Ezekiel 36:31

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary on Ezekiel 36:31 (KJV)

Ezekiel 36:31 is a powerful verse that describes the profound human response to God's promised spiritual restoration for the nation of Israel. It portrays a deep, internal transformation where the people, once renewed by divine grace, come to a humbling realization of their past transgressions.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Ezekiel 36, delivered during the Babylonian exile, promising Israel's future restoration to their land and, more importantly, a spiritual renewal. God declares He will gather them from the nations, cleanse them, give them a new heart and a new spirit, and put His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 36:27). Verse 31 describes the *consequence* of this divine work, not a precondition for it. It's a natural outcome of God's grace making them sensitive to their sin.

Key Themes

  • Godly Sorrow and Repentance: The phrase "lothe yourselves" signifies a deep, internal abhorrence of one's past actions. This is not despair or self-condemnation that leads to destruction, but a godly sorrow that leads to genuine repentance. It's a recognition of how offensive their "evil ways" and "doings that were not good" were to a holy God.
  • Divine Initiative Leads to Human Response: Crucially, this verse emphasizes that God's cleansing and the imparting of a new spirit precede and enable this profound self-awareness. It is God's grace that opens their eyes to the ugliness of their sin, leading to humility and a desire for true change.
  • Remembering Past Sins for Humility: The act of remembering "your own evil ways" serves as a constant reminder of their past rebellion and God's immense mercy. This memory fosters humility and deepens their appreciation for the unmerited favor and restoration they receive.
  • Abhorrence of Iniquity: The strong language of "lothe yourselves" for "iniquities and for your abominations" highlights the complete rejection of their former sinful patterns. It's a visceral turning away from all that displeases God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "lothe yourselves" translates the Hebrew verb qut (קוּט), which conveys a strong sense of disgust, abhorrence, or even nausea. It is a powerful term indicating a profound internal revulsion at one's own past actions and character, not merely regret but a deep-seated detestation of the sin itself. "Iniquities" ('avon) refers to moral perversions or crookedness, while "abominations" (to'evah) denotes actions or practices that are detestable, particularly to God, often associated with idolatry or severe moral offenses.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 36:31 offers timeless insights for believers today. True repentance involves more than just saying "sorry"; it necessitates a clear-eyed, honest assessment of our sins and their offensive nature to God. When God's Spirit works within us, He convicts us not to condemn, but to draw us closer through genuine sorrow and a desire for holiness. This verse encourages us to remember God's grace, which enables us to face our past without being consumed by guilt, but rather leading to profound gratitude, humility, and a renewed commitment to walk in His ways. It reminds us that our self-loathing over sin, when prompted by God's grace, is a healthy step towards spiritual growth and a deeper appreciation of His forgiving love (compare 1 John 1:9).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 20:43 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 16:61 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.