But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

EZEKIEL 36:21KJV
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Ezekiel 36:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 36:21 mean?

Ezekiel 36:21 says that God acted out of concern for His own holy name, because the people of Israel had brought shame to it among other nations wherever they went. The verse highlights that God’s motivation was to protect the reputation of His name, which Israel had dishonored by their actions.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, who are living in exile because of their unfaithfulness. The situation is that Israel’s behavior among foreign nations has caused God’s name to be disrespected. The verse sets up the idea that God’s coming actions are not just for Israel’s benefit, but to uphold the honor of His own name in the eyes of the world.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 36:21

  • "pity" (חָמַל, ḥāmal): This word is often understood as having compassion or sparing something. Here, it shows that God’s concern is not just emotional, but protective—He is moved to act for the sake of His name.
  • "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qādōsh): This word means set apart or sacred. God’s name is described as holy, emphasizing its unique and pure character, which Israel’s actions have tarnished.
  • "name" (שֵׁם, shēm): In Hebrew thought, a name represents character and reputation. God’s name stands for who He is, so to profane it is to misrepresent Him to others.
  • "profaned" (חָלַל, ḥālal): This word means to make common or to treat as unholy. Israel’s behavior among the nations made God’s name seem ordinary or even contemptible, instead of special and revered.
  • "heathen" (גּוֹי, goy): This word refers to the nations or peoples outside Israel. The verse points out that Israel’s actions affected how those nations viewed God.

Why Ezekiel 36:21 matters

  • Ezekiel 36:21 clarifies that God’s actions are motivated by a desire to protect His own reputation, not just to rescue Israel for their own sake.
  • The verse helps explain why God is about to promise restoration: it is about upholding the holiness and honor of His name before the nations.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Ezekiel that Israel’s behavior affects how others see God, showing the responsibility Israel has as God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“pity” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 20:13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
  • Lamentations 3:43 Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied.

“profaned” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
  • Isaiah 56:6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;