Ezekiel 20:29
Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
מָ֣ה
H4100
מָ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַבָּאִ֖ים
whereunto ye go
H935
הַבָּאִ֖ים
whereunto ye go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
וַיִּקָּרֵ֤א
thereof is called
H7121
וַיִּקָּרֵ֤א
thereof is called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שְׁמָהּ֙
And the name
H8034
שְׁמָהּ֙
And the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
High place worship plagued Israel throughout the monarchy. Even faithful kings like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, and Amaziah failed to remove high places (1 Kings 15:14, 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3, 14:4). Only Hezekiah and Josiah removed them temporarily (2 Kings 18:4, 23:8), but they returned. This persistent syncretism contributed to exile.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'high places' (respectable but spiritually compromising practices) persist in church history and our lives?
- Why is compromise in worship so attractive and persistent despite its offensiveness to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name whereof is called Bamah unto this day.' God's question about the high places ('bamah') is rhetorical—exposing their folly. The wordplay on 'bamah' (high place) emphasizes the absurdity. These forbidden worship sites persisted 'unto this day' (Ezekiel's time, ~591 BC), showing centuries of persistent high place worship despite prophetic condemnation.