Ezekiel 36:23
And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
Original Language Analysis
בְּהִקָּדְשִׁ֥י
And I will sanctify
H6942
בְּהִקָּדְשִׁ֥י
And I will sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
1 of 20
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמִ֣י
name
H8034
שְׁמִ֣י
name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 20
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הַגָּד֗וֹל
my great
H1419
הַגָּד֗וֹל
my great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 20
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם
which was profaned
H2490
חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם
which was profaned
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
הַגּוֹיִ֜ם
among the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֜ם
among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
6 of 20
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם
which was profaned
H2490
חִלַּלְתֶּ֖ם
which was profaned
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
בְּתוֹכָ֑ם
in the midst
H8432
בְּתוֹכָ֑ם
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
9 of 20
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
וְיָדְע֨וּ
shall know
H3045
וְיָדְע֨וּ
shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הַגּוֹיִ֜ם
among the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֜ם
among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
11 of 20
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֗ה
that I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
that I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:41I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.Isaiah 5:16But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.Ezekiel 39:7So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.Psalms 46:10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.Ezekiel 39:28Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Ezekiel 28:22And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.Daniel 2:47The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Historical Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse points toward God's gracious purposes of restoration despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The Reformed emphasis on sovereign grace shines through—restoration doesn't depend on Israel's merit or ability but on God's covenant faithfulness and irrevocable purposes (Romans 11:29). This anticipates new covenant promises where God gives a new heart and His Spirit to enable obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The pattern of judgment followed by grace-based restoration prefigures the gospel: humanity deserves condemnation but receives mercy through Christ's atoning work. God's restoration demonstrates His glory by showing grace triumphs over judgment.