Ezekiel 20:27

KJV

¶ Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, son {H1121} of man {H120}, speak {H1696} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Yet in this your fathers {H1} have blasphemed {H1442} me, in that they have committed {H4603} a trespass {H4604} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, human being, speak to the house of Isra'el; tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Moreover, your ancestors blasphemed me by breaking faith with me in still another way:

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: In this way also your fathers blasphemed Me by their unfaithfulness against Me.

American Standard Version

Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In this moreover have your fathers blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:27 serves as a poignant divine indictment delivered through the prophet Ezekiel to the exiled house of Israel, declaring that their ancestors, despite God's faithfulness, had profoundly dishonored and acted treacherously against Him. This verse sets the stage for a comprehensive recounting of Israel's historical rebellion, highlighting that their current state of judgment is a direct consequence of generations of blasphemy and covenant breach, particularly through idolatry and spiritual infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 opens with elders of Israel seeking a word from the Lord, but God refuses to be inquired of due to their idolatry (Ezekiel 20:1-3). Instead, He commands Ezekiel to confront them with the long history of Israel's rebellion, beginning from their time in Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. The chapter is structured as a historical survey of divine grace met with human rebellion, interspersed with God's repeated, yet often deferred, judgments. Verse 27 marks a pivotal point in this historical recounting, specifically introducing the charge of "blasphemy" and "trespass" committed by their fathers, which directly leads into further examples of their unfaithfulness, such as the offering of their children to idols (Ezekiel 20:26, 31). This verse underscores the pervasive and generational nature of Israel's sin, connecting past transgressions to the present exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, following the first wave of deportations from Judah (597 BCE). The exiles, grappling with their identity and the reasons for their suffering, often attributed their plight to immediate circumstances or even questioned God's justice. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, understood covenants as binding agreements, often with curses for disobedience. Israel's covenant with Yahweh at Sinai (Exodus 19-24) was central to their identity, demanding exclusive worship and obedience. However, the surrounding Canaanite and Mesopotamian cultures were polytheistic, with widespread practices of idol worship, fertility cults, and even child sacrifice. Ezekiel 20:27 directly addresses Israel's adoption of these practices, which constituted a severe breach of their covenant and a profound insult to the one true God, Yahweh. The concept of "blasphemy" in this context is not merely verbal but encompasses actions that defile God's name and character in the eyes of the nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent theme is **Israel's Persistent Rebellion and Unfaithfulness**, demonstrating a cyclical pattern of God's grace met with human idolatry and disobedience, as seen throughout their history (e.g., [Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-19 - Israel's Disobedience and Cycles of Judgment")). Another crucial theme is **God's Holiness and Jealousy**, emphasizing that He will not tolerate the profaning of His name or the worship of other gods (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The charge of "blasphemy" directly relates to the **Profaning of God's Name**, where Israel's actions among the nations brought dishonor to Yahweh. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Generational Sin and Its Consequences**, where the cumulative effect of ancestral sin contributes to the nation's judgment, even as individual responsibility is also affirmed elsewhere in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility")). Finally, it underscores the **Covenant Breach**, as Israel's "trespass" represents a violation of the sacred covenant relationship established with God at Sinai, leading to the covenant curses, including exile (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. In Ezekiel 20:27, "fathers" refers specifically to the preceding generations of Israel, emphasizing a long-standing, inherited pattern of rebellion and idolatry that culminated in the present exile. It highlights the historical continuity of Israel's unfaithfulness.
* **blasphemed (Hebrew, _gâdaph'_):** A primitive root; to hack (with words), i.e., revile; blaspheme, reproach. This term signifies a severe act of disrespect, contempt, or profanation against God. It implies not merely disobedience but an active assault on God's character and holiness, treating the sacred as common or even despicable. This "blasphemy" was manifested through their actions, particularly their idolatrous practices.
* **trespass (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** From mâʻal; treachery, i.e., sin; falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, [idiom] very. This word denotes an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, especially in the context of a covenant relationship. It points to a deliberate violation of sacred obligations, indicating a betrayal of the unique bond between God and Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and urgency of the message. Ezekiel, addressed as "son of man" (a common prophetic designation highlighting his humanity in contrast to God's divinity), is commissioned as God's direct mouthpiece to the entire nation, "the house of Israel." The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores that this is not Ezekiel's opinion but an infallible declaration from Yahweh (H3069), the sovereign covenant-keeping God, who is also "Adonai" (H136), the Master.
* **"Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me,":** This is the core accusation. "Yet in this" refers to the specific actions that follow or have just been described in the preceding verses (e.g., the offering of children to idols, the defilement of high places). The charge is that their ancestors did not merely disobey but actively "blasphemed" God. This "blasphemy" (gâdaph) implies a profound dishonor and reviling of God's holy name and character through their idolatrous practices and disobedience, treating Him with contempt and showing a lack of reverence for His divine majesty.
* **"in that they have committed a trespass against me.":** This clause further defines the nature of the blasphemy. The "trespass" (maʻal) signifies an act of treachery or unfaithfulness, a breach of the covenant. It implies a betrayal of the trust inherent in the relationship between God and His chosen people. Their actions were not just mistakes but deliberate violations of their sacred obligations, demonstrating a profound lack of loyalty and integrity towards the God who had redeemed them and entered into a covenant with them.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:27 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly through Ezekiel to the "house of Israel," creating an immediate and confrontational tone that demands attention and accountability. The use of the phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Formulaic Declaration**, reinforcing divine authority and the absolute truth of the message, leaving no room for doubt about its origin. The verse also utilizes **Repetition of Themes** from earlier in the chapter and book, particularly the consistent pattern of Israel's rebellion and God's judgment, emphasizing the deep-seated nature of their sin. Furthermore, the terms "blasphemed" and "trespass" serve as **Theological Keywords**, loaded with covenantal significance, highlighting the gravity of Israel's actions as not just breaking rules but betraying a sacred relationship. The indictment of "your fathers" also employs **Historical Allusion**, linking the current generation's predicament directly to the cumulative unfaithfulness of their ancestors, establishing a lineage of rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:27 profoundly reveals God's righteous indignation against persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry. It underscores that sin, particularly the worship of false gods, is not merely a transgression of law but a direct affront to God's holy character and a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship. This verse highlights the deep seriousness with which God views the profaning of His name and the treachery of His chosen people. It serves as a theological foundation for understanding the justice of the Babylonian exile, not as arbitrary punishment, but as the inevitable consequence of generations of spiritual infidelity. The charge of "blasphemy" here extends beyond mere words to encompass actions that defile God's reputation among the nations, demonstrating His jealousy for His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 32:15-18](/deuteronomy/32-15 "Deuteronomy 32:15-18 - Jeshurun's Rebellion")
* [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - The Rebellion of Israel")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel's Two Evils")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:27 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine our own lives for any form of "blasphemy" or "trespass" against God. While we may not erect physical idols, our hearts can be prone to idolatry—placing anything or anyone, including ourselves, above God in our affections, priorities, and trust. This could manifest as an overreliance on wealth, career, relationships, or even our own abilities, effectively profaning God's rightful place as supreme. The concept of "trespass" reminds us that our faith is not merely adherence to rules but a covenant relationship built on trust and loyalty. When we compromise our devotion, neglect spiritual disciplines, or allow worldly values to dilute our commitment to Christ, we are, in a sense, committing treachery against the One who has redeemed us. This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our loyalties, urging us to honor God's name not just with our lips but with our lives, ensuring that our actions consistently reflect His holiness and our unwavering devotion to Him. It reminds us that true worship demands exclusive allegiance and that any divided loyalty constitutes a serious offense in God's eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "blaspheming" God by treating His holiness or my relationship with Him lightly?**
* **What "idols" (whether tangible or intangible) might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart and priorities?**
* **How does my daily conduct, both public and private, reflect or diminish the honor of God's name among those around me?**
* **What specific steps can I take to deepen my loyalty and commitment to God, moving beyond mere obedience to a profound reverence and devotion?**

### FAQ
**Question?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 20:27, when God states that Israel's "fathers have blasphemed me," it refers to their actions, not just their words. The Hebrew word for "blaspheme" (_gâdaph_) implies treating something sacred with contempt, reviling it, or defiling it. For Israel's ancestors, this blasphemy was primarily manifested through their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant commands. By worshipping other gods, engaging in pagan practices, and failing to uphold the covenant, they effectively dishonored God's holy name and character, treating the Creator of the universe as if He were just one among many deities, or even less significant. This was a profound insult and a public discredit to God's reputation, especially among the surrounding nations who observed Israel's conduct. It was a betrayal of the unique relationship God had established with them, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's History of Rebellion") and other historical books like [Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges") and [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Books of Kings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:27, with its stark indictment of Israel's ancestral blasphemy and trespass, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "fathers" of Israel continually broke the covenant, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's holy law and honor His name. Their "trespass" (Hebrew _maʻal_) highlighted a deep-seated treachery against God, a spiritual infidelity that required a radical solution. Jesus, as the true and faithful Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the Law and never blasphemed God, but rather glorified Him in every word and deed (John 8:29; [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). More profoundly, Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity's blasphemy and trespass. His death on the cross was the atoning act that covered the accumulated guilt of generations of sin, including the very "trespass" that Ezekiel condemns. Through His shed blood, the new covenant was inaugurated (Luke 22:20; [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - The New Covenant Mediator")), offering forgiveness for sins that the old covenant could not fully address (Hebrews 10:4). Believers, now united with Christ, are called to live lives that honor God's name, empowered by the Holy Spirit to avoid the very blasphemy and trespass that characterized ancient Israel (1 Peter 2:9-10; [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")). Thus, what Israel failed to do—to truly honor God and be faithful—is perfectly accomplished in Christ and made possible for all who believe in Him.

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

Romans 2:24

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Ezekiel 3:11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Ezekiel 3:4

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.

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.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Ezekiel 18:24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.