Ezekiel 11:18 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 11:18 mean?

Ezekiel 11:18 describes how, when the exiled Israelites return to their land, they will remove all the detestable things and abominations from it. The verse shows a turning point where the people actively clear away objects and practices that were offensive to God.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is speaking through the prophet to Israelites who have been exiled because of their unfaithfulness. The context is a promise that some will return to Jerusalem, but with a changed attitude—they will reject the idols and corrupt practices that led to their downfall. The verse highlights a physical and spiritual cleansing as part of their restoration.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 11:18

  • "come" (בּוֹא, bo') means to arrive or enter. Here it refers to the Israelites coming back to their homeland, emphasizing a real return after exile.
  • "away" (סוּר, sur) means to remove or turn aside. The word suggests a deliberate action to get rid of what does not belong.
  • "things" (שִׁקּוּץ, shiqquts) refers to detestable things, often idols or objects used in pagan worship. This word underlines the seriousness of what is being removed.
  • "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah) means things that are morally disgusting or repugnant, especially in a religious sense. The use of this word shows the depth of the people's previous unfaithfulness.

Why Ezekiel 11:18 matters

  • Ezekiel 11:18 clarifies that returning to the land is not enough; the people must also reject the idols and practices that led to their exile.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Ezekiel of inner transformation, not just outward change, as part of God's promise to restore His people.
  • By naming both "detestable things" and "abominations," the verse emphasizes the seriousness of the cleansing and the complete break from past sins.

Where else these words appear

“things” Hebrew H8251 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:17 And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:)
  • Jeremiah 7:30 For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it.
  • Ezekiel 20:8 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 my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.