Ezekiel 43:8

KJV

In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

In their setting {H5414} of their threshold {H5592} by my thresholds {H5592}, and their post {H4201} by {H681} my posts {H4201}, and the wall {H7023} between me and them, they have even defiled {H2930} my holy {H6944} name {H8034} by their abominations {H8441} that they have committed {H6213}: wherefore I have consumed {H3615} them in mine anger {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

or by placing their threshold next to my threshold and their door-frames next to my door-frames, with only a common wall between me and them. Yes, they defiled my holy name by the disgusting practices they committed; which is why I destroyed them in my anger.

Berean Standard Bible

When they placed their threshold next to My threshold and their doorposts beside My doorposts, with only a wall between Me and them, they defiled My holy name by the abominations they committed. Therefore I have consumed them in My anger.

American Standard Version

in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their door-post beside my door-post, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:8 delivers a profound indictment against ancient Israel, condemning their audacious spiritual compromise and defilement of God's sacred presence. It highlights how their idolatrous practices, symbolized by placing pagan altars and symbols immediately adjacent to the holy Temple, blurred the lines between the sacred and the profane, thereby dishonoring God's holy name. This egregious disregard for divine holiness directly provoked God's righteous anger, culminating in the judgment of exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, serving as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion and the desecration of that which is set apart for God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's grand vision of the new Temple, beginning in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Following the detailed architectural descriptions of the future sanctuary and the glorious return of the Lord's presence to it in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"), God immediately pivots to address the historical sins that necessitated the destruction of the first Temple and the subsequent exile. This abrupt shift serves to underscore the radical holiness of the divine presence and the absolute incompatibility of unholy practices with God's dwelling. The Lord's declaration in [Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Dwelling Among Israel") explicitly states His intention to dwell among the Israelites forever, but this promise is immediately qualified by the need for repentance from past defilement, setting the stage for the specific accusations in verse 8.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and moral corruption. The First Temple, built by Solomon, had become a site not only of Yahweh worship but also, tragically, of syncretistic practices where pagan deities were honored, and abominable rituals were performed within its very precincts, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). The "thresholds" and "posts" refer to the physical entry points and structural elements of the Temple, implying that idols or their altars were erected in such close proximity to God's sanctuary that the distinction between sacred and profane was virtually erased. This was a direct affront to the Mosaic Law, which strictly commanded separation from pagan practices and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, as seen in [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Idolatry"). The people's actions reflected a profound misunderstanding or willful rejection of God's unique holiness and His demand for exclusive devotion.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 43:8 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **absolute holiness of God** and the severe consequences of its defilement. The Lord's name, representing His very character and reputation, was "defiled" by their actions, emphasizing that sin is not merely a violation of rules but a direct assault on God's nature. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **spiritual compromise and syncretism**. The proximity of "their threshold by my thresholds" vividly portrays the blurring of boundaries between true worship and idolatry, a recurring problem in Israel's history, as warned against in [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warnings Against Idolatry"). Thirdly, it reinforces the principle of **divine judgment as a just consequence of sin**. The phrase "wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger" directly links the national catastrophe of exile and destruction to their specific acts of defilement, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice and holiness, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_):** This primitive root signifies being foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination. Here, it describes the act of rendering God's holy name impure and polluted through their abominable practices. It's not merely a minor offense but a profound desecration that makes something holy unclean and unacceptable.
* **thresholds (Hebrew, _çaph_):** Derived from a root meaning to contain or limit, this word refers to a vestibule, a door-post, or a threshold. In this context, it denotes the very entry points or foundational structures of the Temple. The juxtaposition of "their threshold by my thresholds" emphasizes the audacious act of bringing pagan elements into the immediate, sacred space of God's dwelling, blurring the physical and spiritual boundaries of holiness.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah_):** This term, a feminine active participle, literally means "something disgusting" or "an abhorrence." It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices utterly detestable to God, particularly idolatry, sexual perversions, and unjust acts. Its use here highlights the extreme repugnance of their actions in God's sight, especially when committed in the vicinity of His holy presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts":** This clause vividly describes the physical and spiritual proximity of the Israelites' idolatrous worship to God's holy Temple. "Thresholds" and "posts" refer to the very entrance and structural elements of the sanctuary. The imagery suggests that pagan altars, idols, or symbols were placed so close to the Temple's sacred boundaries that the distinction between the pure worship of Yahweh and detestable pagan practices was obliterated. This was an act of profound disrespect and spiritual syncretism.
* **"and the wall between me and them":** This phrase, often interpreted as an ellipsis, refers to the "wall" that *should* have existed as a separation between God's holiness and human sin, or the wall that *was* between God and the people due to their sin. In context, it emphasizes that they deliberately broke down the necessary barrier of separation, allowing the profane to invade the sacred, thereby removing the distinctiveness of God's dwelling.
* **"they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed":** This is the core accusation. Their actions, specifically the "abominations" (idolatry and related detestable practices), directly dishonored and polluted God's "holy name." God's name represents His character, reputation, and very being. By bringing defiling practices into His sacred space, they publicly misrepresented and desecrated His absolute purity and distinctness, making Him appear no different from the pagan deities.
* **"wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger":** This final clause states the direct consequence of their defilement. "Wherefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. God's "anger" is a righteous and holy response to such profound dishonor and rebellion. The "consuming" refers to the severe judgment already experienced by Israel: the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the Babylonian exile, a demonstration of God's unwavering justice against those who profane His holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "thresholds" and "posts" representing the very entry points and boundaries of sacred space. Their placement of "their threshold by my thresholds" powerfully symbolizes the audacious spiritual compromise and syncretism, blurring the lines between the holy and the profane. The "wall between me and them" functions as a symbol of the necessary separation between God's absolute purity and human sin, which Israel willfully dismantled. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "consumed them in mine anger," attributing human emotion (anger) to God, conveying His righteous indignation and the intensity of His judgment. The phrase "defiled my holy name" also employs **metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire character, reputation, and being, emphasizing that their actions were not just against a physical structure but against God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:8 profoundly underscores the biblical theme of God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity in worship and life. The defilement of God's name through spiritual compromise is a grave offense, as it misrepresents His character to the world and undermines the very foundation of the covenant relationship. This passage serves as a stark warning against syncretism—the blending of divine truth with worldly practices—and highlights that God's presence, while gracious, is also consuming for those who refuse to honor His distinctness. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a just consequence of persistent rebellion against His sacred standards, demonstrating that true worship requires exclusive devotion and a reverent separation from all that is profane.

* [Leviticus 19:12](/leviticus/19-12 "Leviticus 19:12 - Do Not Swear Falsely by My Name")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - You Are God's Temple")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship God Acceptably")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:8, though rooted in ancient Israel's context, carries profound contemporary relevance for believers. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any areas where we might be "setting our threshold by God's thresholds"—that is, allowing worldly values, practices, or allegiances to creep into the sacred spaces of our hearts, minds, and worship. As New Testament believers, our bodies are declared to be [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"), and the church is the dwelling place of God. This calls for a vigilant commitment to spiritual purity, ensuring that our devotion to Christ remains uncompromised and our lives reflect His holiness. We are to be distinct from the world, not conforming to its patterns but being transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that our lives genuinely honor God's holy name and bear witness to His unique glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "setting my threshold by God's thresholds," blurring the lines between sacred and profane?**
* **How does my understanding of God's absolute holiness impact my daily choices, my worship, and my commitment to spiritual purity?**
* **What "abominations"—whether overt sins or subtle compromises—do I need to identify and remove from my life to truly honor God's name?**

### FAQ

**What does "their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts" literally mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the physical proximity of pagan altars, idols, or symbols to the sacred structures of God's Temple in Jerusalem. "Thresholds" and "posts" denote the entryways and foundational elements of a building. The accusation is that the Israelites erected their detestable objects of worship so close to the Lord's dwelling place that the boundary between the holy and the profane was effectively erased. It implies a blatant disregard for God's unique holiness and a shocking act of spiritual syncretism, where paganism was brought into the very precincts of Yahweh's sanctuary, as described in [Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:8, with its indictment of Israel for defiling God's holy name by bringing the profane into the sacred, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, though holy, was merely a shadow of the true dwelling place of God. Jesus declared Himself to be the ultimate Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")," referring to His body. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ cleansed the ultimate "threshold" between God and humanity, removing the "wall of hostility" that sin had erected ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). He did not merely separate the profane from the sacred; He bore the full weight of humanity's defilement on the cross, becoming sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Now, through Christ, believers are made holy and are themselves living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), called to worship God in spirit and truth, with no compromise between His holiness and the world's defilement. The judgment of God's anger for defilement, which consumed ancient Israel, was fully poured out on Christ, allowing those who believe in Him to enter into a reconciled relationship with a holy God, no longer defiling His name but glorifying it.

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 5:11

Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

Ezekiel 8:3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

Ezekiel 44:7

In that ye have brought [into my sanctuary] strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, [even] my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.

Ezekiel 23:39

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

2 Chronicles 33:7

And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

2 Chronicles 33:4

Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.