And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

EZEKIEL 33:31KJV
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Ezekiel 33:31 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 33:31 mean?

Ezekiel 33:31 describes people coming to listen to the prophet Ezekiel as if they are eager and devoted, but their actions do not match their words—they speak kindly and seem interested, but their true desire is for their own gain. The verse points out the difference between outward appearances and inward motives, showing that their hearts are focused on selfishness, not on following God's message.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel about the people of Israel, who gather to hear his prophetic messages. Although they come together and listen respectfully, God reveals that their loyalty is only on the surface. The verse highlights the problem of hypocrisy: the people say the right things and act like they care, but deep down, they are driven by "covetousness," or a longing for their own interests.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 33:31

  • "Covetousness" (בֶּצַע, betsa‘): This word means unjust gain or greed. Its use here shows that the people's real motivation is selfish profit, not genuine faith or love.
  • "Heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of a person's will and desires. The verse says their "heart goes after" (הָלַךְ, halakh) covetousness, stressing that their deepest intentions are not aligned with their outward words.
  • "With their mouth they shew much love" (פֶּה, peh; עָשָׂה, asah; אַהֲבָה, ahavah): The phrase uses the word for "mouth" and "love," but the love is only spoken, not lived out. This contrast between speech and action is central to the verse's warning.

Why Ezekiel 33:31 matters

  • Ezekiel 33:31 warns against the danger of empty words and outward religion that does not match inner commitment, a theme that appears throughout the prophets.
  • The verse clarifies that God sees beyond public displays and listens to the true intentions of the heart, not just what is said or performed in public.
  • This verse connects to the surrounding passage, where God calls Ezekiel a "watchman" and stresses the importance of genuine response to God's warnings, not just polite listening.

Where else these words appear

“love” Hebrew H5690 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezekiel 33:32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

“covetousness” Hebrew H1215 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
  • Proverbs 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
  • Jeremiah 8:10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

“cometh” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • 2 Kings 16:18 And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.