And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

EZEKIEL 44:6KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 44:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 44:6 mean?

Ezekiel 44:6 is a message from God, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, telling the people of Israel—described here as rebellious—that they should be done with their sinful practices, which God calls “abominations.” God is confronting Israel about their past wrongdoings and calling them to stop these actions.

In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to speak directly to the Israelites, who have a history of disobedience. The setting is after the destruction of Jerusalem, as Ezekiel is receiving visions about the future temple and proper worship. The verse uses strong language to emphasize that God has had enough of Israel’s unfaithfulness and wants them to recognize the seriousness of their actions.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 44:6

  • “rebellious” (מֶרִי, meri): This word means stubborn or defiant, highlighting that God sees Israel’s attitude as willful resistance, not just accidental mistakes.
  • “abominations” (תּוֹעֵבָה, to’evah): This term refers to actions that are deeply offensive or detestable to God, often used for idolatry or serious violations of God’s law. It shows the gravity of what Israel has done.
  • “suffice” (רַב, rav): The sense here is “enough” or “it is sufficient,” as in “you have done enough of these things.” God is saying He will tolerate no more of these behaviors.

Why Ezekiel 44:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s problem with Israel is not just about ritual mistakes, but about deep-seated rebellion and actions He finds truly offensive.
  • The strong language (“let it suffice you of all your abominations”) shows that God is drawing a clear line and demanding real change, not just surface-level adjustments.
  • Ezekiel 44:6 sets the tone for the following instructions about worship and temple service, making it clear that only genuine obedience and respect for God’s ways will be acceptable going forward.

Where else these words appear

“rebellious” Hebrew H4805 · used in 21 verses

  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Isaiah 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
  • Ezekiel 3:27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

“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.