Ezekiel 8:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {H559} furthermore unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, seest {H7200} thou what they do {H6213}? even the great {H1419} abominations {H8441} that the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} committeth {H6213} here, that I should go far off {H7368} from my sanctuary {H4720}? but turn {H7725} thee yet again, and thou shalt see {H7200} greater {H1419} abominations {H8441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked me, "Human being, do you see what they are doing, the horribly disgusting practices that the house of Isra'el is committing here, so that I must distance myself from my own sanctuary? But you will see even worse abominations."

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what they are doing—the great abominations that the house of Israel is committing—to drive Me far from My sanctuary? Yet you will see even greater abominations.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel do commit here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? But thou shalt again see yet other great abominations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:6 serves as a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision, where the Lord reveals the profound spiritual corruption within the very heart of the Jerusalem Temple. God confronts Ezekiel with the "great abominations" being committed by the "house of Israel," explicitly stating that these detestable acts are the reason for His impending withdrawal from His sanctuary. The verse culminates with an ominous promise that Ezekiel is yet to witness even "greater abominations," signaling a deepening spiral of idolatry and rebellion that justifies the severe judgment soon to be fall Jerusalem and its Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 8:6 is embedded within a visionary journey described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple"). This chapter marks a significant turning point in the book of Ezekiel, shifting from prophecies primarily directed at Israel's past and present sins to a vivid, detailed justification for the impending destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. The vision unfolds as God transports Ezekiel, in spirit, from Babylon to Jerusalem, specifically to the Temple precincts. The purpose is to expose the hidden idolatry and spiritual defilement occurring within the sacred space, thereby demonstrating to Ezekiel (and through him, to the exiles) that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to profound covenant unfaithfulness. Verse 6 sets the stage for a sequence of increasingly detestable acts of worship, each revealing a deeper layer of Israel's apostasy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple") takes place in the sixth year of King Jehoiachin's exile (592 BC), five years after Ezekiel himself was taken captive to Babylon. At this time, Jerusalem had already suffered one major Babylonian siege (597 BC), and many of its elite, including Ezekiel, had been deported. However, the city and the Temple still stood, albeit under Babylonian suzerainty. Despite the initial judgment, the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly the leaders and priests, continued in their idolatrous practices, believing themselves secure due to the presence of the Temple. Culturally, the region was rife with various pagan deities and fertility cults, and Israel, despite its covenant with Yahweh, had a long history of syncretism, blending the worship of God with the practices of surrounding nations. The "abominations" described in this chapter reflect common Canaanite, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian idolatrous rituals, highlighting Israel's complete assimilation into the very practices God had forbidden.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Profound Abomination and Idolatry**, revealing the depth of Israel's spiritual rebellion. The acts described are not minor transgressions but direct affronts to God's holiness, committed in the very place consecrated to Him. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **God's Grief and Withdrawal**. The rhetorical question, "that I should go far off from my sanctuary?" expresses God's pain and the direct consequence of Israel's sin: their actions are driving His presence, His *Shekinah* glory, away from His dwelling place. This foreshadows the dramatic departure of God's glory from the Temple and Jerusalem detailed in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory") and [Ezekiel 11](/ezekiel/11 "Ezekiel 11 - God's Glory Departs Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Escalation of Sin**, with the ominous promise of "greater abominations." This indicates a progressive spiritual decay, where unrepentant sin leads to deeper depravity, justifying the severity of God's impending judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abominations (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this term refers to something morally disgusting, an abhorrence, especially idolatry or an idol. Its use here emphasizes the utterly repugnant nature of Israel's practices in God's sight, highlighting their direct violation of the covenant and God's holy character. It is not merely a mistake but a detestable act.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word signifies a house in its broadest applications, including family, household, or even a nation. In the phrase "house of Israel," it denotes the entire nation, emphasizing that the corruption was widespread, not confined to a few individuals, and deeply ingrained within the collective identity of God's covenant people.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, this term refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically a holy place or temple. Its inclusion here highlights the sacrilege of Israel's actions; they were defiling the very place God had set apart for His presence and worship, making their sin all the more egregious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do?"**: This opening establishes the divine communication and Ezekiel's role as an observer and messenger. The Lord directly challenges Ezekiel to witness the reality of Israel's actions, implying that what is about to be revealed is shocking and requires direct observation to be fully grasped. The address "Son of man" emphasizes Ezekiel's human frailty in contrast to God's divine perspective.
* **"[even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here,"**: This clause immediately identifies the core issue: "great abominations." The use of "great" (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_) intensifies the severity of these acts, indicating they are not minor infractions but significant, detestable offenses. The phrase "house of Israel" underscores that this corruption is pervasive throughout the nation, not limited to a fringe group, and "here" points directly to the Temple precincts, the very heart of their religious life.
* **"that I should go far off from my sanctuary?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question expressing God's grief, indignation, and the logical consequence of Israel's actions. Their idolatry is so profound and offensive that it compels God to consider withdrawing His presence from the Temple, the place He chose to dwell among His people. It reveals the direct link between human sin and divine withdrawal.
* **"but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations."**: This concluding statement is chilling. It signifies an escalation of sin and depravity. What Ezekiel has already witnessed is merely a prelude; the nation's spiritual sickness is so deep that even more egregious and offensive acts of rebellion are yet to be revealed, justifying the full measure of God's impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:6 employs several powerful literary devices. The **Rhetorical Question** ("that I should go far off from my sanctuary?") is particularly potent, conveying God's deep anguish and the logical necessity of His withdrawal in the face of such profound defilement. It invites the reader to consider the gravity of Israel's actions from God's perspective. The use of **Hyperbole** or intense descriptive language, with phrases like "great abominations" and "greater abominations," emphasizes the escalating nature and extreme detestability of Israel's sin in God's eyes. This serves to shock the prophet and the audience into recognizing the severity of the spiritual decay. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual departure of God's glory from the Temple, a dramatic event explicitly depicted in later chapters of Ezekiel, thereby building suspense and justifying the subsequent judgment. The vivid imagery of the "sanctuary" being defiled creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as the very place intended for holy worship becomes a site of profound unholiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:6 profoundly illustrates the consequences of covenant infidelity and the unyielding holiness of God. The "great abominations" committed by Israel were not merely cultural deviations but direct violations of the Mosaic Covenant, which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh and prohibited idolatry. God's rhetorical question, "that I should go far off from my sanctuary?", underscores His grief and the principle that persistent and unrepentant sin, particularly idolatry, compels a holy God to withdraw His manifest presence. This passage highlights that God's presence is not a given, but is conditional on the faithfulness and obedience of His people. The escalation of sin ("greater abominations") reveals the progressive nature of spiritual decay when warnings are ignored, ultimately leading to divine judgment and the desolation of what was once sacred.

* [Deuteronomy 29:16-18](/deuteronomy/29-16 "Deuteronomy 29:16-18 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Psalm 78:58-60](/psalms/78-58 "Psalm 78:58-60 - Israel's Idolatry and God's Abandonment of Shiloh")
* [Romans 1:21-25](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-25 - The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 8:6 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of idolatry and spiritual compromise. Just as ancient Israel allowed detestable practices to infiltrate the very heart of their worship, so too can modern believers and communities subtly permit "abominations" to creep into their lives and churches. These may not be physical idols, but rather the worship of self, success, material possessions, comfort, or even good causes that displace God from His rightful, supreme position. The question "that I should go far off from my sanctuary?" challenges us to examine if our actions, priorities, and affections are grieving God and causing His manifest presence to diminish in our lives or corporate gatherings. The ominous progression to "greater abominations" reminds us that unchecked sin rarely remains static; it tends to escalate, deepening spiritual blindness and hardening the heart. This verse calls us to radical self-examination, fervent repentance, and a renewed commitment to singular devotion to God, ensuring that our lives and worship spaces are truly consecrated to Him alone, fostering His presence rather than driving it away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" (idols, desires, priorities) might be subtly displacing God from the center of my heart or my community's worship today?**
* **How might my actions, or the actions of my church, be grieving the Holy Spirit and potentially causing a sense of God's presence to withdraw?**
* **In what areas of my life do I see a potential "escalation of sin" where unchecked compromises could lead to "greater abominations"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship and daily life are truly consecrated to God, inviting His presence rather than pushing it away?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were these "great abominations" in Ezekiel 8?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 8:6 mentions "great abominations" generally, the subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple") reveal specific examples. These included: the image of jealousy (likely an Asherah pole or another pagan idol, [Ezekiel 8:5](/ezekiel/8-5 "Ezekiel 8:5 - The Image of Jealousy")); seventy elders of Israel burning incense to idols in a secret chamber, depicting "creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel" on the walls ([Ezekiel 8:10-12](/ezekiel/8-10 "Ezekiel 8:10-12 - The Idolatry of the Elders")); women weeping for Tammuz, a Mesopotamian fertility deity ([Ezekiel 8:14](/ezekiel/8-14 "Ezekiel 8:14 - Women Weeping for Tammuz")); and finally, 25 men bowing down to the sun, with their backs to the Temple of the Lord ([Ezekiel 8:16](/ezekiel/8-16 "Ezekiel 8:16 - Men Worshipping the Sun")). These acts represent a comprehensive rejection of Yahweh and a full embrace of pagan syncretism within the very precincts of His holy Temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:6, with its harrowing depiction of God's glory departing a defiled sanctuary, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Old Testament Temple, though consecrated, was continually polluted by human sin, prompting God's withdrawal. However, in Christ, God's presence is perfectly and eternally embodied. Jesus is the true Temple, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of [the temple of his body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple"). Through His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus perfectly cleansed the "sanctuary" of humanity, making it possible for God's presence to dwell among us, not in a building, but within His people. The "great abominations" of Israel, which drove God away, are ultimately addressed by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, while God's glory departed the physical Temple in Ezekiel, in the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, making their bodies [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"). Thus, the warning of Ezekiel 8:6 transforms into a call for believers to live in holiness, recognizing that the divine presence now resides within them, a presence secured and maintained by the perfect sacrifice and ongoing mediation of 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 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 8:9

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

Ezekiel 10:19

And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Proverbs 5:14

I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

Deuteronomy 31:16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go [to be] among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

Deuteronomy 31:18

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

Ezekiel 8:11

And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up.