Ezekiel 23:38
Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths.
Original Language Analysis
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עָ֣שׂוּ
Moreover this they have done
H6213
עָ֣שׂוּ
Moreover this they have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
טִמְּא֤וּ
unto me they have defiled
H2930
טִמְּא֤וּ
unto me they have defiled
Strong's:
H2930
Word #:
5 of 12
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִקְדָּשִׁי֙
my sanctuary
H4720
מִקְדָּשִׁי֙
my sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
7 of 12
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
בַּיּ֣וֹם
in the same day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
in the same day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:13But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.Ezekiel 20:24Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.Ezekiel 7:20As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.2 Kings 21:7And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:Jeremiah 17:27But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.Ezekiel 22:8Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths.2 Kings 21:4And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
Historical Context
King Manasseh placed pagan altars in the temple courts (2 Kings 21:4-5). Even after Josiah's reforms, Ezekiel 8 describes abominations practiced in the temple by Jerusalem's leaders. The people saw no contradiction in mixing worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, viewing it as inclusive and comprehensive rather than the idolatrous compromise it was.
Questions for Reflection
- How does modern Christianity syncretize with worldly philosophies and values?
- Why does God demand exclusive worship rather than tolerating mixed devotion?
- What contemporary practices defile sacred worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover this they have done unto me lists additional offenses beyond child sacrifice. They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths details cultic corruption. Defiling the sanctuary means bringing idolatrous practices into temple worship itself. Profaning sabbaths indicates rejecting God's commanded rest and worship. In the same day reveals shocking audacity—they worshiped idols and Yahweh simultaneously, on the same day. Syncretism mingles truth and falsehood, thinking to honor God while also honoring demons. God rejects syncretistic worship absolutely. He demands exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:3). Mixing Christianity with other religions or worldly philosophies equally defiles worship. Truth tolerates no admixture with error.