Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

And they come {H935} unto thee as the people {H5971} cometh {H3996}, and they sit {H3427} before {H6440} thee as my people {H5971}, and they hear {H8085} thy words {H1697}, but they will not do {H6213} them: for with their mouth {H6310} they shew {H6213} much love {H5690}, but their heart {H3820} goeth {H1980} after {H310} their covetousness {H1215}.

So then they come to you, as people do, sit in front of you as my people, and hear your words; but they don't act on them. For with their mouths they flatter you, but their hearts are set on their own self-interest;

So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but do them not; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their gain.

Commentary on Ezekiel 33:31 (KJV)

Ezekiel 33:31 presents a stark and timeless critique of superficial religiosity, revealing the chasm between outward appearance and inward reality. This verse captures a moment where people seemingly engage with God's prophet, Ezekiel, but their hearts remain far from Him, enslaved by worldly desires.

Context

This verse falls within Ezekiel's renewed commission as a watchman for Israel, a role that began in Ezekiel 3:17. After the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 33:21), the exiled Israelites were more inclined to listen to Ezekiel's prophecies, perhaps out of curiosity or a glimmer of hope. However, verse 30 indicates that they spoke about him among themselves, often gathering to hear his words as if for entertainment or intellectual interest, rather than with a genuine desire for repentance and obedience. Ezekiel 33:31 then exposes the true condition of their hearts during these seemingly devout gatherings.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy and Insincerity: The verse vividly portrays a people who "come unto thee as the people cometh" and "sit before thee as my people," giving the impression of devotion. Yet, their actions betray their words; they "hear thy words, but they will not do them." This highlights the danger of outward religious observance without inward transformation.
  • Disobedience to God's Word: The core issue is a refusal to obey. They are hearers, not doers. This is a recurring theme throughout scripture, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through obedience (James 1:22).
  • The Destructive Power of Covetousness: The heart of the problem is explicitly stated: "their heart goeth after their covetousness." The Hebrew word for covetousness (betsa') often denotes unjust gain, greed, or profit. Their ultimate allegiance was not to God but to personal wealth and material desires, which superseded any spiritual commitment. This pursuit of selfish gain rendered their outward expressions of "love" meaningless.
  • The Condition of the Heart: The passage underscores that God looks beyond outward appearances to the true condition of the heart. While their mouths "shew much love," their hearts reveal their true master – greed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shew much love" uses the Hebrew word 'ahabah, which is the standard term for love. However, in this context, it describes an empty, superficial affection, a mere lip service that does not translate into genuine devotion or obedience. This contrast highlights the false nature of their worship, where spoken words of affection are undermined by the heart's true object of desire: covetousness (betsa'), which denotes material gain or unjust profit.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:31 serves as a profound warning for believers today. It challenges us to examine the sincerity of our faith and worship. Are we merely "hearers" of God's word, attending services or reading scripture, but failing to apply its truths to our lives? This verse urges introspection:

  • Genuine vs. Superficial Faith: It calls us to consider whether our spiritual practices are rooted in a transformed heart or are simply outward displays to gain approval or maintain a facade.
  • The Danger of Worldly Desires: It reminds us that covetousness, or any overwhelming desire for worldly possessions or status, can subtly, yet powerfully, draw our hearts away from God, rendering our worship hollow. Jesus Himself warned against serving two masters (Matthew 6:24).
  • The Call to Obedience: True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. This verse compels us to be not just hearers of the word, but diligent doers, allowing God's truth to transform our hearts and guide our actions.
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.

  • Psalms 78:36

    Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

  • Psalms 78:37

    For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

  • Matthew 13:22

    He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

  • Luke 11:28

    But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

  • Isaiah 29:13

    Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

  • James 1:22

    But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

  • James 1:24

    For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

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