Ezekiel Chapter 20 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.

Original Language Analysis

וְגַ֤ם H1571
וְגַ֤ם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שַׁבְּתוֹתַי֙ them my sabbaths H7676
שַׁבְּתוֹתַי֙ them my sabbaths
Strong's: H7676
Word #: 3 of 14
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
נָתַ֣תִּי Moreover also I gave H5414
נָתַ֣תִּי Moreover also I gave
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 4 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָהֶ֔ם H0
לָהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 14
לִהְי֣וֹת H1961
לִהְי֣וֹת
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְא֔וֹת to be a sign H226
לְא֔וֹת to be a sign
Strong's: H226
Word #: 7 of 14
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
בֵּינִ֖י H996
בֵּינִ֖י
Strong's: H996
Word #: 8 of 14
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם H996
וּבֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H996
Word #: 9 of 14
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
לָדַ֕עַת between me and them that they might know H3045
לָדַ֕עַת between me and them that they might know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 10 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 11 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲנִ֥י H589
אֲנִ֥י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 12 of 14
i
יְהוָ֖ה that I am the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה that I am the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃ that sanctify H6942
מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃ that sanctify
Strong's: H6942
Word #: 14 of 14
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Analysis & Commentary

'Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.' The Sabbath as covenant sign, marking Israel as God's sanctified people. 'Sign between me and them' distinguishes Israel from nations. 'That they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them' emphasizes divine action—God sanctifies, making them holy. Sabbath observance demonstrates trust in God's provision and acknowledges Him as Creator and Redeemer.

Historical Context

Sabbath observance originated at creation (Genesis 2:2-3), was renewed at the exodus (Exodus 16), and formalized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15). Sabbath distinguished Israel from surrounding nations who observed different calendars and festivals. Post-exilic Judaism emphasized Sabbath as covenant identity marker.

Questions for Reflection