Ezekiel 33:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:31 delivers a scathing indictment of spiritual hypocrisy, laying bare the profound disconnect between outward religious performance and the inward reality of a heart captivated by worldly desires. It vividly portrays the people of Israel gathering with apparent eagerness to hear God's word through Ezekiel, adopting the posture of devout listeners, yet their ultimate unwillingness to obey reveals their true allegiance to personal gain and covetousness, rendering their expressions of "love" as nothing more than insincere lip service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel's prophecy immediately following the long-awaited news of Jerusalem's fall in [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall"). This catastrophic event marked a profound shift in the exiles' disposition; previously resistant or apathetic, they now became more receptive to Ezekiel's messages, perhaps out of despair, a shattered worldview, or a newfound sense of urgency regarding their spiritual state. The preceding verse, [Ezekiel 33:30](/ezekiel/33-30 "Ezekiel 33:30 - People Discuss Ezekiel"), sets the stage by highlighting the popular interest in Ezekiel as a prophetic figure, with people discussing him in the streets and inviting one another to hear his words. However, this seemingly positive engagement is immediately and sharply qualified by the Lord's assessment in verse 31, revealing that their enthusiasm was superficial, akin to appreciating a "lovely song" rather than internalizing a divine command meant for transformative obedience. This creates a stark and intentional contrast between outward appearance and inward spiritual reality, a recurring and critical theme throughout prophetic literature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this prophecy is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense upheaval and existential crisis for the Judean captives. Having witnessed the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, they grappled with profound questions of identity, divine justice, and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. In this foreign land, prophets like Ezekiel served as God's primary voice, offering both judgment and hope, and relentlessly challenging the people's spiritual complacency and false security. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public assemblies to hear oracles from prophets, wise men, or even diviners were common occurrences. Such gatherings were often driven by a complex mix of curiosity, a desire for entertainment, a search for political or social insight, or even a superstitious hope for favorable omens, rather than a genuine yearning for spiritual transformation or ethical reform. The behavior described in [Ezekiel 33:31](/ezekiel/33-31 "Ezekiel 33:31 - Hypocritical Listeners") reflects a common human tendency across cultures and eras: to seek spiritual experiences or knowledge without committing to the costly and demanding path of true discipleship. It mirrors the superficial religiosity often observed in societies where religious observance is culturally expected or even fashionable, but not deeply internalized or genuinely practiced.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 33:31 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes pervasive throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and individual accountability**, emphasizing that God sees beyond mere external acts and assesses the true condition of the heart, holding His people responsible for their profound disobedience despite outward displays of piety. The verse also highlights the pervasive theme of **hypocrisy and spiritual insincerity**, a consistent critique leveled by the prophets against religious practices where ritualistic observance or verbal affirmations are divorced from genuine obedience and internal transformation. This serves as a stark warning against merely being "hearers of the word" without being "doers," a concept powerfully echoed in the New Testament in [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word"). Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the **destructive power of covetousness**, portraying it as a rival master that captures the heart and effectively nullifies any professed love for God. This aligns seamlessly with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters") about the impossibility of serving both God and money, revealing the deep spiritual idolatry inherent in an unbridled pursuit of material gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word (H8085), translated "hear," signifies far more than the mere physical act of perceiving sound. In biblical Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_ often implies intelligent listening, paying close attention, and, most crucially, obedience. When the text states that the people "hear thy words," it acknowledges their auditory reception, but the immediate qualification, "but they will not do them," reveals their failure to engage with the word in its fullest, intended sense—to heed, internalize, and obey. Their hearing is thus rendered superficial, lacking the transformative power that God's word is meant to impart.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** The term "heart" (H3820) in Hebrew anthropology is vastly more comprehensive than the organ of emotion. It encompasses the entirety of a person's inner being: their intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral character. When the text declares, "their heart goeth after their covetousness," it exposes that the very core of their being, their deepest affections, intentions, and decision-making faculty, are fundamentally directed not towards God and His revealed word, but towards selfish gain. This reveals the profound spiritual corruption and misdirection of their innermost being, hidden beneath their outwardly religious demeanor.
* **Covetousness (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** This word (H1215) denotes plunder, gain, or profit, frequently carrying the strong implication of being unjust, dishonest, or ill-gotten. It speaks to an insatiable, often illicit, desire for material acquisition, selfish advantage, or illicit profit. The declaration that their heart "goeth after their covetousness" pinpoints the root cause of their spiritual insincerity and disobedience: their ultimate loyalty and pursuit are not God's will or glory but personal, often unrighteous, material enrichment. This consuming pursuit acts as an idol, rendering their expressions of love for God meaningless and their obedience impossible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they come unto thee as the people cometh":** This initial clause describes the outward, visible behavior of the people. They gather around Ezekiel, the prophet, in a manner that appears earnest and respectful, giving the impression of a devout congregation assembling to receive divine instruction. This sets the stage for the revelation of their true motives.
* **"and they sit before thee [as] my people":** This further emphasizes their outward conformity and religious posturing. They adopt the physical posture of attentive listeners and disciples, positioning themselves as God's chosen people, seemingly ready to receive and internalize His word. This reinforces the facade of piety and spiritual receptivity.
* **"and they hear thy words, but they will not do them":** This is the crucial turning point of the verse, exposing the profound chasm between their external show and their internal reality. While they physically "hear" Ezekiel's prophecies, admonitions, and divine commands, they deliberately and willfully refuse to act upon them. This highlights a fundamental failure of obedience, rendering their listening futile and their outward piety deceptive.
* **"for with their mouth they shew much love":** This clause reveals the extent of their hypocrisy. They express verbal affection, admiration, and perhaps even praise for Ezekiel's eloquence or the beauty of his message. Their "love" is purely verbal, a performance designed to maintain appearances and perhaps gain favor, without any genuine commitment or corresponding action.
* **"[but] their heart goeth after their covetousness":** This final, devastating clause unveils the true master of their lives and the ultimate source of their spiritual duplicity. Despite their outward expressions of love for God and His prophet, their innermost being—their will, affections, and deepest desires—are fundamentally directed toward selfish gain, material possessions, and unjust profit. This pursuit of "covetousness" (unrighteous acquisition) is the true idol of their hearts, nullifying their professed spiritual devotion and explaining their unwillingness to obey.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:31 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and convicting message. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the people present themselves "as my people" and "shew much love," yet their actions and internal motivations completely contradict these outward appearances. There is a stark **Contrast** drawn throughout the verse between outward show and inward reality: the "mouth" expresses love, but the "heart" pursues covetousness; they "hear" but "will not do." The phrase "their heart goeth after their covetousness" functions as a vivid **Metaphor**, portraying the heart as an active agent, a traveler or pursuer, diligently moving towards and seeking an object of desire. This powerfully illustrates the soul's misplaced allegiance and priorities. The entire verse serves as a potent depiction of **Hypocrisy**, where religious pretense and superficial piety mask a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and the idolatry of wealth and self-gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:31 serves as a timeless theological warning against superficial faith, emphasizing that God values genuine obedience and a transformed heart over mere outward religious performance. It underscores the profound biblical truth that true worship and authentic relationship with God are not merely about hearing His word or speaking words of devotion, but about actively doing His will from a heart wholly devoted to Him, rather than to worldly gain. This passage resonates deeply with the consistent prophetic tradition's critique of ritualism devoid of righteousness and highlights the insidious nature of covetousness as a spiritual cancer that can corrupt even seemingly devout individuals, rendering their faith hollow, ineffective, and ultimately unacceptable to God.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving God and Money")
* [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. True Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:31 stands as a potent and uncomfortable mirror for believers in every age, compelling us to scrutinize the authenticity and depth of our spiritual lives. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious observance, intellectual assent to God's word, or emotional responses to worship, urging us instead towards a faith that is deeply rooted in genuine obedience and transformed affections. Are we content to simply "hear" sermons, read scripture, attend church activities, or engage in spiritual conversations, while subtly allowing our hearts to remain captivated by the pursuit of wealth, status, personal comfort, or worldly approval? This verse calls us to a radical honesty about our deepest desires and true allegiances. True love for God is not expressed solely through words or outward displays, but through a heart that genuinely seeks to please Him, actively obeys His commands, and recognizes that covetousness is a spiritual rival that effectively dethrones God in our lives, leading to a faith that is ultimately empty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be guilty of "hearing" God's word but consistently failing to "do" it?**
* **What are the "covetousnesses"—whether material possessions, power, approval, or comfort—that might be subtly drawing my heart away from genuine devotion to God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart that truly "goes after" God and His will, rather than being driven by worldly desires and selfish gain?**
* **Am I more concerned with maintaining the *appearance* of spirituality or with pursuing the authentic, transformative work of God in my inner being?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the people "sitting before" Ezekiel?**

Answer: The act of "sitting before" Ezekiel (H3427, _yâshab_) signifies a posture of attentiveness, respect, and readiness to receive instruction, much like students before a teacher or a congregation before a preacher. It implies a formal and seemingly devout engagement with the prophet and his divine message. However, the verse immediately undercuts this appearance by revealing their true intentions, highlighting the profound hypocrisy where outward posture belies inward disinterest in genuine obedience. This physical act of sitting is contrasted sharply with the spiritual reality of their hearts, which are far from God's will.

**How does "covetousness" relate to the people's disobedience in this verse?**

Answer: Covetousness (H1215, _betsaʻ_) is presented as the fundamental and underlying reason for their disobedience. While they outwardly express "much love" for God and eagerly hear His words through Ezekiel, their hearts are ultimately driven by an insatiable desire for personal gain, which is often implied to be unjust or dishonest. This means their ultimate allegiance is not to God and His commands but to their material desires and selfish advantage. This pursuit of selfish profit or advantage acts as a rival master, effectively nullifying any spiritual commitment or professed love for God, making them unwilling to obey His commands when those commands conflict with their covetous aims. It powerfully illustrates how the idolatry of wealth can render religious practice meaningless, as also warned by Jesus in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:31, with its stark portrayal of superficial religiosity and a heart enslaved by covetousness, finds its ultimate answer and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very problem identified here—a people who hear God's words but refuse to do them because their hearts are captivated elsewhere—is precisely what Jesus confronted in the religious leaders of His day, as seen in His scathing rebuke: "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me" ([Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Honor with Lips, Heart Far")). Unlike the people in Ezekiel's time, Jesus perfectly embodied true obedience and genuine devotion, stating, "I always do what is pleasing to him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus' Perfect Obedience")). He did not come to merely speak words, but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, demonstrating a heart completely devoted to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, directly addresses the problem of the hard, disobedient heart. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God promises to write His laws not on tablets of stone, but "on their hearts" ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Promise"), echoing [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant's Inner Law")). This divine work of regeneration transforms the human heart from one that "goes after covetousness" to one that genuinely desires to hear, love, and obey God's word, enabling believers to live not by outward show but by inward, Spirit-empowered righteousness and true devotion ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness Fulfilled by the Spirit")).

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

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.