Ezekiel 36:20

KJV

And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These [are] the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they entered {H935} unto the heathen {H1471}, whither they went {H935}, they profaned {H2490} my holy {H6944} name {H8034}, when they said {H559} to them, These are the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068}, and are gone forth {H3318} out of his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they came to the nations they were going to, they profaned my holy name; so that people said of them, 'These are ADONAI's people, who have been exiled from his land.'

Berean Standard Bible

And wherever they went among the nations, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, ‘These are the people of the LORD, yet they had to leave His land.’

American Standard Version

And when they came unto the nations, whither they went, they profaned my holy name; in that men said of them, These are the people of Jehovah, and are gone forth out of his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:20 powerfully articulates God's profound concern for the defilement of His holy name among the Gentile nations, directly resulting from the Babylonian exile of His people, Israel. When the Israelites, meant to be a testament to Yahweh's power and faithfulness, were seen as defeated and displaced, the surrounding peoples concluded that their God, the LORD, was either weak or unable to protect them, thereby bringing dishonor and contempt upon His divine character and reputation in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 36:20 is situated within a significant prophetic discourse concerning Israel's restoration and the vindication of God's name. Chapters 33-39 of Ezekiel shift from judgment to hope, focusing on the future return and spiritual renewal of Israel. Prior to this, Ezekiel has extensively detailed Israel's persistent idolatry and moral corruption, which led to the devastating Babylonian exile (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple") and [Ezekiel 20](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellious History")). Verse 20 specifically highlights the *reason* for God's impending restoration: not primarily for Israel's sake, but for the sake of His own holy name, which had been profaned among the nations. This sets the stage for the glorious promises of new heart, new spirit, and return to the land found in the subsequent verses, particularly [Ezekiel 36:22-27](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-27 - God's Act for His Name's Sake").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse is set during the Babylonian captivity (circa 597-538 BC), a period when the people of Judah were forcibly removed from their homeland and dispersed throughout the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In the ancient Near East, the defeat and exile of a nation were universally interpreted as a clear indication of the weakness or abandonment by that nation's god. Conquering empires often paraded the idols of defeated peoples as trophies, symbolizing the supremacy of their own deities. When the Israelites, who claimed to be the people of the mighty LORD, appeared as refugees and slaves in Babylon, it was natural for the "heathen" (Gentiles) to conclude that the LORD was either powerless to protect His people or had abandoned them, thus bringing His "name" (representing His character, power, and reputation) into disrepute among the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme in Ezekiel, particularly in this section, is the **sanctity and vindication of God's holy name**. The exile revealed that Israel's sin had cosmic implications, impacting God's reputation among the nations. God's primary motivation for restoration is not Israel's merit, but His unwavering commitment to His own glory and the holiness of His name (see [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Action for His Holy Name")). This underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** and **unconditional grace**, as God acts according to His own character and purposes, despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The verse also implicitly touches on the **covenant relationship** between God and Israel, where Israel's conduct was meant to reflect God's character to the world, a responsibility they failed to uphold.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **profaned (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** From H2490, this primitive root means "to bore," and by implication, "to wound" or "to dissolve." Figuratively, it signifies "to profane," "to defile," or "to make common." In this context, it describes the act of treating something sacred as ordinary or contemptible. Israel's exile caused God's holy name, which is inherently set apart and revered, to be regarded as common, weak, or even scorned by the Gentile nations, thereby desecrating its divine sanctity.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this word refers to an appellation, a mark, or a memorial of individuality. By implication, it encompasses honor, authority, and character. In biblical theology, God's "name" is not merely a label but represents His entire being, His revealed character, His power, and His reputation. When the nations questioned God's ability to protect Israel, they were not just questioning a word, but the very essence of who Yahweh is—His omnipotence, faithfulness, and holiness.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, this term refers to a foreign nation or, by extension, a Gentile. It highlights the non-Israelite peoples who observed Israel's plight. The "heathen" serve as the audience before whom God's name was profaned, emphasizing the international scope of God's concern for His reputation and the global implications of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went,"**: This clause establishes the setting of the profanation—the Israelites' arrival and presence among the foreign nations during their exile. It highlights the public nature of their plight and the immediate observation by non-believers.
* **"they profaned my holy name,"**: This is the core accusation. The "they" refers to the exiled Israelites, and their very presence in a defeated state among the Gentiles, despite being God's chosen people, caused God's "holy name" (His character, reputation, and divine essence) to be treated as common, dishonored, and discredited by the observing nations.
* **"when they said to them, These [are] the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land."**: This final clause explains *how* the profanation occurred. The Gentiles, observing Israel's exile, drew a logical (though flawed) conclusion based on their worldview: if the LORD was truly the powerful God of Israel, His people would not have been defeated and driven from their land. This perception directly challenged God's power and faithfulness, bringing His name into contempt.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is central: Israel, chosen to be a witness to God's glory among the nations, inadvertently becomes the instrument through which His name is dishonored. Their very existence as the "people of the LORD" in exile, rather than a testament to His power, becomes a source of reproach. There is also a strong element of **Synecdoche**, where "my holy name" stands for the entirety of God's character, reputation, and divine essence. The profanation of His name is thus a profanation of God Himself. Furthermore, the verse uses **Cause and Effect** to clearly link Israel's actions (or rather, their state of being due to their actions) to the dishonor brought upon God. The direct speech of the "heathen" serves as a form of **Direct Quotation**, lending immediacy and authenticity to the perceived insult against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:20 reveals a fundamental theological truth: God's ultimate concern is the glory and sanctity of His own name. While He loves His people and desires their well-being, His primary motivation for action, even in judgment and subsequent restoration, is the vindication of His character before a watching world. Israel's exile was not merely a punishment but a public relations disaster for the divine reputation. God's response, therefore, is not driven by Israel's merit but by His own inherent holiness and commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His glory is paramount. This sets the stage for the new covenant promises where God will act decisively to restore Israel and enable them to truly honor His name.

* [Isaiah 52:5](/isaiah/52-5 "Isaiah 52:5 - God's Name Blasphemed Among the Nations")
* [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - God's Name Blasphemed Because of You")
* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Do Not Profane the Name of Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:20 serves as a profound and sobering reminder for believers today that our lives are not merely private affairs but public testimonies to the God we serve. Just as ancient Israel's conduct impacted how the "heathen" perceived the LORD, so too do the actions, attitudes, and choices of Christians reflect upon the character and power of God in the eyes of an unbelieving world. When we live inconsistently with our faith, engage in hypocrisy, or fail to embody the transformative power of the Gospel, we inadvertently cause God's holy name to be dishonored, leading others to question His truth, goodness, or even His existence. Conversely, when our lives genuinely reflect the love, holiness, and grace of Christ, we become instruments through which God's name is glorified and His character is vindicated, drawing others to Him. This verse calls us to a deep sense of responsibility, urging us to live lives worthy of the Gospel, recognizing that our spiritual integrity has eternal implications for God's reputation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own actions or attitudes inadvertently cause God's name to be dishonored in the eyes of those who do not believe?**
* **How can I intentionally live in a way that brings honor and glory to God's name in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What does it mean for God's "name" to be holy, and how does understanding this deepen my reverence for Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "profaned my holy name" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 36:20, "profaned my holy name" means that God's reputation, character, and divine authority were dishonored and treated as common or contemptible by the Gentile nations. When Israel, God's chosen people, were defeated and exiled from their land, the surrounding nations interpreted this as a sign that the LORD, the God of Israel, was either weak, powerless, or had abandoned His people. This perception brought shame and disrespect upon God's sacred name, which represents His very essence and power. This is in direct contrast to how God's name should be regarded—with utmost holiness and reverence, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God Will Be Sanctified Through Those To Whom He Comes Near").

**Why was God's name profaned specifically by Israel's exile?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a nation's military defeat and exile were commonly seen as evidence that their god was weaker than the god(s) of the conquering nation. Israel's God, the LORD (Yahweh), had explicitly promised to protect them in their land if they obeyed His covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience")). Their exile, therefore, seemed to contradict these promises and imply a failure on God's part. The Gentiles, observing Israel's plight, concluded, "These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land," effectively questioning God's power and faithfulness. This public display of Israel's defeat, a consequence of their own sin, inadvertently cast a shadow over God's divine character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:20, with its emphasis on the profaning of God's holy name through Israel's sin and exile, sets the stage for the ultimate vindication of that name through Jesus Christ. While Israel failed to uphold God's glory, Jesus perfectly embodied and revealed the Father's name, declaring, "I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world" ([John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Manifests God's Name")). His life was one of perfect obedience, perfectly honoring God's name in every thought, word, and deed, unlike Israel who continually defiled it. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross dealt decisively with the very sin that caused God's name to be profaned, offering a means for humanity to be reconciled to a holy God and, through Him, to once again bear God's name with honor. The new covenant, promised in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and inaugurated by Christ, involves God putting His Spirit within His people, enabling them to walk in His statutes and truly glorify His name, fulfilling the very purpose Israel failed to achieve. Thus, the ultimate restoration of God's name and reputation among the nations is achieved not through human effort, but through the perfect work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, forming a new people who are truly called by His name and empowered to live lives that bring Him glory ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

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.

Isaiah 52:5

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day [is] blasphemed.

Jeremiah 33:24

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

Exodus 32:11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Exodus 32:13

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.

Daniel 3:15

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; [well]: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who [is] that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

2 Kings 18:35

Who [are] they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?