Ezekiel 11:18

KJV

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall come {H935} thither, and they shall take away {H5493} all the detestable things {H8251} thereof and all the abominations {H8441} thereof from thence.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they will go there and remove all its loathsome things and disgusting practices,

Berean Standard Bible

When they return to it, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations.

American Standard Version

And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:18 is a profound prophetic declaration within the larger narrative of Israel's judgment and eventual restoration. It foretells a future time when the exiled people will return to their homeland and actively participate in its spiritual purification. This cleansing involves the decisive removal of all "detestable things" and "abominations," primarily referring to the idols and pagan practices that had defiled the land and provoked God's righteous wrath. This act of purification is presented as a necessary precursor to the deep spiritual renewal and the establishment of a new covenant relationship that God faithfully promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 11:18 is strategically placed within a pivotal section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 8-11) that vividly details the reasons for Jerusalem's impending destruction and the subsequent Babylonian exile. Prior to this verse, Ezekiel is granted a vision of the abhorrent idolatry being practiced within the very courts of the temple ([Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")), followed by the tragic departure of God's glory from the temple and the city itself ([Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory")). Chapter 11 continues with a stern condemnation of wicked leaders, yet it surprisingly transitions to a message of hope and restoration for the exiles. Verse 18 marks a crucial turning point, immediately preceding the glorious promise of a new heart and spirit in [Ezekiel 11:19](/ezekiel/11-19 "Ezekiel 11:19 - The Promise of a New Heart"), thereby indicating that spiritual cleansing and the purging of idolatry are indispensable prerequisites for true renewal and a restored relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a time of profound national crisis and theological reckoning for Judah. The "thither" in the verse refers to the land of Israel, particularly Jerusalem, which had been thoroughly defiled by centuries of syncretistic worship and pagan practices, often imported from surrounding nations. Israel's covenant with Yahweh demanded exclusive worship, yet they consistently engaged in idolatry, sacrificing to foreign gods, practicing divination, and participating in rituals abhorrent to God. This pervasive defilement of the land, considered God's holy dwelling place, represented a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant and was a primary catalyst for the exile, as explicitly warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The promised removal of "detestable things" and "abominations" speaks to a future, divinely orchestrated reversal of this long-standing historical pattern of unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It profoundly underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating how God orchestrates both the judgment of exile due to persistent sin and the future, gracious act of restoration. It highlights the crucial theme of **Purification and Cleansing**, emphasizing that true restoration is not merely a physical return to the land but a deep spiritual renewal, which absolutely necessitates the eradication of idolatry and moral corruption. This cleansing is intrinsically linked to **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the removal of abominations signifies a return to exclusive and unadulterated worship of Yahweh, as mandated by the covenant. Finally, the phrase "they shall take away" introduces the theme of the **Active Participation of God's People** in their own spiritual transformation, albeit empowered by God's grace, foreshadowing the profound internal change promised in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **come (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** H935. This primitive root signifies "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. In Ezekiel 11:18, it specifically refers to the divinely orchestrated return of the exiled Israelites to their land. It implies a purposeful, deliberate movement back to a specific place, signaling the commencement of God's promised restoration process.
* **take away (Hebrew, _çûyr'_):** H5493. This primitive root means "to turn off," "to remove," or "to withdraw," whether literally or figuratively. Here, it denotes the active, decisive, and thorough removal of defiling elements. It emphasizes the agency of the returning people in purging the land, indicating a deliberate and comprehensive cleansing, rather than a passive or accidental disappearance of evil.
* **detestable things (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** H8251. Derived from a root meaning "to be disgusting," this noun refers to something filthy, particularly in a religious context. It concretely denotes an idol or an idolatrous practice. In the Old Testament, it is frequently employed to describe pagan deities and the rituals associated with them, which were morally repugnant and a grave affront to God's holiness and exclusive claim to worship.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** H8441. This feminine noun signifies something morally disgusting or an abhorrence, most often referring to idolatry or a concrete idol. It is a potent term used extensively throughout the Law and the Prophets to describe practices, objects, or behaviors that fundamentally violate God's moral and ceremonial standards, thereby evoking His severe displeasure and righteous judgment. Its pairing with "detestable things" creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis on the profound depth of Israel's spiritual defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall come thither":** This clause refers to the future, divinely enabled return of the exiled Israelites to the land of Israel, specifically back to Jerusalem and its surrounding territory. It serves as a promise of repatriation, signifying a reversal of the judgment of exile and demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite His people's persistent unfaithfulness.
* **"and they shall take away":** This emphasizes the active and responsible role of the returning people in the process of purification. While God initiates and empowers the restoration, the people are not passive recipients; they are called to actively participate in the removal of sin and idolatry from their midst, thereby demonstrating a renewed commitment and obedience to God's commands.
* **"all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof":** These phrases form a powerful and emphatic parallelism, referring to the full extent and pervasive nature of idolatry and pagan practices that had permeated Israelite society and deeply defiled the land. This comprehensive scope includes not only physical idols but also the associated rituals, pagan beliefs, and the moral corruption that were a direct affront to God's holiness and His covenant demands for exclusive worship.
* **"from thence":** This specifies the precise location from which these defiling elements will be removed—the land of Israel itself, which had been polluted and rendered unclean by the cumulative sins of its inhabitants. It signifies a complete and thorough spiritual purging of the land, making it fit once more for God's holy presence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of purification and restoration. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, evident in the pairing of "detestable things" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) and "abominations" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*). While both terms broadly refer to idolatry and morally repugnant practices, their dual use intensifies the emphasis on the comprehensive nature of the defilement and, by extension, the thoroughness of the required cleansing. This repetition underscores the severity of Israel's sin and God's absolute intolerance for anything that competes with His exclusive worship. The verse also functions as **Prophecy**, a forward-looking declaration of God's future action and the people's anticipated response, signaling a decisive shift from a narrative of judgment to one of promised renewal. Furthermore, the land itself can be seen as a powerful **Symbol** of the covenant relationship between God and Israel; its defilement symbolizes the broken covenant, and its promised cleansing symbolizes the restoration of that vital relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:18 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His ultimate plan for the purification of His people. The removal of "detestable things" and "abominations" is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual transformation, signifying a return to exclusive and unadulterated worship of Yahweh. This act of cleansing is presented as an indispensable prerequisite for the renewed covenant relationship and the outpouring of God's Spirit promised in the subsequent verses. It highlights the foundational truth that God's holy presence cannot dwell amidst unholiness, and therefore, true restoration necessitates a radical separation from all that defiles. This principle resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, emphasizing God's consistent demand for purity from His people, both individually and corporately, as a reflection of His own holy and righteous character.

* [Deuteronomy 7:26](/deuteronomy/7-26 "Deuteronomy 7:26 - No Detestable Things in Your House")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Nothing Unclean Enters New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:18 offers a timeless and deeply relevant truth for believers today: God's ardent desire for a pure people and a holy dwelling place. While we no longer deal with physical idols in the same way ancient Israel did, the "detestable things" and "abominations" in our lives often manifest as spiritual idols. These can be anything that subtly or overtly takes the place of God in our hearts or demands our ultimate allegiance: materialism, self-worship, the relentless pursuit of comfort, the insatiable craving for the approval of others, or even intellectual pride that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. This verse calls us to a radical and honest self-examination, to humbly allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate those areas where we have permitted "abominations" to reside. Just as the returning exiles were called to actively remove the defilement from their land, we are called to actively participate in the ongoing process of sanctification—confessing sin, genuinely repenting, and decisively turning away from anything that compromises our devotion to Christ. This continuous spiritual cleansing is not a burdensome obligation but a liberating pathway to deeper intimacy with God, preparing our hearts and lives to be a pure and consecrated vessel for His presence and His divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "detestable things" or "abominations" might be present in my own heart or life, subtly or overtly taking the place of God?**
* **In what practical ways am I actively participating in the removal of these spiritual idols, or am I passively allowing them to remain?**
* **How does the promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" (Ezekiel 11:19) empower me to engage in this vital process of purification and transformation?**
* **What specific, actionable steps can I take today to "take away" anything that defiles my relationship with God and hinders my spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in Ezekiel 11:18, and how are they able to "take away" these things?**

Answer: The "they" in this verse refers to the exiled people of Israel whom God promises to gather and bring back to their land. Their ability to "take away" the detestable things and abominations is not solely by their own strength or human will, but rather by divine enablement and empowerment. This is intimately connected to the profound promise given immediately after in [Ezekiel 11:19-20](/ezekiel/11-19-20 "Ezekiel 11:19-20 - A New Heart and Spirit"), where God declares, "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them." This new heart and spirit, a gift from God, empowers them to willingly turn from idolatry and embrace obedience, thus actively participating in the cleansing of the land and their own spiritual lives.

**What exactly are the "detestable things" and "abominations" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the rich theological context of Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament, "detestable things" (Hebrew: *shiqqûwts*) and "abominations" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) primarily refer to idols, pagan worship practices, and anything morally repugnant to God that fundamentally violated the Mosaic covenant. This includes, but is not limited to, the worship of foreign gods, the horrific practice of child sacrifice, various forms of divination, sexual immorality, and other practices associated with the surrounding Canaanite and Babylonian cultures. [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominations to the Lord") lists several such practices that were explicitly deemed an "abomination to the Lord." These strong terms underscore the deep spiritual defilement that had permeated Israelite society and the land itself, necessitating a radical purification.

**Is this cleansing primarily a physical act or a spiritual one?**

Answer: While the verse speaks of a physical return to the land and the removal of physical idols, the cleansing described is fundamentally a spiritual one, which then leads to physical purity. The "detestable things" and "abominations" represent a deep-seated spiritual unfaithfulness, rebellion, and idolatry against God. The prophecy implies a miraculous transformation of the people's hearts and wills, enabling them to willingly and obediently purge their land of idolatry. This spiritual transformation is the true essence of the cleansing, making it possible for God to dwell among them once more and establish a renewed covenant relationship. It is a prerequisite for the profound spiritual renewal promised in [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25-27 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - Cleansing and New Spirit"), where God promises to cleanse them from all their filthiness and give them a new heart and spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:18, with its profound emphasis on the removal of "detestable things" and "abominations" as a necessary precursor to restoration, finds its ultimate and most comprehensive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament cleansing pointed to a physical and spiritual purging of Israel, Christ's redemptive work accomplishes a far greater and more eternal purification for all humanity. He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby removing the ultimate "abomination" of sin that profoundly separates humanity from a holy God. Through His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ cleanses believers from the defilement of sin, making them holy and blameless before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the "new heart and new spirit" promised in Ezekiel is gloriously realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, graciously given by Christ to all who believe. The Spirit empowers believers to "take away" spiritual idols from their lives and to walk in genuine obedience to God's commands, enabling a true inward transformation ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"); [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the cleansing foretold in Ezekiel is not merely a historical event for ancient Israel but a spiritual reality for all who are in Christ, transforming them into a pure temple for the living God, anticipating the final and complete removal of all defilement in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Purity in New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 5:11

Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

Ezekiel 37:23

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Ezekiel 42:7

And the wall that [was] without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof [was] fifty cubits.

Ezekiel 42:8

For the length of the chambers that [were] in the utter court [was] fifty cubits: and, lo, before the temple [were] an hundred cubits.

Isaiah 30:22

Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.

Jeremiah 16:18

And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.