Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

EZEKIEL 20:30KJV
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Ezekiel 20:30 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:30 mean?

Ezekiel 20:30 records God, through the prophet Ezekiel, confronting the people of Israel about following the sinful ways of their ancestors, especially in adopting idolatrous practices described as spiritual unfaithfulness. God asks if Israel has become "polluted" by repeating the same abominations as their forefathers.

In this verse, Ezekiel is speaking to the "house of Israel" on God's behalf during their exile. The situation is one of accusation and warning: God points out that the current generation is not learning from the mistakes of the past but is instead repeating them. The language is strong, using terms that compare idolatry to unfaithfulness in a relationship, highlighting how serious God sees their actions.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:30

  • "polluted" (נִטְמֵאתֶם, nitme'tem): This word means to become unclean or defiled, often in a ritual or moral sense. Here, it stresses that Israel's actions have made them spiritually impure, not just guilty of a mistake.
  • "whoredom" (זָנָה, zanah): This term is often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe unfaithfulness, especially in the context of idolatry. It paints a vivid picture of Israel's relationship with God as one of betrayal, not just rule-breaking.
  • "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, to'evot): This word refers to things that are detestable or repulsive, especially in the context of idol worship. It emphasizes the severity of what Israel is doing in God's eyes.

Why Ezekiel 20:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God sees Israel's idolatry not as a minor slip but as a deep betrayal, using strong language to show the seriousness of their actions.
  • Ezekiel 20:30 connects the current generation's behavior with that of their ancestors, showing a pattern of repeated disobedience and warning that history is repeating itself.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where God explains the consequences of this ongoing unfaithfulness and what it means for Israel's relationship with Him.

Where else these words appear

“abominations” 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 20:7 Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

“whoredom” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Kings 3:16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
  • Ezekiel 16:30 How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;

“polluted” Hebrew H2930 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Numbers 35:34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.