Ezekiel 20:19
I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 10
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
לֵ֑כוּ
H1980
לֵ֑כוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י
my judgments
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטַ֥י
my judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
שִׁמְר֖וּ
and keep
H8104
שִׁמְר֖וּ
and keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.Psalms 105:45That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.Deuteronomy 12:1These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.Ezekiel 11:20That 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.Ezekiel 37:24And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.Deuteronomy 8:1All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.Deuteronomy 11:1Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Historical Context
This echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and covenant renewal in Deuteronomy. Joshua would lead this generation in covenant renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24). Each generation must personally commit to covenant faithfulness; it cannot be inherited automatically.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'walk in' God's statutes as a lifestyle rather than occasional compliance?
- How do we pass covenant commitment to the next generation beyond mere religious formality?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them.' God's positive command to the new generation: covenant obedience. The covenant formula 'I am the LORD your God' grounds the imperative. Walk (halak—continual lifestyle), keep (shamar—guard, treasure), and do ('asah—practice) emphasize comprehensive, ongoing obedience. God's law isn't burdensome regulation but the pathway of life for those in relationship with Him.