Ezekiel 20:30

KJV

Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore say {H559} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Are ye polluted {H2930} after the manner {H1870} of your fathers {H1}? and commit ye whoredom {H2181} after {H310} their abominations {H8251}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"So tell the house of Isra'el that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'You are defiling yourselves in the same way as your ancestors, following their abominations and fornicating with them;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations?

American Standard Version

Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Do ye pollute yourselves after the manner of your fathers? and play ye the harlot after their abominations?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:30 presents a direct, rhetorical question from the Lord GOD to the house of Israel, serving as a profound indictment of their persistent and generational rebellion. It challenges the current generation, asking if they are not merely repeating the pattern of spiritual defilement and idolatrous unfaithfulness established by their ancestors, thereby underscoring the deep-seated nature of their apostasy and the divine frustration with their unyielding disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20:30 is embedded within a lengthy and powerful prophetic oracle in Ezekiel chapter 20, where the Lord meticulously recounts Israel's history of rebellion from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. This historical review is delivered to the elders of Israel who have come to Ezekiel seeking a word from the Lord. Instead of a comforting prophecy, they receive a stark confrontation with their past and present sins. Verse 30 specifically addresses the current generation, challenging them directly after the Lord has detailed the repeated failures of their forefathers. It acts as a pivot point, moving from historical recounting to a direct accusation against the present audience, setting the stage for subsequent declarations of judgment and, eventually, promises of restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. The people, including the elders, are grappling with the consequences of their sin, yet many still cling to false hopes or fail to grasp the true depth of their spiritual depravity. The "fathers" referenced are previous generations of Israelites who repeatedly engaged in idolatry and broke the covenant with Yahweh, often adopting the detestable practices of surrounding Canaanite nations, which included child sacrifice (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibitions Against Child Sacrifice")) and various forms of pagan worship. The cultural context of "whoredom" and "abominations" refers to these specific pagan rituals and the spiritual unfaithfulness inherent in worshipping other gods, which was seen as a betrayal of the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. The most prominent is the **Generational Sin and Continuity of Rebellion**, highlighting that the current generation is actively perpetuating the same pattern of unfaithfulness as their ancestors, rather than learning from past judgments. This is not about inherited guilt, but inherited behavior and choice, as seen in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility"). Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Adultery (Idolatry)**, where Israel's turning away from Yahweh to other gods is consistently depicted as "whoredom," a betrayal of their covenant "marriage" to God (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness")). The "abominations" refer to the detestable pagan practices that accompanied this idolatry. Finally, the verse underscores **God's Righteous Indignation and Confrontation**, as the rhetorical question expresses the Lord's profound disappointment and anger at His people's persistent and unrepentant rebellion, forcing them to confront their own culpability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Polluted (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_):** This primitive root signifies being foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense. It describes a state of contamination or defilement, rendering one unfit for sacred purposes or fellowship with a holy God. In Ezekiel 20:30, it indicates Israel's spiritual uncleanness, a deep-seated defilement that has permeated their very being, making them abhorrent in God's sight.
* **Whoredom (Hebrew, _zânâh_):** A primitive root meaning to commit adultery or fornication, often of the female. Figuratively, and most relevant here, it refers to committing idolatry. The Jewish people are regarded as the spouse of Yahweh, and their pursuit of other gods is likened to a wife's betrayal of her husband. This term powerfully conveys the depth of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, portraying it as a morally repugnant act of spiritual infidelity.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts_):** This term denotes something disgusting, filthy, and especially idolatrous or, concretely, an idol itself. It refers to practices utterly detestable to God, particularly those associated with pagan worship, such as child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and other perverse rituals that were integral to the idolatrous cults of the surrounding nations. Israel's engagement in these practices made them an abomination to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and urgency of the message. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct word from Yahweh, emphasizing that this is not merely human opinion but a pronouncement from the sovereign and covenant-keeping God. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire covenant community, specifically the exiled generation being addressed.
* **"Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers?":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an affirmative answer. The Lord challenges the current generation, asking if they have not become defiled and morally corrupt in the very same way their ancestors did. It highlights a recurring pattern of spiritual impurity and a failure to learn from the past, indicating a deep-seated, generational inclination towards sin and rebellion against God's holiness.
* **"and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?":** This second rhetorical question intensifies the indictment, specifically targeting their idolatry. "Whoredom" metaphorically describes their spiritual infidelity to Yahweh, their covenant husband. They are accused of engaging in the same detestable, idolatrous practices ("abominations") that characterized their forefathers' apostasy, such as worshipping false gods and participating in pagan rituals. This emphasizes the continuity of their unfaithfulness and the depth of their spiritual betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 20:30 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, used twice in quick succession ("Are ye polluted...?" and "and commit ye whoredom...?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful accusation and to compel the audience to acknowledge their guilt. The expected affirmative answer underscores the undeniable truth of their sin. **Metaphor** is central to the verse's impact, particularly in the use of "whoredom" to describe idolatry. This vivid imagery transforms spiritual unfaithfulness into an act of sexual betrayal, emphasizing the intimacy of the covenant relationship God had with Israel and the heinous nature of their apostasy. The phrase "after the manner of your fathers" also functions as **Repetition** of a historical pattern, highlighting the cyclical nature of Israel's rebellion and the continuity of their sin across generations. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) signifies divine **Authority** and **Sovereignty**, lending immense weight to the accusation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:30 profoundly underscores the persistent problem of human sin and the continuity of rebellion against God's covenant faithfulness. It reveals God's righteous indignation towards spiritual impurity and idolatry, which He views as a profound betrayal of His unique relationship with His people. The verse highlights that while God holds individuals accountable (as seen in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility")), there can be a pervasive, generational inclination towards sin that requires radical divine intervention. It sets the stage for God's ultimate plan to gather and cleanse His people, not because of their righteousness, but for the sake of His holy name.

* [Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Consequences of Abominable Practices")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel and Judah's Spiritual Adultery")
* [Hosea 4:12-13](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12-13 - Israel's Spiritual Prostitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:30 serves as a timeless mirror, prompting us to engage in honest self-examination regarding our own spiritual state and the patterns we perpetuate. It challenges us to consider if we are passively or actively repeating sins of past generations, whether within our families, communities, or even the broader church. The call to break free from cycles of spiritual impurity and idolatry is urgent. This verse warns against any form of spiritual compromise, urging us to identify and dismantle "abominations" in our lives – anything that competes for the supreme devotion due only to God, be it materialism, self-worship, or cultural values that contradict biblical truth. Our devotion must be singular and pure, reflecting a genuine love for the Lord that transcends inherited patterns or societal pressures. Learning from the historical failures of Israel, we are called to a vigilant faithfulness, recognizing that God's patience, while great, is always accompanied by His unwavering expectation of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be repeating patterns of sin or spiritual compromise that have been present in my family or community's history?**
* **What "abominations" or idols (e.g., money, power, comfort, self-image) might be subtly competing for my ultimate devotion to God?**
* **How can I actively seek spiritual purity and unwavering faithfulness in a world that often encourages compromise and diluted devotion?**
* **What lessons from Israel's history of rebellion, as recounted in Scripture, can I apply to my own walk with God today?**

### FAQ
**What does "polluted after the manner of your fathers" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the current generation of Israelites engaging in the same patterns of spiritual impurity and moral defilement that characterized their ancestors. It's not about being punished for their fathers' sins, but about actively choosing to follow their rebellious example. The "pollution" refers to both ritual uncleanness and, more importantly, moral corruption and unfaithfulness to God, particularly through idolatry and disobedience to His covenant laws. The Lord is essentially asking, "Are you not just like them, repeating their mistakes?" This concept is further explored in [Ezekiel 18](/ezekiel/18 "Ezekiel 18 - Individual Responsibility") which emphasizes individual accountability, yet acknowledges the pervasive influence of generational behavior.

**How is "whoredom" used in this verse?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 20:30, "whoredom" (Hebrew: _zânâh_) is used metaphorically to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God. God had entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, often depicted as a marriage, where He was the faithful husband and Israel His bride. When Israel turned away from Yahweh to worship other gods or engage in pagan practices, it was considered an act of spiritual adultery or "whoredom." This metaphor is common throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness"), [Jeremiah 3](/jeremiah/3 "Jeremiah 3 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery")) to highlight the depth of their betrayal and the breaking of their sacred covenant vows.

**What are the "abominations" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "abominations" (Hebrew: _shiqqûwts_) refer to practices that were utterly detestable and repugnant to God, primarily those associated with pagan worship and idolatry. These included the worship of false gods, child sacrifice (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibitions Against Child Sacrifice")), cultic prostitution, and other immoral rituals common among the Canaanite nations. Israel's participation in these practices was a direct violation of God's commands and a profound defilement of their covenant relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:30, with its stark indictment of Israel's generational pollution and spiritual whoredom, powerfully foreshadows the profound need for a radical, divine cleansing that only Christ could provide. The persistent failure of Israel to break free from the patterns of their fathers underscores the futility of human effort in overcoming deep-seated sin and the curse of the law. The rhetorical question, "Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers?", finds its ultimate answer not in Israel's repentance, but in God's sovereign act of redemption through His Son. Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to bear the pollution and abominations of humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (as seen in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin Through Christ's Blood")). Through His atoning work, believers are no longer bound by the "manner of their fathers" in sin, but are made new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), receiving a new heart and a new spirit (echoing [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). In Christ, the cycle of spiritual whoredom is broken, and true worship in spirit and truth becomes possible, fulfilling the ultimate desire of God for a people purified and devoted solely to Him ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

Jeremiah 16:12

And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:

Judges 2:19

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, [that] they returned, and corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Jeremiah 7:26

Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.

Numbers 32:14

And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

Matthew 23:32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Jeremiah 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.