Ezekiel 8:13

KJV

¶ He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {H559} also unto me, Turn {H7725} thee yet again, and thou shalt see {H7200} greater {H1419} abominations {H8441} that they do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also said to me, "You will see even worse abominations that they are doing."

Berean Standard Bible

Again, He told me, “You will see them committing even greater abominations.”

American Standard Version

He said also unto me, Thou shalt again see yet other great abominations which they do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:13 serves as a chilling divine pronouncement within a series of escalating revelations of Israel's profound spiritual apostasy. In this verse, the Lord, through the prophet Ezekiel, signals that the abominations already witnessed in the temple precincts are merely a prelude to even more grievous acts of idolatry and defilement committed by the people of Judah. It underscores the progressive nature of sin and God's unwavering commitment to expose and judge the hidden depths of human rebellion, particularly when it desecrates sacred space and covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly graphic and symbolic vision granted to Ezekiel in the sixth year of his exile ([Ezekiel 8:1](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel 8:1 - Ezekiel's Temple Vision")). Following the initial display of the "image of jealousy" at the temple gate ([Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")), God leads Ezekiel into a hidden chamber where seventy elders of Israel are secretly worshipping detestable idols, burning incense to images of creeping things and beasts ([Ezekiel 8:7-12](/ezekiel/8-7-12 "Ezekiel 8:7-12 - The Idolatry of the Elders")). Ezekiel 8:13 acts as a pivotal transition, intensifying the vision by promising to reveal "greater abominations." This prepares the reader for the subsequent revelations of women weeping for Tammuz ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Women Weeping for Tammuz")) and men worshipping the sun ([Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Men Worshipping the Sun")), culminating in the Lord's declaration of judgment ([Ezekiel 8:17-18](/ezekiel/8-17-18 "Ezekiel 8:17-18 - God's Indignation and Judgment")) and the subsequent departure of His glory from the temple in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs around 592 BC, during the Babylonian exile of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel. While Jerusalem still stood, its spiritual foundations were crumbling. The people, despite the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah, continued to assimilate pagan practices from surrounding nations, even bringing them into the heart of their worship. The "image of jealousy" likely refers to an Asherah pole or a pagan idol set up within the temple grounds, a direct violation of the first two commandments found in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). The secret idolatry of the elders ([Ezekiel 8:12](/ezekiel/8-12 "Ezekiel 8:12 - The Elders' Secret Idolatry")) highlights a pervasive spiritual corruption that extended even to the religious leadership, indicating a deep-seated rejection of the Mosaic covenant and the unique worship of Yahweh, which was meant to distinguish Israel among the nations.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 8:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **escalation of sin**, demonstrating that spiritual compromise rarely remains static but tends to deepen into more egregious forms of rebellion if left unchecked. Secondly, it highlights **divine revelation and justification of judgment**, as God meticulously exposes the hidden wickedness of His people, thereby vindicating His impending severe judgment upon Jerusalem and the temple. This divine transparency is crucial for understanding the necessity of the coming destruction. Thirdly, the verse underscores the profound **defilement of sacred space**, as the very temple, intended as the dwelling place of God's holy presence, is shown to be utterly desecrated by idolatry, necessitating the eventual [departure of God's glory](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18 - The Glory of the Lord Departs"). This defilement is a direct affront to God's holiness and covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **greater (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word (H1419) signifies something "great" in any sense—size, importance, intensity, or even insolence. Here, it denotes an increase in the severity and magnitude of the abominations. It's not just "more" in quantity, but "greater" in their offensive nature to God, indicating a deeper spiritual depravity than what was initially revealed. This escalation of "greatness" foreshadows the increasing intensity of God's righteous judgment.
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term (H8441) is a feminine active participle, literally meaning "something disgusting" or "an abhorrence." In the Old Testament, it carries strong theological weight, primarily referring to practices utterly detestable and repugnant to God, especially idolatry, forbidden sexual practices, and other acts that violate His covenant, holiness, and moral law. The use of this word throughout Ezekiel 8 underscores the gravity and offensive nature of Israel's actions in God's sight.
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back" or "turn away," often implying a return to a previous state or a change of direction. In this context, it is an imperative command for Ezekiel to "turn" his gaze or attention yet again, indicating a new phase of revelation. It highlights God's deliberate act of guiding the prophet through the escalating scenes of sin, ensuring a full and comprehensive witness to the depths of Judah's spiritual corruption.
* **see (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root (H7200) means "to see," literally or figuratively, encompassing observation, discernment, and even experiencing. Here, it is a direct command for Ezekiel to visually perceive the intensifying wickedness. The repetition of "see" throughout Ezekiel 8 emphasizes the visual and visceral nature of the prophet's experience, making the divine revelation of sin undeniable and preparing him (and by extension, the exiles) for the justification of God's impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said also unto me":** This phrase reiterates the divine source of the revelation. It emphasizes that the subsequent command and vision are not of Ezekiel's own volition or discovery but are directly imparted by God, establishing the prophetic authority and divine imperative behind the unfolding events.
* **"Turn thee yet again":** This is a direct command to Ezekiel, instructing him to reorient himself or his focus. The phrase "yet again" implies a continuation or intensification of the previous revelations. It signals a new stage in the divine tour of abominations, preparing the prophet for a deeper, more disturbing insight into the spiritual state of Jerusalem.
* **"and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do":** This is the core of the verse, a prophetic promise of further, more egregious acts of defilement. The phrase "greater abominations" indicates an escalation in the severity and offensiveness of the sins, moving beyond what was initially revealed. "That they do" points directly to the active, ongoing nature of these detestable practices by the people of Judah, highlighting their persistent rebellion and culpability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the verse explicitly states that Ezekiel will see "greater abominations," building anticipation and dread for the subsequent revelations of pagan worship (weeping for Tammuz and sun worship). This creates a sense of escalating spiritual decay. There is also a strong element of **Divine Revelation**, where God actively guides Ezekiel's vision, serving as a divine tour guide through the depths of human sin. This emphasizes God's omniscience and His deliberate act of exposing hidden wickedness. The use of the term "**abominations**" itself functions as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or motif) throughout Ezekiel 8, repeatedly highlighting the detestable nature of the Israelites' actions in God's eyes and underscoring the central theme of defilement. Finally, the scene as a whole is a powerful **Symbolic Vision**, where the physical acts of idolatry within the temple precincts symbolize the spiritual adultery and covenant unfaithfulness of the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:13 is a stark reminder of the insidious and progressive nature of sin, demonstrating that spiritual compromise, if unchecked, inevitably leads to deeper depravity. The Lord's deliberate revelation of these "greater abominations" underscores His perfect knowledge of human hearts and His righteous indignation against anything that defiles His holiness and desecrates His covenant. This passage serves as a theological foundation for understanding why divine judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary response to persistent rebellion and the desecration of sacred space and relationship. It highlights God's commitment to purity and the severe consequences of spiritual idolatry, emphasizing that true worship demands exclusive devotion and a holy lifestyle.

* [Deuteronomy 29:18-20](/deuteronomy/29-18-20 "Warning Against Secret Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 7:9-11](/jeremiah/7-9-11 "The Temple as a Den of Robbers")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21-25 "The Progression of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 8:13 serves as a profound spiritual mirror for contemporary believers, urging us to examine the often-subtle ways in which "greater abominations" can creep into our lives and communities. Just as Israel's sin escalated from overt idolatry to hidden, more perverse forms, so too can our spiritual compromises deepen if left unaddressed. We are called to cultivate a radical honesty before God, recognizing that He sees not only our public actions but also the hidden chambers of our hearts where idols of comfort, approval, success, or self-worship might reside. This verse challenges us to vigilantly guard our spiritual "temples"—our bodies and our churches—from anything that would defile the presence of the Holy Spirit. It compels us to pursue genuine holiness, understanding that true worship is an exclusive devotion to God alone, free from competing allegiances that provoke His jealousy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "smaller" spiritual compromises in my life or community might be leading to "greater abominations" if left unaddressed?**
* **In what "hidden chambers" of my heart or life might I be engaging in practices or holding affections that are an abomination to God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper sense of God's holiness and His rightful claim to exclusive worship in my daily life?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my personal "temple" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and the corporate church remain pure and devoted solely to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What were the "greater abominations" that Ezekiel was about to see?**

Answer: The "greater abominations" refer to the subsequent scenes revealed in [Ezekiel chapter 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple"). After witnessing the "image of jealousy" ([Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")) and the secret idolatry of the elders worshipping creeping things and detestable beasts ([Ezekiel 8:7-12](/ezekiel/8-7-12 "Ezekiel 8:7-12 - The Idolatry of the Elders")), Ezekiel is then shown women weeping for the pagan god Tammuz at the north gate of the temple ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Women Weeping for Tammuz")). Finally, he sees men, likely priests or leaders, bowing down to worship the sun, facing east, between the temple porch and the altar ([Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Men Worshipping the Sun")). Each successive vision reveals a deeper and more direct affront to God's holiness within the very precincts of His temple.

**Why did God show Ezekiel these abominations?**

Answer: God showed Ezekiel these abominations for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it was to **justify His impending judgment** upon Jerusalem and the temple. By revealing the depth of Israel's spiritual corruption, God demonstrated that His judgment was not arbitrary but a righteous response to their persistent rebellion and desecration of His covenant. Secondly, it was to **inform the exiles** through Ezekiel, so they would understand why such severe calamities had befallen them and why further judgment was necessary. This knowledge was vital for their repentance and future restoration. Thirdly, it served as a **prophetic warning** to those who remained in Jerusalem, urging them to repent before the final destruction. This divine revelation underscored God's omniscience, showing that even hidden sins are known to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:13, with its chilling progression of "greater abominations," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the continuation of sin, but in the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which addresses the root of all abomination—human sin and idolatry. While the Old Testament temple was defiled by Israel's unfaithfulness, Jesus Himself became the true and undefiled [Temple of God](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple of God"), the very dwelling place of divine holiness. The escalating abominations in Ezekiel highlight humanity's desperate need for a radical cleansing and a new covenant. Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the sacrificial system, taking away the sin of the world and purifying those who believe in Him. He did not merely expose sin, but conquered it on the cross, offering a path to true worship "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), where the defilement of physical temples is replaced by the purification of the human heart through His Spirit. Thus, the "greater abominations" of Ezekiel underscore the glorious "[greater grace](/james/4-6 "God Gives More Grace")" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Gives More Grace")) and "[greater salvation](/hebrews/2-3 "The Greatness of Our Salvation")" ([Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "The Greatness of Our Salvation")) offered through Christ, who makes it possible for believers to become a [holy temple](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), undefiled and dedicated to God.

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 8:6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 8:15

Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen [this], O son of man? turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations than these.

Jeremiah 9:3

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

2 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.