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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 20:4 Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/20-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/26_Ezk_20_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 20:4 - Israel's Rebellion in Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? 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Will you judge them, son of man? Then confront them with the detestable practices of their ancestors<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Son of man, bring charges against them and condemn them. Make them realize how detestable the sins of their ancestors really were.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Let them know the abominations of their fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge <i>them</i>? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge <i>them?</i> Then make known to them the abominations of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them, will you judge <i>them,</i> son of man? Make known to them the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Make them know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Make them know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Make them know the abominations of their fathers<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Then make them know [accurately] <i>and</i> understand fully the repulsive acts of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Will you pass judgment against them, will you pass judgment, son of man? Explain the detestable practices of their ancestors to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will you pass judgment against them, will you pass judgment, son of man? Explain the detestable practices of their fathers to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Are you willing to warn them, Ezekiel? Then remind them of the disgusting sins of their ancestors. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Will you judge them? Will you judge them, son of man? Tell them about the disgusting things their ancestors did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Are you ready to pass sentence on them, mortal man? Then do so. Remind them of the disgusting things their ancestors did. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Will you judge them? Son of Man, will you indeed judge them? Teach them about the detestable things that their ancestors did. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Are you willing to pronounce judgment? Are you willing to pronounce judgment, son of man? Then confront them with the abominable practices of their fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Will you judge them, son of man? Will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you judge them? Do you judge, son of man? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Dost thou judge them? Dost thou judge, son of man? The abominations of their fathers cause them to know,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, wilt thou judge, son of man? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou judgest them, if thou judgest, son of man, declare to them the abominations of their fathers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If you judge them, if you judge, O son of man, reveal to them the abominations of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Will you judge them? Will you judge, son of man? Tell them about the abominations of their ancestors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Will you judge them, mortal, will you judge them? Then let them know the abominations of their ancestors,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You judge them, you judge them, O Son of man! and declare to them the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Judge them, judge them, son of man, and show them the abomination of their fathers<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Shall I utterly take vengeance on them, son of man? testify to them of the iniquities of their fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5026" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Israel's Rebellion in Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: hă·ṯiš·pōṭ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To judge, govern. ">Will you judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: hă·ṯiš·pō·wṭ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To judge, govern. ">will you judge them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man?</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: hō·w·ḏî·‘êm (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">Confront them with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ă·ḇōṯ (N-fpc) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">the abominations</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of their fathers</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. With an uplifted hand I said to them, ‘I am the LORD your God.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Ezekiel 22:2</a></span><br />“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">Ezekiel 23:36</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to me: “Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-2.htm">Ezekiel 16:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her abominations<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">Isaiah 58:1</a></span><br />“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-9.htm">Jeremiah 2:9</a></span><br />Therefore, I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will bring a case against your children’s children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-35.htm">Jeremiah 2:35</a></span><br />you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-12.htm">Jeremiah 4:12</a></span><br />a wind too strong for that comes from Me. Now I also pronounce judgments against them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a></span><br />O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-31.htm">Jeremiah 25:31</a></span><br />The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-2.htm">Micah 6:2</a></span><br />Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49-51</a></span><br />Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ / As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, / from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-46.htm">John 8:46</a></span><br />Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51-53</a></span><br />You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. / Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— / you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:</p><p class="hdg">judge them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/14-14.htm">Ezekiel 14:14,20</a></b></br> Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver <i>but</i> their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Ezekiel 22:2</a></b></br> Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/23-36.htm">Ezekiel 23:36,45</a></b></br> The LORD said moreover unto me; Son of man, wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations; … </p><p class="hdg">cause</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-2.htm">Ezekiel 16:2,3</a></b></br> Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-29.htm">Matthew 23:29-37</a></b></br> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-47.htm">Luke 11:47-51</a></b></br> Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-2.htm">Confront</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-13.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-13.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-14.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-27.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-13.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-7.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-17.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-11.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Confront</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-7.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-7.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-18.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-36.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-44.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-43.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">God refuses to be consulted by the elders of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-4.htm">He shows the story of their rebellions in Egypt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-19.htm">in the desert</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">and in the land</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">He promises to gather them by the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">45. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/20-45.htm">Under the name of a forest he shows the destruction of Jerusalem</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man?</b><br>This phrase is a direct address to the prophet Ezekiel, often referred to as "son of man," a title emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of God to the people. The repetition of "will you judge them" underscores the seriousness and urgency of the task. In the biblical context, judgment is not merely about condemnation but also about bringing people to a realization of their sins and the need for repentance. This echoes the role of prophets throughout the Old Testament, who were often called to deliver messages of both warning and hope. The phrase also connects to the broader theme of divine justice found throughout the Bible, such as in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, where prophets are called to speak against the sins of the people.<p><b>Confront them with the abominations of their fathers</b><br>Here, "abominations" refers to the idolatrous practices and moral failures of the Israelites' ancestors. This is a call to acknowledge the historical sins that have led to the current state of spiritual decay. The term "fathers" indicates a generational aspect of sin, suggesting that the people have continued in the sinful ways of their ancestors. This concept is seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in the books of Kings and Chronicles, where the sins of previous generations often lead to consequences for their descendants. The call to "confront" implies a need for repentance and a turning away from these practices. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament theme of breaking free from the bondage of sin through Christ, who offers redemption and a new beginning for all who believe.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/son_of_man.htm">Son of Man</a></b><br>A title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people before God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abominations_of_their_fathers.htm">Abominations of their Fathers</a></b><br>Refers to the sinful practices and idolatry of the ancestors of the Israelites, which led to their current state of judgment and exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a></b><br>The act of God holding the Israelites accountable for their sins, a central theme in Ezekiel's prophecies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_prophet.htm">The Role of a Prophet</a></b><br>Prophets are called to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Ezekiel's role was to confront the people with their sins, a task that required courage and faithfulness to God's message.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generational_sin.htm">Generational Sin</a></b><br>The concept of generational sin highlights the impact of the past on the present. It is crucial to recognize and repent of inherited sinful patterns to break the cycle.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_before_god.htm">Accountability Before God</a></b><br>Each individual and community is accountable to God for their actions. This passage reminds us of the importance of self-examination and repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/confronting_sin.htm">Confronting Sin</a></b><br>Confrontation of sin is necessary for spiritual growth and renewal. It is an act of love to address sin in ourselves and others, leading to restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While God is just and must judge sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. This balance is evident throughout Ezekiel's ministry.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_8's_view_on_idols_compare.htm">How does the severe condemnation of these idolatries in Ezekiel 8 align or conflict with other biblical accounts of tolerating foreign gods?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_deut._24_16_with_generational_guilt.htm">How do we reconcile Deuteronomy 24:16, which prohibits punishing children for parents' sins, with other passages that suggest communal or generational guilt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_gideon_order_his_son_to_kill.htm">Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_jair's_30_sons_rule_30_cities.htm">(Judges 10:4) How feasible is it that Jair had thirty sons, all uniquely ruling thirty cities with their own donkeys?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Wilt thou judge them?</span>--The form of the repeated question is equivalent to an imperative--judge them. Instead of allowing their enquiry and entreaty for the averting of judgment, the prophet is directed to set before them their long series of apostasies and provocations. "Judge" is used in the sense of "bring to trial," "prefer charges."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wilt thou judge them</span>, etc.? The doubled question has the force of a strong imperative. The prophet is directed, as it were, to assume the office of a judge, and as such to press home upon his hearers, and through them upon others, their own sins and those of their fathers. He is led, in doing so, to yet another survey of the nation's history; not now, as in <a href="/ezekiel/16.htm">Ezekiel 16</a>, in figurative language, but directly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Will you judge</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתִשְׁפֹּ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯiš·pōṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will you judge [them],</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯiš·pō·wṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of man?</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Confront them with</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹדִיעֵֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·ḏî·‘êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the abominations</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·‘ă·ḇōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of their fathers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/20-4.htm">Ezekiel 20:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/20-4.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:4 Will you judge them son of man (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/20-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>