Ezekiel 8:6
He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
furthermore unto me Son
H1121
בֶּן
furthermore unto me Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 23
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תִּרְאֶ֔ה
seest
H7200
תִּרְאֶ֔ה
seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מָ֣הֵ֣ם
H4100
מָ֣הֵ֣ם
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עֹשִׂ֣ים
committeth
H6213
עֹשִׂ֣ים
committeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת
abominations
H8441
תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת
abominations
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃
even the great
H1419
גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃
even the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
10 of 23
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בֵּֽית
that the house
H1004
בֵּֽית
that the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל׀
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל׀
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 23
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֹשִׂ֣ים
committeth
H6213
עֹשִׂ֣ים
committeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְרָֽחֳקָה֙
here that I should go far off
H7368
לְרָֽחֳקָה֙
here that I should go far off
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
16 of 23
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י
from my sanctuary
H4720
מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י
from my sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
18 of 23
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
וְעוֹד֙
H5750
וְעוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
תָּשׁ֣וּב
but turn
H7725
תָּשׁ֣וּב
but turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
20 of 23
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
תִּרְאֶ֔ה
seest
H7200
תִּרְאֶ֔ה
seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
21 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Ezekiel 5:11Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.Ezekiel 10:19And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.Ezekiel 8:9And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.
Historical Context
In 592 BC, fourteen months after initial visions, God showed Ezekiel secret abominations in Jerusalem's temple while he sat in Babylon. The vision revealed why judgment was necessary and God's departure justified. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread syncretism in pre-exilic Judah. The temple, meant for exclusive Yahweh worship, housed idols and pagan rites. This ultimate profanation necessitated God's departure and the temple's destruction. The pattern repeats when churches abandon biblical faith for worldly accommodation.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern church practices might constitute "great abominations" causing God's presence to depart?
- How does this passage challenge assumptions that God's presence continues regardless of corporate sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary?" God reveals temple corruption forcing His departure. The rhetorical question emphasizes that Israel's sin, not divine caprice, drives God away. Persistent idolatry in the very place dedicated to God's worship represents ultimate covenant treachery. Holiness cannot coexist with abomination. This pattern warns: God withdraws His presence from professing churches that embrace idolatry or immorality.