Ezekiel 20:31

KJV

For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

KJV (with Strong's)

For when ye offer {H5375} your gifts {H4979}, when ye make your sons {H1121} to pass through {H5674} the fire {H784}, ye pollute {H2930} yourselves with all your idols {H1544}, even unto this day {H3117}: and shall I be enquired {H1875} of by you, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}? As I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, I will not be enquired {H1875} of by you.

Complete Jewish Bible

and when offering your gifts, you make your children pass through the fire and defile yourselves with all your idols - to this day. So, am I supposed to allow you to consult me, house of Isra'el? As I live,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'I swear that I won't have you consult me,

Berean Standard Bible

When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you!

American Standard Version

and when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, do ye pollute yourselves with all your idols unto this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will not be inquired of by you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 20:31 delivers a profound divine indictment against the persistent spiritual rebellion and egregious idolatry of the house of Israel. Despite their outward religious observances and "gifts" offered to the Lord, their abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, among other defiling acts, rendered them utterly polluted by their idols, a pattern that continued "even unto this day." God's emphatic oath, "As I live... I will not be enquired of by you," underscores His absolute refusal to engage with a people whose overt acts of worship were profoundly contradicted and defiled by their deep-seated abominations, highlighting His uncompromising holiness and their profound hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 20 is a pivotal chapter, initiating a series of prophecies that pivot from recounting Israel's past rebellion to foretelling future judgment and eventual restoration. The chapter opens with elders of Israel approaching Ezekiel to "inquire of the Lord," a common practice for seeking divine guidance. However, instead of providing immediate counsel, God uses this opportunity to unveil Israel's long and uninterrupted history of spiritual unfaithfulness, beginning from their time in Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Verse 31 specifically addresses their current state of hypocrisy even in exile, where their syncretistic practices persist. This verse serves as a climactic declaration of God's righteous indignation and His refusal to be consulted by a people who profane His name. It sets the stage for God's subsequent revelation of His sovereign plan to act, not for Israel's sake, but for the vindication of His own holy name, culminating in promises of a future gathering and a new covenant, as detailed in later chapters of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the Babylonian exile, where Ezekiel, a prophet and priest, ministered to the Jewish captives. Despite the severe judgment of exile, many Israelites continued to engage in pagan practices. The phrase "make your sons to pass through the fire" refers to the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, primarily to the Ammonite god Molech, which was an explicit and severe violation of the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominations to the Lord")). This abominable practice was deeply embedded in the Canaanite cultures surrounding Israel and had periodically infiltrated Israelite worship, even reaching Jerusalem's Hinnom Valley, as evidenced by King Ahaz and Manasseh's actions (cf. [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Child Sacrifice") and [2 Kings 21:6](/2_kings/21-6 "2 Kings 21:6 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). The "gifts" mentioned alongside child sacrifice likely refer to offerings made to Yahweh, creating a shocking and offensive juxtaposition of outward piety towards the true God with heinous idolatry. The cultural norm of seeking prophetic inquiry from God was widespread, but here, God definitively rejects such inquiry from a people so profoundly defiled.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. It starkly highlights **Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry**, demonstrating a cyclical pattern of unfaithfulness that spans generations, from their origins in Egypt to their current state in exile, a narrative meticulously detailed throughout [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History"). The phrase "even unto this day" emphasizes the entrenched and ongoing nature of their spiritual defilement. The verse also underscores **God's uncompromising holiness and righteous justice**, revealing that He cannot be manipulated or mocked by hypocritical worship. His emphatic refusal to be "enquired of" is a direct manifestation of His just judgment against those who profane His sacred name and violate His covenant. Furthermore, the passage illuminates the theme of **false worship and spiritual defilement**, demonstrating that outward religious acts are rendered utterly meaningless, and indeed become an offense, when accompanied by deep-seated sin and allegiance to false gods, particularly the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, which was an [abomination to the Lord](/deuteronomy/12-31 "Deuteronomy 12:31 - Abominable Practices of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pollute (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** This primitive root (H2930) signifies to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, meaning to be contaminated, unclean, or rendered unfit for holy use or presence. When applied to Israel, it conveys that their actions, particularly the horrific practice of child sacrifice, rendered them utterly defiled and unacceptable in the sight of a holy God. This defilement made any attempts at genuine worship or inquiry futile, offensive, and even an affront to divine holiness.
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to roll," this term (H1544) literally refers to a log or something round, but by implication, it denotes an idol, often used with a sense of extreme contempt, implying something worthless, detestable, or even dung-like. The use of this pejorative term underscores God's utter disdain for the false gods Israel worshipped, highlighting the profound foolishness, spiritual degradation, and moral corruption inherent in their devotion to lifeless objects.
* **enquired of (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root (H1875) means to tread or frequent, but more commonly, to follow for pursuit or search, to seek or ask, and specifically, to worship or consult. God's declaration that He "will not be enquired of" by Israel signifies His absolute and unyielding refusal to be sought for guidance, counsel, or revelation by a people so deeply entrenched in sin and hypocrisy. It represents a severe divine withdrawal of favor, communication, and responsiveness due to their profound spiritual defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day:"** This clause exposes the profound hypocrisy and syncretism at the heart of Israel's worship. They continued to bring "gifts" (likely referring to sacrifices or offerings intended for Yahweh), yet simultaneously engaged in the heinous practice of "making their sons to pass through the fire," a euphemism for child sacrifice to pagan deities. This dual allegiance resulted in their complete "pollution" and defilement by "all their idols," emphasizing the pervasive, deep-seated, and ongoing nature of their unfaithfulness, which persisted "even unto this day" (the time of Ezekiel's prophecy in exile).
* **"and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel?"** This rhetorical question expresses God's indignant refusal and profound displeasure. It implies that for a people so deeply defiled by such abominable practices, it is utterly unthinkable and audacious that they would presume to seek counsel, guidance, or revelation from a holy God. Their actions had created an insurmountable barrier, making any genuine communion impossible.
* **"As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you."** This is God's emphatic, solemn, and unchangeable oath. The phrase "As I live" is a divine oath, swearing by His own eternal existence and immutable character, underscoring the absolute certainty and irrevocability of His declaration. The title "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes His sovereign authority, covenant faithfulness, and absolute holiness. He unequivocally states that He will not allow Himself to be consulted, sought, or have any genuine interaction with a people who have so thoroughly defiled themselves and His holy name.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey God's righteous indignation and resolute judgment. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel?", which serves not to elicit an answer but to express God's indignant refusal and to highlight the sheer absurdity and audacity of Israel's presumption in seeking Him while simultaneously committing such grievous sins. This is immediately followed by a potent **Divine Oath**, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you," which emphasizes the absolute certainty, solemnity, and irrevocability of God's judgment and His unwavering commitment to His own holiness. The stark juxtaposition of "your gifts" (implying worship of Yahweh) with "make your sons to pass through the fire" (child sacrifice to idols) creates a profound **Antithesis** that underscores Israel's spiritual schizophrenia, profound hypocrisy, and the irreconcilable nature of their dual allegiance. The phrase "even unto this day" functions as **Emphasis** or **Hyperbole**, stressing the long-standing, persistent, and ingrained nature of Israel's rebellion, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but a deep-seated pattern of defilement that continued into their exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 20:31 profoundly illustrates the fundamental incompatibility of true worship with syncretism and unrepentant, egregious sin. God's absolute holiness demands exclusive allegiance and an undivided heart; He cannot be genuinely worshipped alongside idols or consulted by those whose lives are steeped in abomination. This principle reveals that outward religious acts, no matter how seemingly pious, are rendered meaningless, and indeed become offensive, if the heart is not wholly devoted to God and if one's life is characterized by practices antithetical to His nature. It speaks to the integrity of God's character, affirming that He will not compromise His purity or His name by engaging in genuine communion with those who deliberately defile themselves and His covenant. This divine refusal is not merely punitive but also pedagogical, serving to expose the depth of Israel's spiritual sickness and to prepare them for a future where God will act, not for their sake or merit, but solely for the vindication and glorification of His own holy name.

* [Isaiah 1:13-15](/isaiah/1-13-15 "Isaiah 1:13-15 - God Rejects Hypocritical Worship")
* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - Unconfessed Sin Hinders Prayer")
* [Jeremiah 7:9-10](/jeremiah/7-9-10 "Jeremiah 7:9-10 - Temple Worship with Abominations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 20:31 serves as a timeless and piercing mirror for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine the authenticity and integrity of our faith and worship. While the literal practice of child sacrifice is abhorrent and unthinkable for most, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: God cannot be genuinely sought, worshipped, or communed with if our lives are simultaneously polluted by "idols" of the heart. These modern idols can manifest in myriad forms—anything that competes for our ultimate loyalty, affection, and devotion, such as career, wealth, comfort, relationships, self-image, social media, or even spiritual practices that become ends in themselves rather than means to glorify God. The Lord's resolute refusal to be "enquired of" by a hypocritical Israel should stir within us a profound conviction to pursue wholehearted devotion, genuine repentance, and a life of purity that truly honors His holiness. True communion with God requires an undivided heart and a courageous commitment to forsake all forms of spiritual compromise, ensuring that our "gifts," prayers, and inquiries are offered from a place of sincerity, unreserved allegiance, and a life consecrated to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or competing loyalties might be subtly or overtly vying for my ultimate allegiance today, even as I outwardly offer "gifts" or seek God's guidance?**
* **In what specific ways might my actions, attitudes, or unconfessed sins be polluting my relationship with God, hindering genuine communion and His willingness to be "enquired of" by me?**
* **How does God's uncompromising holiness, as revealed in this verse, challenge my understanding of true worship and my personal commitment to purity and wholehearted devotion?**

### FAQ
**What does "make your sons to pass through the fire" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the horrific practice of child sacrifice, a detestable ritual offered to pagan deities like Molech, which was strictly forbidden by God's law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominations to the Lord")). While some ancient interpretations suggested a purification ritual involving fire, the overwhelming biblical and historical context in Ezekiel 20, along with other passages (e.g., [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Child Sacrifice"); [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")), clearly indicates the literal burning of children as an offering, an act God considered an utter abomination and a profound defilement.

**Why does God refuse to be "enquired of" by Israel?**

Answer: God refuses to be "enquired of" because Israel's outward religious practices were a profound mockery of true worship. They sought God's counsel and offered Him "gifts" while simultaneously engaging in profound spiritual defilement, including child sacrifice and widespread idolatry. A holy and righteous God cannot be consulted or associated with such abominations. His emphatic refusal underscores His uncompromising holiness and His rejection of hypocritical worship that attempts to blend devotion to Him with allegiance to false gods, as seen in other prophetic condemnations of insincere worship (e.g., [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Despises Insincere Worship")).

**Does this verse mean God will never answer prayers from sinful people?**

Answer: This verse specifically addresses a nation steeped in persistent, unrepentant, and egregious sin (like child sacrifice and pervasive idolatry) while attempting to maintain a façade of seeking God. It does not mean God will never answer prayers from individuals who sin. Rather, it emphasizes that a lifestyle of deliberate, unrepentant rebellion and profound hypocrisy creates an insurmountable barrier to genuine communion with God. The Bible consistently teaches that God hears the prayers of the righteous and, crucially, those who genuinely repent and turn to Him in faith (e.g., [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"); [Psalm 34:17-18](/psalms/34-17-18 "Psalm 34:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Righteous and Brokenhearted")). The issue here is Israel's unrepentant, syncretistic heart, not individual sin that is confessed and forsaken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 20:31, with its stark portrayal of Israel's deep defilement and God's resolute refusal to engage with their hypocritical worship, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant system, with its ritualistic sacrifices and inquiries, was ultimately insufficient to cleanse a people so deeply polluted by sin. Israel's persistent inability to cease their idolatry and defilement demonstrated the inherent weakness of the law and the desperate need for a radical transformation of the heart, something the law could not achieve (cf. [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law's Weakness and Christ's Provision")). Jesus Christ, as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, came to deal definitively with the problem of sin and defilement. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a cleansing that ritualistic "gifts" and animal sacrifices could never provide (cf. [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work on the cross, we are made clean and righteous, no longer "polluted" by our idols, and are granted unprecedented access to God's holy presence (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Unlike the Old Covenant people who were rejected for their hypocrisy, believers in Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, are empowered to worship God in [spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), with renewed hearts and genuine devotion, enabling them to truly "enquire of" Him and receive His guidance (cf. [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Guide"); [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26-27 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). Christ's work establishes a new way of communion, based not on our flawed offerings, but on His perfect sacrifice and our transformed hearts.

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 7:31

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

Ezekiel 20:26

And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through [the fire] all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 106:37

Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

Psalms 106:39

Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Jeremiah 14:12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Ezekiel 16:20

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. [Is this] of thy whoredoms a small matter,