Ezekiel Chapter 11 · Verse 21

Authorized King James Version

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But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶל H413
וְאֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 1 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
לִבָּ֣ם But as for them whose heart H3820
לִבָּ֣ם But as for them whose heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 2 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֛ם of their detestable things H8251
שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֛ם of their detestable things
Strong's: H8251
Word #: 3 of 12
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
וְתוֹעֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם and their abominations H8441
וְתוֹעֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם and their abominations
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
לִבָּ֣ם But as for them whose heart H3820
לִבָּ֣ם But as for them whose heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 5 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
הֹלֵ֑ךְ walketh H1980
הֹלֵ֑ךְ walketh
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 6 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
דַּרְכָּם֙ their way H1870
דַּרְכָּם֙ their way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 7 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
בְּרֹאשָׁ֣ם upon their own heads H7218
בְּרֹאשָׁ֣ם upon their own heads
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 8 of 12
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
נָתַ֔תִּי I will recompense H5414
נָתַ֔תִּי I will recompense
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 9 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְאֻ֖ם saith H5002
נְאֻ֖ם saith
Strong's: H5002
Word #: 10 of 12
an oracle
אֲדֹנָ֥י the Lord H136
אֲדֹנָ֥י the Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 11 of 12
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
יְהוִֽה׃ H3068
יְהוִֽה׃
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

"But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD." God contrasts those receiving new hearts (verse 19) with those persisting in idolatry. The phrase "heart walketh after" indicates settled, chosen direction. Despite promised transformation, some refuse and persist in abominations. This demonstrates both human responsibility and divine sovereignty: God offers transformation but doesn't coerce acceptance. The Reformed tension between unconditional election and human responsibility appears—those who persist in rejection face just judgment.

Historical Context

Among the exiles (592 BC), some genuinely mourned sin while others clung to idols. God distinguishes between them: new hearts for repentant, judgment for rebellious. This pattern repeats: not all in covenant community prove genuine. External membership doesn't guarantee internal transformation. The early church faced this reality: some professed faith temporarily but fell away (1 John 2:19). The passage warns that stubborn persistence in idolatry despite clear warning brings inevitable judgment.

Questions for Reflection