Ezekiel 44:6

KJV

And thou shalt say to the rebellious, [even] to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt say {H559} to the rebellious {H4805}, even to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; O ye house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, let it suffice {H7227} you of all your abominations {H8441},

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to tell the rebels, the house of Isra'el, that this is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'House of Isra'el, enough of all your disgusting practices!

Berean Standard Bible

Tell the rebellious house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I have had enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 44:6 delivers a profound and authoritative divine indictment against the "rebellious house of Israel," a direct pronouncement from the Lord GOD. This verse serves as a stark and urgent reminder of their persistent idolatry and moral depravity, declaring that their accumulated "abominations" have reached an intolerable limit, demanding an immediate and complete cessation of such detestable practices before the establishment of true worship in the envisioned temple can proceed. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of the new temple and its meticulously detailed ordinances, which span chapters 40-48. Following the awe-inspiring description of the temple's structure and the glorious return of God's presence to it in [Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Return of God's Glory to the Temple"), chapter 44 shifts focus to the regulations governing the sanctity of this new sanctuary, particularly concerning the roles and responsibilities of the priests and Levites. Before outlining these specific rules for entry, service, and separation, God first confronts the nation of Israel's past failures and the profound defilement they brought upon His former sanctuary. The severe rebuke in [Ezekiel 44:6](/ezekiel/44-6 "Ezekiel 44:6 - Rebuke to Rebellious Israel") functions as a critical prerequisite for the holiness demanded in this new era of worship. It emphasizes that genuine worship and divine presence cannot coexist with unaddressed sin, setting a solemn and uncompromising tone that underscores the gravity of God's demands for purity in His dwelling place and among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically between 593 and 571 BC. This was a time of immense national trauma for Israel, as Jerusalem and the first temple lay in ruins, and the people were forcibly removed from their homeland. This dire situation was understood by the prophets, including Ezekiel, as a direct and just consequence of Israel's persistent covenant disobedience, which manifested primarily through widespread idolatry and profound moral corruption. The phrase "house of Israel" here encompasses the entire nation, including both the long-exiled northern kingdom and the recently exiled southern kingdom (Judah) now in Babylon. Culturally, ancient Israel had repeatedly succumbed to the pervasive pagan practices of surrounding nations, adopting their worship of foreign deities, engaging in abhorrent rituals such as child sacrifice, and indulging in various sexual perversions. All these practices were explicitly condemned as "abominations" by Yahweh, violating the core tenets of the Mosaic Law, particularly as articulated in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"). The vision of a new temple offered a powerful message of hope for future restoration, but this hope was inextricably linked to a radical departure from these historical patterns of rebellion and a renewed, exclusive commitment to the worship of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 44:6](/ezekiel/44-6 "Ezekiel 44:6 - Rebuke to Rebellious Israel") significantly contributes to several prominent themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, the theme of **God's Absolute Holiness and Unblemished Glory** is paramount; the detailed new temple vision underscores God's inherent purity and His utter intolerance for anything that defiles His sacred presence. Secondly, the persistent theme of **Israel's Chronic Rebellion and Incorrigible Stubbornness** is vividly highlighted, with the nation consistently characterized as "rebellious" throughout Ezekiel's prophecies, notably from his initial commission in [Ezekiel 2](/ezekiel/2 "Ezekiel 2 - Ezekiel's Commission and Israel's Rebellion"). Thirdly, the verse powerfully emphasizes the **Grave Consequences of Sin and the Imperative of Repentance**. The Babylonian exile itself was the direct, bitter fruit of their "abominations," and the divine command to "let it suffice you" is an urgent, non-negotiable demand for a complete and decisive turning away from these destructive practices. Finally, this verse subtly foreshadows the broader theme of **Divine Restoration and the Promise of a New Covenant**, where future blessings and the re-establishment of a holy community are contingent upon a radical transformation of the heart and a return to faithful obedience, thereby preparing the way for the profound new covenant promises articulated later in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration and New Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** (H4805) Derived from a root meaning "bitterness," this term figuratively denotes a deep-seated rebellion, stubbornness, and obstinacy. In the book of Ezekiel, it is a recurring and damning epithet for Israel, highlighting their persistent defiance against God's commands and covenant despite repeated warnings, judgments, and demonstrations of His power. It describes a people characterized by an inherent and profound unwillingness to obey, leading inevitably to bitter consequences.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** (H1004) While literally meaning a physical dwelling or structure, `bayith` in this context extends to encompass a family, household, or, most significantly, the entire nation of Israel. Its use here emphasizes the collective identity and corporate responsibility of the people as a unified entity—the chosen family of God—who have collectively engaged in widespread and persistent rebellion against their divine Father.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** (H8441) This term refers to something utterly disgusting, morally abhorrent, and ritually unclean in God's sight. It is frequently and strongly associated with idolatry, the detestable pagan worship practices of surrounding nations (such as child sacrifice), and severe moral perversions that defile the land and egregiously violate God's holy covenant. The use of the plural "abominations" signifies the overwhelming multitude, variety, and cumulative weight of Israel's detestable acts, which have reached an intolerable level.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine mandate given to Ezekiel and precisely identifies the specific, problematic audience. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct, unvarnished message to the entire nation, explicitly identified as "rebellious." This immediate designation underscores their chronic disobedience and sets a confrontational, uncompromising tone for the solemn divine pronouncement that is about to follow, emphasizing the gravity of their spiritual condition.
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;"**: This is the authoritative prophetic formula, a quintessential declaration that emphasizes the words are not Ezekiel's personal opinion or human wisdom, but a direct, infallible oracle from Yahweh Himself. The compound title "Lord GOD" (Hebrew: `ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih` - H136, H3069) combines a title of supreme sovereignty (`ʼĂdônây`) with the personal, covenant name of God (`Yᵉhôvih`), highlighting both His absolute authority over all creation and His intimate, yet violated, covenant relationship with Israel. This formula imbues the subsequent command with ultimate divine weight and urgency.
* **"O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,"**: This is the core of the divine rebuke and command. The phrase "let it suffice you" (Hebrew: `rab` - H7227, meaning "enough," "abundant," "sufficient") conveys God's profound weariness, exasperation, and the overflowing measure of Israel's accumulated sin. It is a stern, unequivocal declaration that their multitude of idolatrous acts and moral corruptions have reached an intolerable limit, demanding an immediate and complete cessation of these detestable practices. This functions as an urgent, final call to radical repentance, signaling that God's patience has been exhausted and a decisive, permanent break from their sinful past is absolutely required for any hope of future restoration or renewed fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 44:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe divine message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly through the prophet Ezekiel to "the rebellious, even to the house of Israel," creating an immediate, personal, and confrontational tone that leaves no room for misinterpretation of the intended audience. This directness is powerfully reinforced by the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which lends absolute authority, solemnity, and gravity to the pronouncement, signaling unequivocally that these are not mere human words but the very words of the sovereign, covenant-keeping Creator. The phrase "let it suffice you of all your abominations" functions as a form of **Litotes** (a deliberate understatement for emphasis) or **Hyperbole**, implying that their sins have not merely been "sufficient" or "enough," but have, in fact, overflowed, exceeded all bounds of divine patience, and reached an utterly intolerable measure. This powerfully conveys God's profound exasperation and the extreme depth of their collective guilt. Furthermore, the repeated use of "house of Israel" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (the literal "house" or family) represents the whole (the entire nation), effectively emphasizing the corporate and collective responsibility of the entire community for their widespread and persistent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 44:6 profoundly articulates the severity of Israel's sin and God's unwavering demand for absolute holiness, especially in anticipation of His renewed and glorious presence among them. The declaration that their "abominations" have reached a sufficient, indeed overflowing, measure underscores God's perfect justice and His inherent inability to tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely within His covenant relationship. This divine patience, though vast and long-suffering, possesses a definitive limit. The urgent call to "let it suffice you" is a profound summons to radical, transformative repentance—a complete and decisive turning away from all that is detestable in God's holy eyes. It highlights the fundamental theological principle that true worship, genuine fellowship, and the experience of God's manifest presence necessitate a complete and uncompromising break from defiling practices, thereby laying the essential groundwork for the spiritual restoration and the promises of a new covenant articulated later in Ezekiel's prophecy.

* [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Defilement of the Land by Abominations")
* [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16-17 "Call to Repentance and Righteousness")
* [Romans 6:1-2](/romans/6-1-2 "Shall We Continue in Sin?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 44:6 stands as a timeless and piercing challenge to all who claim to follow God, both individually and corporately. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable reality of our own "abominations"—any thoughts, words, or deeds that are detestable in God's sight, whether they are overt acts of rebellion or subtle, insidious compromises with the values and practices of the world. The divine declaration, "let it suffice you," serves as a profound and urgent call to rigorous self-examination and decisive, radical repentance. It powerfully reminds us that genuine spiritual growth is not merely about adding good practices or accumulating religious knowledge, but fundamentally about subtracting, ceasing, and utterly abandoning those things that grieve the Holy Spirit, defile our conscience, and hinder our walk with God. Just as ancient Israel was called to purify themselves before God's holy presence could dwell among them, so too are believers today called to pursue holiness, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and our entire lives are meant to reflect God's glory. This verse compels us to honestly ask ourselves if there are areas in our lives where we are still indulging in "abominations," and to hear, with open hearts, God's urgent call to cease, repent, and turn wholeheartedly towards Him, striving for a life that truly honors His name and brings Him unreserved glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" (sins, idols, ungodly habits, or compromises) in my life might God be saying "let it suffice you" to?**
* **Am I truly ready to decisively cease these practices, or am I still clinging to them, perhaps subtly rationalizing them?**
* **How does the concept of God's absolute holiness, as powerfully presented in this verse, impact my understanding of personal purity, corporate worship, and ethical living?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I take today to decisively turn away from past or current patterns of rebellion and embrace a life of greater, more consistent obedience and devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God addressing Israel as "the rebellious house"?**

Answer: The phrase "the rebellious house" (Hebrew: *mᵉrîy bayith*) is a recurring and highly significant descriptor used by God throughout the book of Ezekiel. It underscores God's accurate and painful assessment of Israel's spiritual condition: a nation characterized by chronic stubbornness, ingrained disobedience, and persistent defiance against His covenant commands. Despite being chosen, redeemed, and repeatedly blessed by God, they consistently turned away from Him, engaging in widespread idolatry, moral corruption, and a rejection of His prophets. This label is not merely an insult but a precise theological diagnosis, highlighting the deep-seated spiritual problem that led directly to their exile and necessitated God's severe judgment, which then paved the way for His subsequent plans for radical restoration. It emphasizes that their rebellion was not an isolated incident but a pervasive national characteristic, making the call to "let it suffice you" all the more urgent and necessary for any hope of future blessing and renewed covenant relationship. The term sets the solemn stage for the rigorous demands of holiness and fidelity outlined in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 44](/ezekiel/44 "Ordinances for the Temple and Priests").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 44:6, with its stern rebuke of Israel's pervasive rebellion and detestable abominations, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Where the "house of Israel" proved consistently rebellious and unfaithful, Jesus, the true Israel and the perfect Son of God, lived a life of absolute and unwavering obedience, fulfilling all righteousness (as perfectly demonstrated in His baptism, recorded in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Jesus' Baptism and Fulfillment of Righteousness")). The divine demand for Israel's "abominations" to cease is met definitively in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, for He is the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ inaugurated and established a new covenant, not one based on human obedience to external laws that Israel continually broke, but on His perfect obedience and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which now empowers believers to walk in a radical newness of life (as articulated in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). The spiritual temple, of which Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone (as taught in [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")), is built not with physical stones, but with believers who are purified by His precious blood, making them a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (as seen in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood")). Thus, the divine demand for an end to abominations is fully satisfied in Christ, who not only bore the penalty for our past rebellion but also empowers His people by His Spirit to live lives of genuine holiness, no longer defined by sin but by a Spirit-empowered pursuit of God's will and glory.

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

1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Ezekiel 45:9

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 3:9

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 3:26

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 3:27

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 2:5

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Ezekiel 2:8

But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.