And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have wrought with you for my name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

EZEKIEL 20:44KJV
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Ezekiel 20:44 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:44 mean?

Ezekiel 20:44 says that the people of Israel will recognize the LORD through the way he deals with them. He will act for the sake of his own name rather than treat them as their wicked conduct deserves.

The speaker is the Lord GOD, addressing the “house of Israel,” meaning the people of Israel. After the people remember and loathe their past conduct in verse 43, God tells them what his treatment of them will make known about him.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:44

  • “know” — יָדַע (yadaʿ): This word can mean to know or recognize. Here, recognition comes through experiencing how God deals with Israel, not merely through hearing a statement.
  • “name’s” — שֵׁם (shem): The word means “name,” and it can also carry the sense of reputation. Acting for his name’s sake points to what God’s actions make known about who he is.
  • “wrought” — עָשָׂה (ʿasah): This common word means “done” or “acted.” The KJV’s “wrought with you” describes God’s dealings with the people.

Why Ezekiel 20:44 matters

  • The verse sets God’s name alongside Israel’s conduct as two different measures of his action. The words “for my name’s sake” stand in contrast to “not according to your wicked ways.”
  • Israel’s recognition follows a return that God has promised. Earlier, in verse 42, God says the people will know him when he brings them into the land he promised their ancestors.
  • The people’s response includes facing their own history. In verse 43, their remembered conduct brings them shame; verse 44 then directs attention to what God’s actions reveal about him.

Where else these words appear

“doings” Hebrew H5949 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 22:14 And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid:
  • Psalms 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
  • Ezekiel 14:23 And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.

“corrupt” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 1:14 And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed?
  • Jeremiah 5:10 Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD'S.