Ezekiel 11:20

Authorized King James Version

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That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Original Language Analysis

לְמַ֙עַן֙ H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י in my statutes H2708
בְּחֻקֹּתַ֣י in my statutes
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 2 of 15
a statute
יֵלֵ֔כוּ H1980
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 3 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י mine ordinances H4941
מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י mine ordinances
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יִשְׁמְר֖וּ and keep H8104
יִשְׁמְר֖וּ and keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 6 of 15
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְעָשׂ֣וּ and do H6213
וְעָשׂ֣וּ and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 7 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהָיוּ H1961
וְהָיוּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִ֣י H0
לִ֣י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 10 of 15
לְעָ֔ם them and they shall be my people H5971
לְעָ֔ם them and they shall be my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 11 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַאֲנִ֕י H589
וַאֲנִ֕י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 12 of 15
i
אֶהְיֶ֥ה H1961
אֶהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 13 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָהֶ֖ם H0
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 14 of 15
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ and I will be their God H430
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ and I will be their God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 15 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

The new heart enables covenant obedience: "That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." The purpose clause "that they may walk" reveals that heart transformation produces behavioral transformation. The Reformed ordo salutis (order of salvation) appears: regeneration precedes sanctification; the new heart enables obedience rather than obedience earning the new heart. The covenant formula "they shall be my people, and I will be their God" emphasizes restored relationship as both the goal and context of obedience. Works follow faith; they don't produce it.

Historical Context

Ezekiel prophesied this transformation (592 BC) before the exile's darkest hour, offering hope of eventual restoration. The post-exilic community demonstrated renewed commitment to Torah, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. However, external conformity without internal transformation led to the legalism Jesus confronted in Pharisaism. The ultimate fulfillment came through Christ's atoning death establishing the New Covenant and the Spirit's outpouring enabling genuine obedience from transformed hearts. The early church experienced what Ezekiel prophesied—Gentiles and Jews united in covenant relationship through regenerating grace.

Questions for Reflection

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