Ezekiel 36:31

KJV

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall ye remember {H2142} your own evil {H7451} ways {H1870}, and your doings {H4611} that were not good {H2896}, and shall lothe {H6962} yourselves in your own sight {H6440} for your iniquities {H5771} and for your abominations {H8441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will remember your evil ways and your actions that were not good; as you look at yourselves, you will loathe yourselves for your guilt and disgusting practices.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations.

American Standard Version

Then shall ye remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 36:31 powerfully articulates the profound, Spirit-wrought transformation within the restored people of Israel, leading them to a deep and visceral self-loathing over their past transgressions. This verse describes not a prerequisite for God's grace, but a divinely enabled consequence of regeneration, where the newly sanctified heart, made acutely sensitive to holiness, recalls the full extent of its former rebellion and finds its past actions utterly detestable, thereby fostering profound humility and an overwhelming gratitude for God's unmerited favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Ezekiel's monumental prophecy of Israel's eschatological restoration, specifically within the climactic chapter 36, which details both a physical return to their ancestral land and, more profoundly, a spiritual rebirth. Following a series of pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations and a lament over Israel's desolate state, Ezekiel 36 pivots dramatically to a message of hope and divine initiative. God unequivocally promises to cleanse His people, gather them from their global dispersion, and, most significantly, fundamentally transform their inner being. The preceding verses, particularly [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25-27 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - God's Cleansing and New Heart"), are foundational, declaring God's intention to "sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you... And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes." Therefore, [Ezekiel 36:31](/ezekiel/36-31 "Ezekiel 36:31 - Remembering and Loathing Sin") is presented as the divinely orchestrated *result* of this prior work of regeneration, not its human precondition. It describes the authentic, internal moral and emotional response of a people who have already received God's Spirit and a new, God-given capacity for righteousness. This profound self-loathing is thus a definitive sign of spiritual health, demonstrating a renewed sensitivity to the heinousness of sin and a proper alignment with God's holy character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the harrowing period of the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a time of unprecedented national trauma for the Israelites. They had been forcibly dispossessed of their land, the sacred Temple, and their monarchy, largely as a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry, moral corruption, and flagrant violation of their covenant with Yahweh. This exile was universally understood as divine judgment, a fulfillment of the stern warnings articulated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The primary audience of Ezekiel's message was a dispirited, often rebellious, remnant dwelling in Babylon, grappling with a profound crisis of identity and a fractured relationship with their God. In the broader ancient Near Eastern cultural milieu, a nation's defeat was frequently interpreted as the defeat or impotence of its patron deity. Ezekiel's prophecy directly counters this pagan worldview, powerfully asserting God's absolute sovereignty even in exile and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, not primarily for Israel's merit, but for the ultimate vindication and glorification of His holy name among the nations (as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated")). The concept of "abominations" (Hebrew: *to'evah*) was deeply ingrained in Israelite law and culture, referring to practices utterly detestable to God, often encompassing idolatry, child sacrifice, and various sexual perversions that were rampant in the surrounding pagan cultures and had tragically infiltrated Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching and dominant theme permeating [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration") is **Divine Restoration and Renewal**. God's sovereign initiative is paramount; He acts to restore Israel, not because they have earned it, but solely for the sake of His holy name and reputation. This restoration is profoundly multifaceted, encompassing both a physical re-gathering to the land and, crucially, a radical spiritual transformation. A central and pivotal theme is the **New Heart and New Spirit** ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The New Heart and Spirit")), which signifies an internal, supernatural work enabling the people to obey God's laws from a transformed inner disposition, a stark contrast to their historical stubbornness and rebellion. This spiritual renewal directly precipitates the theme of **Godly Sorrow and Repentance**, vividly portrayed in [Ezekiel 36:31](/ezekiel/36-31 "Ezekiel 36:31 - Remembering and Loathing Sin"). The self-loathing described is not a descent into despair, but rather a profound, Spirit-induced abhorrence of sin, leading to genuine humility and a deeper, more fervent appreciation for God's unmerited grace. It powerfully underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating His omnipotent power to transform even the most rebellious hearts and to fulfill His covenant promises despite human failure. Furthermore, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Sin**, emphasizing the inherent ugliness, defilement, and detestability of "evil ways" and "abominations" in the sight of a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) Derived from a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In this profound context, "remember" signifies a conscious, intentional, and deeply reflective recall of past actions and their moral implications. It is not a fleeting thought but a sustained process where the people bring their former conduct vividly to mind, acknowledging its true nature and culpability. This remembrance is divinely facilitated by the new heart and Spirit, enabling a clear-eyed, unvarnished view of their sin, free from the self-deception, forgetfulness, or denial that characterized their past rebellion.
* **lothe (Hebrew, _qûwṭ'_):** (H6962) A primitive root meaning "properly, to cut off, i.e. (figuratively) detest; be grieved, loathe self." This is an exceptionally powerful and visceral term, expressing profound disgust, abhorrence, or revulsion. It transcends mere regret or sadness, implying a deep-seated nausea or repugnance towards one's past sinful self and actions. This internal detestation is a hallmark of true, Spirit-wrought repentance, signifying a complete and decisive turning away from and rejection of the sinful ways that once defined them. It is a healthy, purifying aversion to evil.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** (H8441) This term describes "something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." It refers to actions, practices, or objects that are inherently detestable and repugnant to God, often specifically associated with pagan rituals, idolatry, and severe moral offenses that defile the land and utterly violate God's holiness and covenant. The use of this intensely strong word emphasizes the extreme offense of Israel's past actions in God's sight, and now, by divine grace, in their own regenerated sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good":** This initial clause describes the cognitive and moral awakening that marks the beginning of the Spirit-wrought transformation. The phrase "evil ways" (Hebrew: *ra' derek*) refers comprehensively to their entire course of life, their moral conduct, which was characterized by wickedness, deviation from God's path, and spiritual rebellion. "Doings that were not good" (Hebrew: *maʻălâl tôwb*) further specifies their actions, highlighting their moral deficiency, their failure to align with God's righteous standards, and their active participation in sin. This remembrance is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound, convicting recollection, designed not for condemnation but for conviction, leading to deep humility and an intensified appreciation for God's unmerited grace. It signifies a clear-eyed recognition of their personal culpability and the pervasive extent of their rebellion against a holy God.
* **"and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight":** This is the emotional and moral apex of the verse, describing the visceral response to the remembrance of sin. The verb "lothe" (Hebrew: *qûwṭ*) conveys an intense, gut-level disgust or abhorrence. The phrase "in your own sight" (Hebrew: *pânîym*) profoundly emphasizes the internal, personal, and deeply intimate nature of this revulsion. It signifies that the people are not merely acknowledging God's righteous judgment, but are experiencing a profound self-condemnation, a visceral turning against their former sinful selves and the actions they once embraced. This self-loathing is a definitive sign of a renewed moral compass, where what was once appealing, acceptable, or even desirable is now perceived as utterly repugnant and nauseating, solely due to the transformative work of the indwelling Spirit. It is a healthy, godly sorrow that leads to genuine repentance and life, not to despair or destructive self-hatred.
* **"for your iniquities and for your abominations":** This concluding phrase precisely specifies the ultimate cause and object of their profound self-loathing. "Iniquities" (Hebrew: *ʻâvôn*) refers to moral perversions, crookedness, guilt, and the inherent bent towards sin, often implying the just punishment due for such transgressions. "Abominations" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) denotes actions or practices that are inherently detestable, particularly offensive to God's holiness, and are frequently associated with idolatry, pagan practices, and severe moral offenses that pollute both the individual and the land. These terms collectively encompass the full spectrum and egregious nature of their past rebellion against God's covenant, His character, and His holy standards. The intensity of their loathing is directly proportional to the inherent wickedness and profound offensiveness of these specific transgressions in the eyes of a holy God, now seen through the eyes of a regenerated heart.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 36:31 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message of spiritual transformation. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the phrasing "your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good," where two distinct yet conceptually similar phrases are juxtaposed to convey the comprehensive scope of Israel's sinful conduct, thereby intensifying the recognition of their transgressions. The strategic use of strong, evocative verbs such as "remember" and, most notably, "lothe" creates **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and compelling picture of the profound internal emotional and spiritual state of the transformed people. The phrase "lothe yourselves" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme depth and visceral nature of their self-revulsion, indicating a complete and radical turning away from sin. The deliberate repetition of the possessive pronoun "your own" and "your" throughout the verse serves as powerful **Emphasis**, underscoring the deeply personal responsibility and the internal, authentic nature of this divine transformation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Result Clause** within the broader prophetic narrative of Ezekiel 36, highlighting the inevitable and necessary outcome of God's prior work of spiritual renewal and regeneration in the hearts of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 36:31 reveals a profound and indispensable theological truth: genuine repentance is far more than a mere intellectual acknowledgment of sin; it is a deep, emotional, and spiritual abhorrence of it, divinely enabled and sustained by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit-wrought self-loathing is the undeniable sign of a regenerated heart that now perceives sin as God Himself perceives it—as utterly detestable, defiling, and offensive to His perfect holiness. It underscores the biblical concept that true spiritual transformation involves a radical reorientation of one's deepest affections and desires, leading to a visceral turning away from past evil and a passionate pursuit of righteousness. Crucially, this is not a human effort to earn forgiveness or merit salvation, but rather a gracious and necessary consequence of God's prior work of regeneration. This divine enablement fosters profound humility, prevents spiritual complacency, and deepens an individual's appreciation for God's unmerited grace and boundless mercy.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Romans 6:1-2 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 36:31 offers a profound and challenging mirror for contemporary believers, calling us to move beyond superficial regret for our sins to a deeper, Spirit-wrought abhorrence of them. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, His ultimate aim is never to condemn us to despair, but rather to lead us to this profound, healthy self-loathing over the inherent ugliness and offense of our sin in God's holy sight. This kind of sorrow, born of divine grace, cultivates genuine humility within us, preventing pride and complacency from taking root in our walk with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that our salvation is entirely God's sovereign initiative, and our ongoing sanctification involves a continuous, Spirit-empowered turning away from everything that displeases Him. By remembering our past "evil ways" and "doings that were not good," we are powerfully prompted to appreciate the immense cost of Christ's atoning sacrifice and the transformative power of the indwelling Spirit, fostering a deeper gratitude for our redemption and a renewed, fervent commitment to live lives that genuinely honor and glorify God. This verse encourages us to courageously embrace the discomfort of conviction, knowing that it is a pathway to deeper intimacy with our holy, merciful, and transforming God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the fundamental difference between worldly regret and the "godly sorrow" described in Ezekiel 36:31?**
* **How does the Holy Spirit actively enable us to "lothe ourselves" over sin, and what are the spiritual benefits of such a profound experience?**
* **In what specific ways might remembering past sins, as described here, lead to profound humility and a greater appreciation for God's grace, rather than succumbing to despair?**
* **What "abominations" or "evil ways" in your own life might God be calling you to see with new, Spirit-enabled eyes today, leading to genuine repentance and deeper transformation?**

### FAQ
**Does "lothe yourselves" mean God wants us to hate ourselves?**

Answer: No, the "loathing" described in Ezekiel 36:31 is emphatically not a call to destructive self-hatred, but rather a profound, Spirit-induced abhorrence of one's *sinful actions and former rebellion* against God. It signifies a radical moral and spiritual transformation where the regenerated heart, now aligned with God's holiness and righteousness, sees its past "evil ways" and "abominations" as utterly repugnant and detestable. This is a healthy, godly sorrow that leads to genuine repentance and a decisive turning away from sin, rather than despair or self-condemnation that leads to destruction. It is, in fact, a definitive sign of spiritual health, indicating a renewed sensitivity to the grievous offense of sin against a holy God. This crucial distinction is beautifully articulated in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow"), which differentiates between "godly sorrow that produces repentance leading to salvation, without regret" and "worldly sorrow that produces death." The loathing experienced in [Ezekiel 36:31](/ezekiel/36-31 "Ezekiel 36:31 - Remembering and Loathing Sin") is precisely this life-giving, godly sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 36:31 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, particularly through the establishment of the New Covenant by His sacrificial death. The prophetic promise of a "new heart and a new spirit" ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The New Heart and Spirit")) is fully realized in the spiritual regeneration brought about by the Holy Spirit, a regeneration made possible solely by Christ's atoning death and victorious resurrection. When an individual is born again through faith in Christ, they receive a new spiritual nature, and the Holy Spirit indwells them, powerfully convicting them of sin, righteousness, and divine judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Convicts")). This divine work enables believers to "remember" their former "evil ways" and to "lothe themselves" for their "iniquities and abominations," not in a way that plunges them into despair, but in a way that profoundly magnifies the incomparable grace of God. It is the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus")), and it is His perfect righteousness that covers our past unrighteousness and stands as our perfect standing before God ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The Spirit-induced self-loathing over sin, therefore, transforms into a profound act of worship, deepening our appreciation for Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and motivating us to live lives worthy of the high calling we have received in Him ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Live Worthy of the Calling")). In Christ, our past sins, though remembered for humility and gratitude, no longer hold us in condemnation, for "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")).

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

Ezekiel 20:43

And there shall ye remember your ways, and all your doings, wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that ye have committed.

Ezekiel 6:9

And they that escape of you shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Job 42:6

Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.