Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Ezekiel 11:21

Next

But [as for them] whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

But as for them whose heart {H3820} walketh {H1980} after the heart {H3820} of their detestable things {H8251} and their abominations {H8441}, I will recompense {H5414} their way {H1870} upon their own heads {H7218}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

But as for those whose hearts go after the heart of their loathsome things and disgusting practices, I will bring [the consequences of] their ways on their own heads,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

But as for those whose hearts pursue detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads, declares the Lord GOD.”

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

Ezekiel 11:21 delivers a stern warning from the Lord GOD, articulating the inevitable consequences for those whose hearts are devoted to idolatry and wicked practices. This verse stands in stark contrast to the promises of restoration and a new heart given to the faithful remnant in the preceding verses.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel received this message during the Babylonian exile, a time of profound spiritual and national crisis for Israel. His prophecies often included visions of God's glory departing from the Temple in Jerusalem and pronouncements of judgment against the city's inhabitants for their rampant idolatry and moral corruption. This particular chapter describes the judgment against the wicked leaders and people remaining in Jerusalem, who believed they were secure despite their sins. The "detestable things and their abominations" refer primarily to the pagan idols and practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship, provoking God's wrath and leading to their downfall.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Direction of the Heart: The phrase "whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things" emphasizes that the core issue is not merely outward actions, but the inner devotion and allegiance of the heart. True spiritual corruption begins internally, guiding one's life choices and worship.
  • Idolatry and Abomination: The "detestable things" (Hebrew: shiqquwtsim) and "abominations" (Hebrew: to'ebah) are strong terms for idolatry and morally offensive practices that violate God's covenant. These were not just foreign gods but often involved child sacrifice and other heinous rituals.
  • Divine Justice and Recompense: God declares, "I will recompense their way upon their own heads." This highlights the principle of divine justice, where individuals bear the full weight of the consequences of their own choices and actions. It signifies that God's judgment is just and directly proportional to the wickedness committed. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in Galatians 6:7, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "detestable things" (shiqquwtsim) and "abominations" (to'ebah) are frequently used in the Old Testament to describe objects and practices that are utterly repugnant to God, particularly in the context of idol worship and associated immoral acts. The idiom "recompense their way upon their own heads" is a powerful expression, signifying that the consequences of their evil deeds will fall squarely upon themselves, a just retribution for their choices. It contrasts sharply with the promise of a transformed heart, a "new heart and a new spirit" offered to the repentant.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 11:21 serves as a timeless reminder of the gravity of misplaced devotion. While ancient Israel struggled with physical idols, modern society faces various forms of idolatry—anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, whether it be wealth, power, pleasure, or self. This verse challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Hearts: What do we truly "walk after"? Where is our deepest affection and allegiance?
  • Understand Consequences: The principle of reaping what we sow remains true. Persistent rebellion against God's ways inevitably leads to negative outcomes, both spiritual and often temporal.
  • Seek True Transformation: In contrast to the hardened hearts described here, God desires to give us a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone, capable of following His commands and loving Him truly.

This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and the importance of a heart fully devoted to Him, not to the "detestable things" of the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 9:10 (3 votes)

    And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, [but] I will recompense their way upon their head.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9 (3 votes)

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

  • Ezekiel 11:18 (2 votes)

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

  • James 1:14 (2 votes)

    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

  • James 1:15 (2 votes)

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

  • Ezekiel 22:31 (2 votes)

    Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 1:16 (2 votes)

    And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.