Ezekiel 14:6

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

Therefore say {H559} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Repent {H7725}, and turn {H7725} yourselves from your idols {H1544}; and turn away {H7725} your faces {H6440} from all your abominations {H8441}.

"Therefore say to the house of Isra'el that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Repent! Turn yourselves away from your idols, turn your faces away from all your disgusting practices!

Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations.

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Return ye, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

Commentary on Ezekiel 14:6 KJV

Ezekiel 14:6 is a powerful and direct command from God to the "house of Israel" during a period of significant spiritual decline and impending judgment. It encapsulates the core message of the prophets: a call for genuine transformation.

Context of Ezekiel 14:6

The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. In Ezekiel chapter 14, God addresses the issue of elders of Israel who come to inquire of Him, yet their hearts are still deeply committed to idols. God declares that He will answer them according to their idolatry, exposing their hypocrisy. Verse 6 serves as a divine counter-response to their false piety, offering a path to avert the severe judgment that awaits those who persist in spiritual unfaithfulness. It highlights God's justice intertwined with His enduring desire for His people's return.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Divine Command: The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores the absolute authority and solemnity of the message. This is not Ezekiel's opinion, but a direct word from the Almighty.
  • Repentance (shuv): The Hebrew word for "repent" (shuv) literally means to "turn back" or "return." It implies a complete change of direction – not just remorse, but a decisive turning away from sin and a turning back to God. This concept is central to the entire biblical narrative, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament call of Jesus in Luke 13:3.
  • Turning from Idols (gillulim): The primary sin addressed is idolatry. Ezekiel frequently uses the derogatory term gillulim for idols, often translated as "dung-gods" or "filthy things," emphasizing God's utter detestation for them. This wasn't merely about physical statues but anything that replaced God in their worship, affection, or trust.
  • Forsaking Abominations (to'evah): "Abominations" (to'evah) refers to practices or attitudes that are detestable or abhorrent to God, particularly those associated with pagan worship and moral corruption. To "turn away your faces" from them signifies a complete rejection and disassociation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here are particularly strong: "Repent" (shuv - שׁוּב) implies a literal U-turn in one's life. "Idols" (gillulim - גִּלּוּלִים) is a pejorative term unique to Ezekiel's writings, painting idols as utterly vile. "Abominations" (to'evah - תּוֹעֵבָה) signifies something morally repugnant to God, often linked to pagan rituals and grave sins.

Practical Application

While the immediate context was ancient Israel, the call of Ezekiel 14:6 resonates deeply today. Modern idolatry may not always involve physical statues, but it can manifest as anything that takes precedence over God in our lives—be it money, career, relationships, power, or even self-worship. This verse reminds us that God desires a heart fully devoted to Him. It's a timeless invitation to:

  • Self-Examination: What "idols" or "abominations" might be subtly influencing our lives, drawing our affections away from God?
  • Genuine Repentance: Not just feeling sorry for sin, but actively turning away from it and committing to follow God's ways. This is a foundational step for spiritual renewal and receiving God's mercy.
  • Wholehearted Devotion: God calls for an undivided heart, a complete turning of our "faces" towards Him and away from anything that defiles.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 18:30

    ¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

  • Isaiah 2:20

    In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made [each one] for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • Hosea 14:1

    ¶ O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

  • Hosea 14:3

    Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

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