Ezekiel 11:16
Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֣ן
H3651
לָכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִרְחַקְתִּים֙
Although I have cast them far off
H7368
הִרְחַקְתִּים֙
Although I have cast them far off
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
8 of 20
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
among the heathen
H1471
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
9 of 20
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְכִ֥י
H3588
וְכִ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖ים
and although I have scattered
H6327
הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖ים
and although I have scattered
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
11 of 20
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
H776
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
12 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וָאֱהִ֤י
H1961
וָאֱהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמִקְדָּ֣שׁ
sanctuary
H4720
לְמִקְדָּ֣שׁ
sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
15 of 20
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
מְעַ֔ט
yet will I be to them as a little
H4592
מְעַ֔ט
yet will I be to them as a little
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
16 of 20
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
H776
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
17 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 8:14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.Psalms 90:1Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalms 44:11Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.Psalms 31:20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.Proverbs 18:10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Jeremiah 31:10Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.Jeremiah 30:11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.Leviticus 26:44And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.
Historical Context
This prophecy (592 BC) addressed exiles mourning the temple's impending destruction. Jewish identity centered on Jerusalem and temple worship, so losing both threatened their covenant relationship with God. God's promise to be their sanctuary in exile provided hope and theological foundation for maintaining worship in dispersion. Archaeological and historical evidence documents the development of synagogue worship during the exile, fulfilling this promise. The principle that God's presence isn't limited to buildings or geography sustained Jews through diaspora and continues to comfort Christians living as strangers in this world (1 Peter 2:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to be a sanctuary to exiles encourage believers living in spiritual exile in this world?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between physical buildings and God's spiritual presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God promises scattered Israel: "I will be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come." Despite losing the physical temple, exiles would experience God's presence in Babylon. The phrase "little sanctuary" (miqdash me'at, מִקְדָּשׁ מְעַט) can mean "sanctuary for a little while" or "small sanctuary"—both emphasizing temporary provision until restoration. This promise reveals God's faithfulness: He doesn't abandon His people even in judgment. The synagogue system emerged from this promise, providing places for worship without temple or sacrifice. Ultimately, Christ became the true temple (John 2:19-21), and believers constitute God's dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16).