Ezekiel 14:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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!

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:6 delivers a profound and urgent divine command to the "house of Israel," urging them to undergo a radical spiritual transformation. It is a direct call from the Lord GOD for His people to abandon their pervasive idolatry and detestable practices, signaling a critical opportunity for repentance and a turning back to Him amidst impending judgment. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering demand for exclusive devotion and His desire for His people's genuine return, highlighting the stark choice between continued rebellion and life-giving obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 14:6 is situated within a pivotal section of the book where the prophet confronts the deep-seated idolatry of the elders of Israel, even as they seek divine counsel. The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 14:1-5](/ezekiel/14-1 "Ezekiel 14:1-5 - Elders and Idolatry")) describe these elders coming to Ezekiel, ostensibly to inquire of the Lord. However, God reveals their hypocrisy: "These men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face" ([Ezekiel 14:3](/ezekiel/14-3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - Idols in the Heart")). God declares that He will answer them according to their idolatry, exposing their true spiritual condition. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a divine counter-response, not merely an exposure of sin, but a gracious, albeit stern, invitation to avert the severe consequences of their un faithfulness by genuinely turning away from their idols and abominations. It underscores that true inquiry of the Lord must be accompanied by a pure heart and a commitment to righteousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the sixth century BCE, a period marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the forced relocation of a significant portion of the Judean population. Despite the trauma of exile, many Israelites continued to cling to pagan practices and syncretistic worship, blending the worship of Yahweh with the veneration of foreign deities and adopting detestable Canaanite rituals. This spiritual malaise was not confined to Judah but was also present among the exiles, as evidenced by the elders' actions. The cultural landscape was saturated with idol worship, from household gods to national deities, making the call to "turn from your idols" a direct challenge to the prevailing norms and deeply ingrained habits of the people. The geographical distance from Jerusalem's Temple did not purify their hearts; rather, their spiritual infidelity persisted, necessitating this sharp prophetic rebuke and call to repentance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **idolatry**, which Ezekiel frequently condemns, often using highly pejorative terms to underscore God's utter detestation for it. The call to **repentance** (Hebrew: _shûwb_, to turn or return) is central, emphasizing a complete change of direction from sin back to God, a theme echoed throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, O Backsliding Children"). The verse also highlights **divine judgment**, as God's willingness to "answer" the idolatrous elders with judgment underscores His justice and holiness. Yet, intertwined with judgment is God's enduring **desire for restoration** and reconciliation, demonstrating His mercy by offering a path to avert destruction. Finally, the verse addresses the theme of **hypocrisy**, exposing the superficial piety of those who seek God's word while harboring idols in their hearts, a condition that God unequivocally rejects, as seen in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repent/turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is foundational to the biblical concept of repentance. It literally means "to turn back," "to return," or "to turn away." In Ezekiel 14:6, it signifies a decisive and complete change of direction – not merely a feeling of remorse, but an active, volitional turning away from a sinful course of action and a turning back towards God and His ways. It implies a reversal of allegiance and a reorientation of one's entire life.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This term (H1544) is a derogatory and contemptuous word for idols, primarily used by Ezekiel and Leviticus. Derived from a root meaning "to roll," it properly refers to a "log" or "dung-pellet," by implication, something utterly worthless, vile, and disgusting. Ezekiel's frequent use of _gillûwl_ emphasizes God's profound abhorrence for these objects of false worship, portraying them not just as false gods, but as defiling, contemptible things that pollute the land and the people.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This feminine active participle (H8441) signifies "something disgusting (morally)," an "abhorrence," or "detestable thing." It encompasses practices, attitudes, or objects that are morally repugnant to God, particularly those associated with pagan worship, sexual perversion, and injustice. In this context, it refers to the detestable rituals and moral corruption that accompanied Israel's idolatry, which God finds utterly offensive and contrary to His holy character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and solemnity of the message. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) is a prophetic formula that underscores that these are not Ezekiel's words, but the direct, authoritative pronouncement of the sovereign God of Israel. It emphasizes the gravity of the command and the accountability of the recipients. The "house of Israel" refers specifically to the exiles in Babylon, but by extension, to the entire covenant people of God, highlighting their unique relationship and responsibility before Him.
* **"Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols;":** This is the core command for a radical spiritual reorientation. "Repent" (shûwb) demands a complete reversal of spiritual direction, a turning away from the path of sin. The explicit target of this turning is "your idols" (gillûlîm), which are not just physical statues but anything that has usurped God's rightful place in their hearts, affections, and worship. This command calls for a decisive break from all forms of false worship and allegiance.
* **"and turn away your faces from all your abominations.":** This second, parallel command reinforces the first, emphasizing the totality of the required separation. To "turn away your faces" from something signifies a complete rejection, a refusal to acknowledge, engage with, or even look upon that which is detestable. "Abominations" (tôwʻêbah) refers to the morally repugnant practices and behaviors associated with their idolatry, demanding a comprehensive disengagement from all that is offensive to God's holiness and purity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as seen in the direct commands "Repent," "turn," and "turn away." This grammatical choice conveys the absolute authority of God and the non-negotiable nature of His demand for immediate action. There is also clear **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, between "turn yourselves from your idols" and "turn away your faces from all your abominations." These two phrases express the same fundamental idea of complete spiritual separation from ungodliness, reinforcing the comprehensiveness of the required repentance. Furthermore, the phrase "turn away your faces" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the face) represents the whole person's decisive action of rejection and disassociation. The use of the derogatory term _gillûl_ for idols is a form of **Dysphemism**, deliberately employing a harsh and contemptuous word to express God's utter disdain for false gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering holiness and His demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. It underscores the profound theological truth that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a deep spiritual adultery that breaks the covenant relationship and defiles both the individual and the community. God's call to repentance is rooted in His character as a just God who must judge sin, but also as a merciful God who desires reconciliation and restoration, offering a path to life even amidst impending judgment. This verse highlights the necessity of internal transformation—a turning of the heart and mind—that must precede any outward change in behavior, emphasizing that true worship is a matter of the heart's devotion.

* [Jeremiah 3:22](/jeremiah/3-22 "Jeremiah 3:22 - Return, O Backsliding Children"): "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God."
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Let the Wicked Forsake His Way"): "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."
* [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance and Times of Refreshing"): "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel's immediate audience was ancient Israel steeped in literal idol worship, the timeless call of Ezekiel 14:6 resonates profoundly with believers today. Modern idolatry rarely involves physical statues, but it manifests subtly and powerfully in anything that captures our ultimate affection, trust, and devotion more than God. This could be career success, financial security, personal comfort, social media validation, relationships, political ideologies, or even self-worship. The command to "repent, and turn" challenges us to a radical self-examination: what are the "idols" we unknowingly harbor in our hearts, and what are the "abominations"—the attitudes, habits, or pursuits—that are detestable to God, drawing our faces away from His holiness? Genuine repentance requires not just remorse for sin, but a decisive, active turning away from these rival loyalties and a complete reorientation of our lives towards God. It calls for a wholehearted devotion, a turning of our entire being—our thoughts, desires, and actions—towards Him, forsaking anything that defiles or distracts from His supreme worth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "idols" might be subtly influencing my heart and drawing my affections away from God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to actively "turn away my face" from practices or attitudes that are an "abomination" to God?**
* **How does my understanding of genuine repentance (a turning _from_ and a turning _to_) challenge my current spiritual walk?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my devotion to God is undivided and wholehearted?**

### FAQ
**What does "house of Israel" mean in this context, and how does it apply to us today?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 14:6, "the house of Israel" primarily refers to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon during the prophet Ezekiel's ministry. These were the people who had been removed from their homeland due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. However, biblically, "Israel" often represents God's covenant people. For believers today, the "house of Israel" can be understood analogously as the people of God, the church, or individual believers who are in a covenant relationship with the Lord. The call to repent and turn from idols and abominations is a universal and timeless message that applies to anyone who claims to follow God, urging them to examine their hearts for anything that competes with God's supreme authority and rightful place in their lives, as seen in the New Testament's warnings against idolatry in [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry").

**What are "idols" and "abominations" in a contemporary sense?**

Answer: While ancient Israel dealt with literal statues and pagan rituals, modern "idols" are often more subtle. An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, affections, and ultimate allegiance. This could include money, career success, relationships, power, social status, personal comfort, entertainment, or even self-image. If anything consumes our thoughts, time, and energy more than God, it can become an idol. "Abominations" (Hebrew: _tôwʻêbah_) refer to practices or attitudes that are morally detestable or repugnant to God. In a contemporary sense, this includes not only overt sins like sexual immorality or injustice, but also attitudes such as pride, greed, envy, or hatred, which are contrary to God's holy character and His revealed will in Scripture, as highlighted in passages like [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things God Hates"). The call is to turn away from anything that defiles our relationship with God and distorts our reflection of His image.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:6, with its urgent call to repentance and turning from idols, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets continually called Israel to turn back to God, but their efforts were often met with temporary obedience or outright rejection, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to fully and consistently turn from sin on its own strength. Jesus, however, embodies the perfect fulfillment of this call. He came proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: [repent ye, and believe the gospel](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Repent and Believe the Gospel")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering the ultimate sacrifice that atones for our idolatry and abominations ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the very means by which we can truly "repent and turn," not by mere human effort, but by the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers, enabling them to forsake their old ways and live a new life devoted to God ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). In Christ, the call to turn from idols is transformed from a burdensome command to a liberating invitation to worship the one true God in spirit and truth, finding our ultimate satisfaction and identity in Him alone ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God, replacing all false gods and abominable practices with His perfect righteousness and life-giving presence ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")).

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 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.